The Murray Centre was a strategic development forming part of Downe House School’s Ten Year Vision plan to ensure that the School moves forward and remains at the forefront of boarding education. Following a fundraising appeal which raised £6.5million from the Downe House community, the Murray Centre was the most significant new building project that Downe House had undertaken in its history and its rationale was based on the aim that it should touch and transform every girl’s education. That might mean working independently in the well-resourced library, performing, rehearsing or attending a lecture in the 250-seat auditorium, playing chess and enjoying a hot chocolate whilst socializing with friends in the social spaces or taking part in a collaborative learning experience with peers or teaching staff using the state-of-the-art technology.

The Murray Centre was named in honour of alumna, Rosemary Murray who attended Downe House School from 1927 to 1931. Rosemary went on to read Chemistry at Oxford University and followed a distinguished academic career, becoming the first woman Vice-Chancellor in Cambridge University’s 765-year history. Rosemary always stayed in touch with Downe House attending Seniors’ Weekends and serving on the Board of Governors for 30 years. Members of Rosemary’s family attended an Official Opening Ceremony of the Murray Centre on 6 May 2019.