History

Hughenden Primary School started life as an Infant school in 1973 in response to the need from a rapidly developing village community. It has always provided a small school ethos, an ideal start for our children into education. The change to Primary school took place in 2006 in line with national government and local county council guidance on primary education.

Hughenden is mentioned in the Domesday book but only as Hughenden Manor. It was valued at £10 – Yes! For the whole lot! The name Hughenden has many possible derivations and indeed spellings: Huchenden; Hochendene; Hychendene; Hutchindon. One possible explanation for the name comes from the Celtic word “Hitchin” meaning “dry river” and “den” or “dene” meaning valley; referring to the stream which has dried up frequently over the years.
	Until the start of development most of the valley was covered by orchards, plums, cherries and apples; hence the local road names, Orchard Close, Trees Avenue and Cherry Tree Close. The site of our school was certainly part of large orchards owned by the Aldridges of Coombe Lane. The picture shows fruit pickers at work.
[With acknowledgements to John Veysey, author of a local history of Hughenden Valley.]