Bishop Otter College

Bishop Otter College was established in memory of the former Bishop of Chichester, William Otter. During his time at Chichester (1836-1840), William Otter was a strong believer in 'education for all' and was keen to found a College for the training of Elementary Schoolmasters. Following his death the 'Bishop Otter's School for Training Masters' was opened in 1840, in St. Martin's Lane, Chichester, and was one of the first 'Church Colleges'. In 1850, the College moved to its current location and was then known as the 'Bishop Otter's Training College for School Masters'.

Unfortunately, by 1867 the number of students dropped and the College stood empty. However, thanks to a campaign by Louisa Hubbard the College re-opened in 1873, but this time as a training college for women. From then on it became known as the 'Bishop Otter's Memorial College', then 'Bishop Otter Memorial College' and finally 'Bishop Otter College'. The College expanded rapidly between the late 1800's and the beginning of the First World War. Apart from having its own Chapel it would even have its own 'Practice School', which would recruit children from the trading and lower middle classes of the Chichester area.

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