space, with moulded ceiling joists. The chapel dates from the 15th century, and includes a gallery pew in dark oak often referred to as ‘Queen Elizabeth’s Pew', built by Archbishop William Laud. Beneath this is a Norman font gifted in Victorian times from St George’s Church, Southwark, the same font where Charles Dickens had Little Dorrit christened. The senior school also houses modern, purpose-built facilities including seven laboratories, a heated indoor swimming pool, and an Art and Technology building. In 2001 a building for the Junior Department and one housing the Sixth Form and P.E. area were opened. The school also benefits from access to Whitgift Foundation grounds and facilities. Today, the pre-school and preparatory school are on a separate site to the senior school, on Melville Avenue in South Croydon. The preparatory and pre-school buildings used to be Croham Hurst School before they were acquired by Old Palace. Notable former pupils Jane Featherstone - television producer Sarah Jones - Labour MP for Croydon Central from 2017 Helen Young - weather forecaster and television presenter Sonia Sodha - columnist Jane Steen - Church of England Bishop of Lynn in Norfolk Houses All students are assigned to one of four houses named after notable people associated with the Palace. The houses, and their colours, are Anselm (yellow), Hatton (green), Laud (purple), and Stafford (blue). References External links Old Palace School website Old Palace Old Girls' Association website Private schools in the London Borough of Croydon Educational institutions established in 1889 Private girls' schools in London 1889 establishments in England Church of England private schools in the Diocese of Southwark