In 1860 Gathorne Hardy, later to become the 1st Earl of Cranbrook (1814–1906), a prominent politician, rebuilt Hemsted, one of the Tudor buildings; in 1912 Lord Rothermere made further alterations.
That has recently changed, and the school is now rapidly gaining a reputation for helping pupils win scholarships to highly ranked institutions like St Paul's School, Lancing College and Benenden.