A Short History of Quintin Kynaston School (Page 2)
Two Steps to Regent Street (1870-1885)
Quintin Hogg continued his educational activities in larger premises, first in Endell Street and then, in 1878, at 48-49 Long Acre. Here his Youth's Christian Institute was a social and athletic club for young men between 16 and 22 which ran some evening classes. Technical education in London could be said to have begun.
The Polytechnic had begun life in 1838 as a permanent exhibition of scientific gadgets and contrivances which also gave lantern-slide lectures and ran evening classes in practical science. By the 1880s it was in financial trouble. Quintin Hogg acquired the lease of 309 Regent Street and left Long Acre.
Within 12 months of its opening on 25th September 1882, The Polytechnic Young Men's Christian Institute had 5000 students. A year later, classes were started in the mornings between seven and eight o'clock, attracting a further 400 students. Courses ranged from a Reading Circle to Boot & Shoe Manufacture. There were very few other places in London where young working men could improve their trade skills.
The Institute continued to run classes in the early mornings and evenings until Quintin Hogg decided he could provide education for younger boys (and gain more income) by using the building during the working day. The Polytechnic Day School opened for business on 1st January 1886, signalling the foundation of the Quintin part of Quintin Kynaston School.
Endell Street and Long Acre are in the Covent Garden area of Central London.
Passing though a number of mutations, The Polytechnic Institute became Westminster University in 1992. Its close relationship with Quintin Kynaston School continues to this day. Meaning "an institute for providing evening recreation and education for persons engaged in industry during the day", the very word "Polytechnic" was coined for the Regent Street original and widely used by similar bodies.
For more about the history of the Polytechnic, visit the university's website.