The front entrance porch contains a double-arched, carved stone portal, the outer arch surmounted by an entablature and balcony. The keystone of the outer arch is in the form of a female head representing the mask of Progress, and the spandrels at either side are filled with a pair of overlapping shields bearing the arms of the United Kingdom, the diocese, the borough and Whitgift, representing respectively state, church, municipality and school. The inner and outer edges of the arch are carved with borders of foliage and flowers, while the capitals of the outer piers are carved with a design of foliage, fish and scallop shells, which extends around the sides.