History stolen (from some chap on another less salubrious area of the intenet)
This former Grammar School, once known for its strict discipline and impressive clock tower was built in 1931, officially opening on 16th April, 1932. The school’s moto was 'Per Laborem Ad Honorem' meaning “In his effort to honour”. After nearly four decades as a grammar school, it then merged with the adjacent Secondary Modern School to become a Comprehensive School. New buildings were added and although it re-opened as a comprehensive in October 1967, it wasn’t until 1974 that it became truly comprehensive and the former grammar students had left.
After a decade or two with business as usual, a couple of things in the noughties painted the school in a less than flattering light. The first were several years of underperformance as evidenced by unsatisfactory and inadequate Ofsted reviews of the school (2004 – unsatisfactory, 2006 – inadequate). Sandwiched in between these reports, in October 2007, a science teacher at the school, was arrested and cautioned by police for possession of the wrong type of chemicals, i.e. crack cocaine. Despite being found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in April 2009, he kept his job as the then Head Teacher considered him to be an “excellent role model”! As it should be in my opinion
In January 2010, partially due to its poor performance, it was converted into a ‘sponsored’ academy . A £10.9 Million investment plan ensued from the 'Building Schools for the Future' programme and new education facilities were built nearby, and gradually the Old Grammar School building fell out of use. After finally closing in 2012, Academy board directors looked to demolish the old building, including the clock tower, to make way for more newbuilds. Predictably, this was vehemently opposed by locals, and the plans were refused. Since then, the academy has been sealed up and left empty. On 9th February, 2017, a fire broke out at the school but fortunately three fire engines were in attendance and the fire quickly extinguished and minimal damage was caused. The school’s future now hangs in the balance.
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Being as this is basicaly on a live site the camera on the building was not really much of a shock but whether it works or not is a different matter, entry was quick though so we didn't worry too much.
Although the classrooms are mostly stripped the building itself is nice and has some nice features I thought, so Porky Pig and myself spent probably a good hour or so in the place.
Loved this little climbing wall
I rather liked this little place and it was a nice start seeing as I aint been anywhere since August 2020
7/10 from me
thanks for looking.
Being as this is basicaly on a live site the camera on the building was not really much of a shock but whether it works or not is a different matter, entry was quick though so we didn't worry too much.
Although the classrooms are mostly stripped the building itself is nice and has some nice features I thought, so Porky Pig and myself spent probably a good hour or so in the place.
Loved this little climbing wall
I rather liked this little place and it was a nice start seeing as I aint been anywhere since August 2020
7/10 from me
thanks for looking.
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the light was kind
