With particular focus on when Masters were appointed and other key events.
1906 (First report by Stuart Fergusson)
Pupils 44, with 23 added in previous four terms and 13 left, so net increase of 10. Of those who left, 12 entered business and are believed to be doing well. Attendance was 94-95%.
After a discussion with the Chief Inspector of Secondary Education for the district, there was a possibility of earning a Government grant. An inspection was likely.
The Adjutant of the Volunteer Battalion of the Devon Regiment inspected the boys’ drill and gave considerable praise as well as recommending the addition of rifle shooting to the present physical and military drill. He has found premises for a rifle range and a loan of rifles can be obtained from the local volunteer depot. The view of the Governors’ was requested but the Head believed that adoption of this would be very popular with the older boys and it would inspire a greater zeal for their general drill. He also appealed to the Governors for the establishment of a prize fund and an annual prize day at the end of July.
1907
The number of boys over the 3 terms was 47, 51 & 58. Over the year 31 boys entered and 17 left to begin business life. The accommodation in the school is almost at its limit and so any future increase in numbers must necessitate an extension. It was hoped that the school would qualify for a Govt. grant under new regulations lately issued. The Head had confidence that if the buildings were extended, such a grant could be obtained and this would increase the efficiency of the school.
As a result of a successful effort by the Governors last year, funds had been increased in January to give more attention to individual boys that previously, and the general standard of work has risen correspondingly.
However, it was regretted that this latest member of staff, Mr Potter, will be leaving this term to undertake tutorship abroad. His successor has been appointed and the Head hoped that he would be as conscientious as his predecessor.
In the middle of July, under the Governors instructions, the work of the whole school was tested, by an examiner appointed by the College of Preceptors. His report will act entirely as an encouragement both to boys and Masters during the coming year. The discipline of the school and the general conduct of the boys has been excellent, and the attendance averaged over 95%.
The school rifle club was inaugurated in March and good practice has been made in the last 3 months under the supervision of Col. Sergt. Instr. Trivett.
The Head acknowledged receipt of “an interesting and historic monument” presented to the school by Mr Duncan. It has been hung in the big schoolroom and it shall be my care to preserve it there so long as I am in charge of the school.
1908
The average number of boys has been 52. Whilst this is quite satisfactory, several boys were entered with the avowed intention of remaining in the school for only one year and they have left at the end of that time. It has been possible to do little good work with these boys and I wish it were more widely known that for boys to obtain any real advantage from a secondary school they must enter when under 13 years of age at latest and go through the regular 3 or 4 years’ course.
A grave hindrance to the progress of the school is the awkward train service from and to Torrington which prevents our drawing boys from that neighbourhood, as we should with a more convenient service. At present we have 8 boys from Torrington and I am sure that, if the Governing body and the County Council whose duty it is I believe to provide facilities for Secondary Education for every part of the County, could co-operate with the parents of Torrington boys and obtain from the railway company a more convenient service, we should soon have 20 or more boys from that district.
We also have 13 boys from Westward Ho!, Appledore and Northam, and the return train there is equally inconvenient.
The discipline of the school is in an excellent condition and the cases necessitating corporal punishment few.
The attendance during the year has averaged 95%, although there were a few cases of irregular attendance which attracted the attention of the H M Inspector when he looked over the registers. As you may know, the school would lose the grant of, in most cases, £5 on every boy whose attendance is reported as irregular, and I would ask that I may send out a circular to parents pointing out that the fee paid does not cover the cost of the Education given, and the danger of the school losing its Govt. grant in case of a boy’s non-attendance at school for all but the most pressing reasons.
If I may refer to the commencement of the present term, our new classrooms are very commodious and work is proceeding smoothly. The small staff which has so loyally co-operated with me during the year has received the much-needed addition, the new Master, Mr J H Hall, who is welcomed by both boys and Masters. The County architect paid a visit on 15thOct to inspect the new buildings and expressed himself as generally satisfied with them.
1909 – No record found
1910
The average number of boys on the roll has been 72 as against an average of 76 during the previous 3 terms. This slight decrease is due to the fact that in the 1908-9 year the numbers were swollen by many who entered the school avowedly for a short period. It is a healthy sign that the average age of pupils is considerably lower than it has been at any time in the last 5 years.
As a result of last year’s entries to the school, the Board of Education has sent a complaint that a large number of boys do not enter sufficiently early or remain in the school sufficiently long to obtain the full benefit of the course provided for them, and the Head has therefore been strongly discouraging the entry of such boys over the last few months. The Board now notes that an improvement has taken place and I consider this is largely due to the Governors providing an increased staff so as to give adequate attention to the younger boys and to the foundation of the Duncan sponsorship for boys who have entered early (under 13).
We have now been working under the regulations of the Board of Education for 3 years and have gradually arrived at the time when we are educating free for the full percentage of boys required by those regulations. I believe that no boy is paying more than half the cost of his education.
1911
The staff have examined forms 2, 3 and 4. In form 2 there were 9 boys average age 10 and half years; in form 3 there were 19 boys average age 13 and quarter years, and in form 4 there was also 19 boys, with an average age of 13 and quarter years. In general, the papers were neatly written and the work tidily arranged. The papers were set and marked by the staff and I have since been through each set carefully. The Head then summarised the results by form and subjects – Religious knowledge, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, science, English grammar, composition & dictation, English literature, English history, Geography, Latin, French, Nature study and Book-keeping.
1912
The average number of boys was 74, compared to the numbers in the two previous years of 72 and 73. It is a healthy sign that the highest form is getting fuller each year, an indication that an increasing number of boys are working through the full school course. However, it is still to be deplored that boys are not entering young enough, and it cannot be too publicly emphasised that we are prepared to take quite little boys and that by the generosity of Mr Duncan, internal scholarships have been established for boys of merit who enter at an early stage.
The examination of the school as a whole by an External Examining Body has taken place this year. Since our recognition as a Pupil Teachers Centre, a considerable development has taken place and during the coming year we shall have 5 boys whose time will be divided between studying with us and gaining an insight into teaching in the Elementary schools of the neighbourhood.
The average attendance throughout the year has been 94% which seems satisfactory, although I have to report once more the ill-attendance of a few boys has been responsible for the Treasury grant to the school being reduced several pounds. In this connection I would like to call to your minds that the cost per boy of the education given by the school is between £13 and £14 per year, even when excluding the annual value of the school premises, and that the maximum charge is only about half this amount; the difference being made up from other sources, amongst which is the Board of Education which undertakes to pay out of Imperial taxation a capital grant of £5 per boy per annum. One of the conditions is, and quite rightly so, that the boys’ attendance shall be regular.
With the object of achieving better attendance the two weekly half holidays were changed into one whole day’s holiday, although it will be a year until I can say definitely what benefit has accrued.
It is nearly a year since we came into possession of the gymnasium and the boys are deriving all the profit and pleasure that we anticipated from them. Physical drill and instruction are carried on regularly and the room is used as a play area in wet weather. The boys much appreciate too the provision which you made in the summer that they should share in the use of the Town Cricket Field and in the services of the Cricket professional. That they have made good use of both is shown by their having won the majority of their matches.
Our own school field is still the same disgrace that it has always been and I feel strongly that we should take the advice of His Majesty’s Inspector who remarks whenever he sees it, “Why don’t you set the boys to work at levelling it?” I have read that such a feat has been lately accomplished by the boys of a Secondary School in the Midlands and I see no reason why our boys could not show the same grit and enthusiasm. We mean shortly to make one or two excavations in order to ascertain the character of the subsoil.
Mr V C Boyleresigned in the middle of last term, much to our regret, in order to continue his studies at Univ. College London. I have appointed Mr P Roberts, BA of Wadham College, Oxford who comes to us with excellent testimonials.
1913
During the 1912-13 year it is gratifying to report there has been a large increase in the number of pupils in the school; our numbers have been 78, 85 and 93 for the 3 terms, making an average of 85, comparing very favourably with the previous year’s average of 74. And I can add that the present number of boys is only one short of a hundred. We are not alone among the schools of Devon in reporting such a satisfactory condition, and there are signs the agricultural counties are following the lead of the North and Midlands in realising the value of Secondary Education insofar as it brings material gain and that study and the discipline of study deepens the intelligence and broadens the outlook of the mind, is bound to become an asset in the man, even though his occupation may require but little scholarship.
I am therefore proud to be in the position, enviable among schoolmasters, of reporting to my Governors that the school is full and almost overflowing. Indeed, the additional classrooms that were provided in 1908 became filled almost as soon as they were erected; the gymnasium added two years ago has proved an incalculable boon in effecting a marked improvement in the physique of boys and in providing a room to play in wet weather, so that a boy’s high spirits may be worked off by healthy games instead of mischievous pranks. But in spite of such successful results, the time has now arrived when you should consider acting on the report of His Majesty’s Inspectors who, even four years ago, said that if the school increased beyond its size at that time, further accommodation would be needed.
Our attendances during the past year have averaged 95%, a higher percentage than we have achieved in the past 8 years, despite many cases of measles in the lower part of the school during the autumn term, attributable to substituting a whole holiday on Saturdays for the two weekly half holidays.
Two boys, E Galsworthy and V C Hooper, entrusted to us by the County Council to be prepared as Pupil Teachers, have completed their work and have obtained congenial posts in the Elementary Schools at North Tawton and Barnstaple respectfully. And E Galsworthy has since my last report, passed the London Matriculation Examination. Three other pupil teachers are now studying with us. There have been two resignations from the staff during the year, both Masters having accepted more lucrative appointments in larger schools. Their posts have been filled by gentlemen of high qualifications.
1914
In the Board of Education’s present scheme for the governance of the school, the Headmaster is no longer required to make this annual report to the Governors. However, I feel that all who are interested in their town’s school should have an opportunity of hearing something of the work of their school and that I ought not to forego my report. Particularly on account of the Governors’ labours as a result of the war and the consequent tightening of the purse strings by the County Education Authority. In particular, the Governors have been able to arrange that our school hall is now capable of being divided into two small classrooms. We much appreciate this modification.
The number of teaching staff has also been increased to 6 and we have welcomed this term the services of two Mistresses, who have come to us with excellent credentials from their former teaching posts, who are doing well the work which in years of peace we had thought could only be done by Masters.
During the past year the war has been present to us in other ways. Forty three of our older boys are serving King and Country in France, Gallipoli, India, on the Euphrates and in men-of-war. Two of them have fallen. We think of them with pride and honour them as dying for the freedom of us who sit at the desks which they occupied only a few years ago. The war has also taken from us Mr H C Britten, a valued member of our staff who dies under training in Feb last. He had been with us nearly two years and his kind and patient disposition had earned him the respect of every boy and the affection of many.
The average number of boys has been 96, and we have begun the present year with 99. Attendance has averaged 95% and in these times I have no complaint to make in this respect seeing that many country boys have had to remain at home occasionally to help in harvesting and other operations on their parents’ farms.
Our student teacher, C C Jenn, has been successful in passing the Matriculation Examination of London Univ. We shall probably soon lose a valuable member of staff, Mr G H Walker, who is applying for a commission in the Army.
1915 – No record found.
1916 – No record found.
1917
The average number of boys has been 87, a decrease of 10 since the outbreak of war. This is attributable to the boys leaving school a full year before they would have done. Boys have been filling the gaps even though it must be to their eventual disadvantage. The average attendance is nearly 94% due to occasional and unavoidable requirements at home to help in agricultural work.
1918 – No record found.
1919
There was an average of 89 boys in the school year 1917-18, 110 during the last school year and at present there are 126. A little more than 5 years ago the outbreak of war prevented the carrying out of that building scheme which the Governors had so carefully considered, and during these years it has become more and more difficult on account of our increased numbers and with our restricted premises, to organise our work as I would like to have it. We have been helped in our dilemma by the Municipal Technical School Committee whom we thank for the use of their premises during the present term for our Art instruction, and within a few weeks we shall be able to expand into the Army hut which is to provide us with 3 more classrooms.
One Master and 35 Old Boys in defence of freedom have given their lives in the late war. It has been my privilege, during the 14 years I have been Headmaster of this school, to count as friends no less than 28 of these gallant 35, and knowing them, I know how nobly they fell. I am proud that the Old Boys have resolved to “see to it that their names be not forgotten.”
The school has lately received another benefactor in the award of a Stucley Scholarship of £20 a year for 3 years to our former pupil and Head Boy, W J Hearn, who is now at Bristol Univ.
The health of the school has been good throughout the year with the exception of the period of the influenza epidemic in the autumn term, and even then, I am glad to say that it was not necessary to close the school.
In March we welcomed back Mr G H Walker, our classical Master, and we are glad to learn that Mr E Cawthronis now on his way home.
1920 – No record found.
1921
I am pleased to say once more that the growth still continues; in the year 1919-20 we had an average of 132. During the year 1920-21 our average has been 144, and this term we opened the year with a very full school of 150. The remarkable regularity of our growth not only justifies our existence in the scheme of national education and shows the eagerness of the parents of the present generation to seize the educational opportunities which in many cases were denied to themselves, but I believe also indicates the confidence which is reposed in us. However, if the school is to go further in its usefulness, it is becoming increasingly urgent that we should be provided with more adequate buildings. At present, 3 forms out of 7 have to be accommodated in a temporary structure.
The health of the school has been excellent, apart from the month of Feb when influenza was prevalent, and the average attendance has been over 95%. The last Education Act provided that Secondary Schools shall be visited by the Authority’s Medical Officer once a term and at his last inspection, the doctor was pleased with the physique of the boys and only 11% were referred to the own doctor or dentist or oculist for treatment. Conversely, there was a recent report in the local press to the effect that over 50% of the boys in the County Secondary schools were of unsound health.
1922
Our numbers in the past 3 terms have averaged 144, the same as the previous year and seems to record the high-water mark in the history of the school. This number has been maintained in spite of a small increase in fees and also of the fact that, before the admission of a boy, a parent is now required to sign a declaration of his intention to keep him at a Secondary school until he is at least 16. With this number of boys, the school is almost full and if there should be any further large demand for admission, it is possible that we may soon have to adopt the suggestion contained in the Board of Education’s new regulations for Secondary schools and give admission on a competitive test instead of the present qualifying test. The borough of Bideford supplies 57% of the boys, Northam 19%, Torrington 14% and the surrounding rural parishes 10%. The average attendance has been 95%.
During 3 days in January the school underwent an exhaustive, and exhausting, inspection at the hands of 3 of H M Inspectors of Secondary schools. They examined in detail our organisation and curriculum, our methods of teaching and their results, and offered valuable criticism and suggestions from which the staff and the school are now profiting. Their report has been considered by the Governors with some gratification as: “the school has made distinct progress since the last inspection”, despite the difficulties during the years 1915-19, with temporary staff and insufficient premises and equipment.
The school has received two very interesting gifts. Cock and Sons has donated a slate tablet recording the rebuilding the Old Grammar School in Allhalland St in 1686 which has been recovered and erected on an inner wall of the school. And Mr Duncan has added to his many gifts to the school by presenting us with a copy of a brief record of the Bideford Bridge, framed in oak which was found embedded in the structure.
1923 (the first ever typed report. It also included a prize list for the first time)
The average number of boys in 1922-3 was 143, one less that the average on the roll in the previous 2 years. We are indebted to the Governors for the stand they have made to enable the school to carry on with the most successful Preparatory form. But it should be noted that under new regulations, such boys under 10 will in future be subjected to a second entrance test on reaching the age of 12. These regulations were doubtless made with a view to economising space in the overcrowded Secondary schools of the country, thereby obviating the necessity of extensive and costly rebuilding. The general health of the school has been excellent and the average attendance has been between 95 and 95%.
1924 (reverting to hand written reports once again).
The numbers during the years 1923-4 averaged 133, over 10 less than previous years, for which I have very positive evidence that this decline has been due to raising the tuition fees to a uniform minimum throughout the County, at a time when parents can least afford the extra burden.
For the past 5 years nearly half of the boys have been quartered for class purposes in a temporary structure and we look forward to the day when a more adequate provision of premises can be made.
The general health has been excellent, although the Sprint term was reduced by influenza to 92%; the other terms were nearly 97%.
Between 30 and 40 boys leave every year to take their first step up the ladder of life and in spite of the difficulty of the times, practically all of these boys have found useful occupations.
1925
The average number was 137. For a school which is entirely a day-school and to which many boys have to come long distances, often in inclement weather, our average attendance of 94.5% is extremely good, especially as in a period in the Spring term there was a mild epidemic of mumps in the district.
The school has enjoyed the opportunities which have been afforded us during the past year of playing cricket and football on the Town Sports Field and the Athletic Club’s football field.
We recently lost a teacher who, in her 7 years at the school, held the respect and affection of all of us, Miss Isabel Fletcher.
1926 – handwritten with typed certificate & prize list.
During the 1925-6 year the average number of pupils was 139 as against 133 two years ago and we have opened the present year with 143. So, we have entirely recovered from our temporary fall in numbers. But the numbers emphasise the urgent necessity of pressing forward as soon as possible the scheme for rebuilding the school on a more spacious site which has been acquired by the County Council for that purpose. It is well known that for the past 7 years nearly half of our boys have had to be accommodated in a hut which was not constructed for school purposes and can only be called a makeshift, and look forward to the day when we shall no longer trammelled by the cramped and irritating conditions under which Masters and boys are working.
The average attendance over the past year has again been over 95% which I regard as quite satisfactory.
The school is now enjoying the use of the new school site as a playing field, and though we came into possession of it too late in the summer term to carry out a real cricket programme, we had much good practice and some very successful athletic sports in July.
I cannot refrain from expressing the regret that we feel at the unfortunate breakdown in health of our History Master, Mr E Cawthron. He has served the school faithfully for 13 years and hope he can return to work among us.
1927
The number of boys under instruction during the past year has been 140 and we have opened the present school year with 142. Whilst the upper and middle forms of the school are quite full, there is a considerable reduction in numbers in the lowest forms due largely I believe, to the diminished birth rate in the later years of the war. Our numbers, however, continue to strain to the utmost our limited accommodation, including that which 8 years ago, we hoped was merely temporary. It is however a great encouragement to know that the scheme for building a new school worthy of the town and county, is slowly maturing.
The average attendance remains at 95%, an indication of the general good health which has prevailed in the school. We receive each term a visit from the School’s Medical Officer and I believe his advice is much appreciated by parents. We also receive an annual visit of the School’s Dentist, who a few days ago, gave me a gratifying report on the general condition of teeth in the school.
The school had the great boon of a games field of its own and so our games are no longer dependent on the good pleasure of others. We recognise that so far as possible, it is our duty to teach boys to make use of their leisure in a proper way, and that by encouragement of field games, they can best be taught to submit cheerfully to discipline, to co-operate with others, and to their best in the interests of all.
1928
The school numbers have maintained the normal level of the past few years, averaging 141. Our classrooms have all been full with the exception of the Preparatory form, but that is almost full, and that the current number of boys is 154, a record in the history of the school. This term’s total will, I feel sure, be another cogent reason for the hastening of the scheme on which all interested in secondary education in this town have set their hearts, the erection of a greatly enlarged school on the fine site on the Abbotsham Rd, secured for that purpose by the DCC.
The story of our need is a long one. It was in 1913 that it was first realised that our premises were totally inadequate and that the fulfilment of our aspirations could only come about with generous help of the Local Education Authority.
The average attendance this year has been 96% and the health of the school has been uniformly good, with the exception of the mild epidemic of influenza colds in the Spring term.
We have taken full advantage of our new site for school games. With the object of promoting a healthy rivalry in games as well as in book work, we have divided the school into 4 nations, Britons, Romans, Saxons and Normans, into one of which a boy is allocated when he enters the school.
There has been one resignation from the teaching staff, that of Mr W R Thomas, who left to work in a school in Wales. In his stead Mr G R Phillips BSc has been appointed. While we hope MrCawthron will be able to return to work eventually, Mr Denis Harle, BA of Bristol Univ., is temporarily in charge of his work.
1929
The school was now under the full administrative control of the County Council, acting through the Body of Representative Governors who are to manage the school under Articles of Government, drawn up by the County Higher Education Committee and applicable to all Secondary schools maintained by the CC.
A second outstanding event is the founding of a Leaving Exhibition for the benefit of boys of this school, by the generosity of Mrs Hedden of South Bank. It is of the annual value of £50 and is named the Duncan-Hedden Exhibition in memory of her father, the late Mr A G Duncan, who himself was a benefactor of the school and a Governor for many years, and of her husband the late Dr Hedden. The school can count itself fortunate in now possessing this benefaction, along with those of Sir Hugh Stucley and the late Mr Duncan, as well as participation in the exhibitions founded by Lord Glanely and Sir Ian Reardon Smith, to help boys of good ability and small means.
It is a point of interest that a new record has been set up in the number of boys attending the school, our average number on the register for the 3 terms being 151, or 10 more than the previous year. This means that our classrooms – permanent and makeshift – are full and our resources taxed to their utmost. It should he a cogent reason for hastening the scheme for rebuilding the school on the new site.
We have been greatly indebted during the year to the members of ‘The Old Boys’ Association who, with the energetic help of Mr H P Heard, organised an entertainment in April which resulted in the sum of £50 being available for the improvement of the school games field. Part of this has already been expended on levelling for a cricket pitch, a small area which will eventually be enlarged, and we are very grateful to the Old Boys for their practical interest in their old school.
We have suffered the loss of Mr E Cawthron, a colleague and friend of 15 years, who had given of his best in the service of the school.
1930 – No report found.
1931 (Morris Marples’ first year as Head)
Mr Heard, art teacher, retired after 22 years at the school. Mr Fenton was his replacement, teaching art and handiwork, while Mr Phillips took on the role of careers advice.
The school magazine Bidefordian was “due to appear before the public for the first time”. 158 boys.
1932 – No report found.
1933
Mr S R Clark (ex-Balliol) joined to teach English.
Mr Smith had been teaching maths and science for over 30 years.
The preparatory department was lost due to insufficient room in the building (there were 177 boys that year) and so no boy under 10 was allowed.
This was the third year of playing rugby and the Colts team had a phenomenal record of winning all matches with 227 points scored and only 15 against!
The Inspectors’ visit resulted in a decision to develop the teaching of sciences and new equipment was ordered for physics, chemistry and biology.
1934
Sudden death of Mr Phillips (geography, science & careers); Mr R R H Rowe was appointed as his replacement while Mr Harle took over the careers’ role.
Plans for new school buildings in Abbotsham Road had been approved and work had started.
1935
Miss Wheeler (biology & music) resigned after 10 years.
The new school buildings were opened.
1936
Mr J W Colley replaced Miss Wheeler and also took over responsibility for games.
1937
Walter James Langford was appointed Headmaster in May.
1938 – 42 No discrete records.
1943 (Langford stated that his last report was in Jan 1941, referring to the school year 1939-40, and that this 1943 report covered wartime school years 1940-43 including additional boys from Selhurst G S in Croydon after evacuation in July 1940).
The school numbers had risen from 265 boys, including 24 in the 6th form, rising to 430 boys in Sep 1942.
Mr Anderson left in the Spring of 1939 and Mrs Ashton left in Autumn 1942.
There were staff changes in every one of 12 consecutive terms and one School Certificate form had four Masters for one subject in a single year.
In the 1940-43 period, 13 staff had been appointed of which Mr H F Green, Mr Penrose, Mr F W Green, Mr Christie, Mr Tregenza, Miss Boyle and Mr Hartigan were still serving alongside six members of peacetime staff.
Mr Rave joined the RAF in Nov 1939 and was lost in a raid over Germany in Jun 1942.
The previous Head, James Fergusson (1905-31) died. He and Mr Smith “raised the school from almost certain oblivion”. Mr Smith was still in active service at the school.
In 1942 a full-time clerical assistant was appointed.
1944
Miss Lock (history) and Mr Reed (geography) joined and Miss H Goaman (daughter of one of the Governors) would join in Jan 1945.
Many Assistant staff had joined during the past 5 war years: the first to be appointed was Mr H F Green (science), a man of very high academic ability and devotion, who had since resigned.
Mrs Ashton had died in London as a result of enemy action.
11 Jul 1945. (Headmaster’s report No 51)
“Miss Boyle has obtained a good post at Barnstaple Girls Grammar School and My Scobie has accepted an appointment at Ayr Grammar School. The County Office refused me permission to proceed with a replacement for Miss Boyle but agreed to the replacement of Mr Scobie. As things stand advertisements are delayed by some three weeks so that there is little hope I can complete this matter before I leave Bideford and thus there is the likelihood that the school will have no one on the staff qualified in either science or mathematics next term. My attempt to establish a sound course in these two subjects is in danger of being left in pieces.
Standing orders 1944-5 – see Miscellaneous.
1945 (Head Charles William Stephenson)
Stephenson paid considerable tribute to Langford, his predecessor, in whose time the pupil numbers rose from 106 to 315 in Oct 1944, dropping to 253 in July 1945.
Two members of staff had died in the war: Mr G D Feltham & R R H Rowe, while two more, Mr Anderson and Mr Hewlett, had returned to the school after being incarcerated as POWs for five years.
Mr H F Green had left at the end of the autumn term to take up an appointment in Bournemouth.
In January, Miss H Goaman and Mr A L Scobie joined – but Mr Scobie left at the end of the summer term.
Miss Boyle left to join Barnstaple G S. In her place Mr W SGoode was appointed after release from National Service.
Mr C J Smith would retire at the end of term after many years of dedicated service.
Mr Harle became the Second Master and responsible for the ACF.
1946
Stephenson wrote a glowing tribute to Mr Smith (b. 7 Feb 1897) who had served in the old school in Northdown Road and finally retired on 16 Feb 1946:
“finally because he had retired several times before, but each time he had been asked to return. Mr Smith’s life interest had been the school and he had the privilege of (unofficially) laying one of the (1935) foundation stones of the building and the unique distinction of being able to tell some of his pupils – a few of them grown to manhood – that he had taught their father and grandfather before them. He was appointed by John Faulkner (Head, 1894-1904) and he was then ‘the staff’. When Faulkner resigned in 1904 there were then only 17 boys and the Governors asked him to take charge temporarily and he set to work at once vigorously and with such enthusiasm that in 9 months the number of pupils had increased to 38, and therefore the Governors decided to appoint another Headmaster. From that time the School developed and expanded and Mr Smith was appointed Second Master and held that position until he resigned from full time teaching in 1942. We were very sorry indeed to lose his services in Feb last, for it was felt that he was almost an essential part of the School. But I am pleased to say that we have not lost touch with him for he frequently visits the School.”
The school welcomed back Mr Anderson, released from National Service in Nov, and Mr Howlett, released from Active Service in Dec.
Mr W S Goode was here for only a term before being seconded to the Teachers’ Emergency Training College in Exmouth at the end of Dec. His replacement was Mr W E Bartlett, who had come from being a teacher at the Secondary School after himself being released from Active Service.
In the Spring term Mr G J Norman, an Old Boy, had been released from the RAF to complete his year of postgraduate training, and would join the staff in the …. term.
1947
Six staff had left and five new had been appointed. Mr S R Clark had been appointed a Lecturer at the Rainshill Emergency Training College in Notts; he had been at the school since 1933 as English Master, Librarian, Bidefordian Editor and also partly responsible for Games.
Miss H I Lockhad left to become Divinity Mistress at Saltash G S.
Mr C Penrose, a Senior Geography and Economics Master for over six years, had joined the Drake Hall Emergency Training College in Staffs as a Senior Lecturer in Geography. Mr Reed took over as Geography and Maths, with Mr Daniel supporting him in both roles.
Mr A Hartigan had been the Physical Education Master for nearly five years.
Mr E J Morris had been appointed by James Fergusson during WW1, and retired after serving the school for over 30 years as teacher of French and Divinity and also House Master.
Mr E J Hewlett had been appointed in 1938 as teacher of early stage French but as noted before, had his career broken by 5 years’ war service, had returned to his old school in Salisbury.
Mr G J Norman, and Old Boy, joined the team in Mar teaching Divinity, English and History, and had also taken on responsibility for training the rugby teams.
Mr R Witter joined in May taking on Physical Education for both the GS and the Secondary Modern.
Mr A G Courtney, (Senior French teacher & Librarian), D J Daniel, and J Cooper had joined in Sept.
1948
There were no staff changes for an entire year!
Mr Daniel settled in very well but he will be leaving at the end of term due to a family illness at home in Llanelly (sic).
Mr Cooper did not settle in the district and has taken up a post in Halifax.
Mr Anderson has been appointed as Senior Physics Master at Emmanuel School, London at the end of term.
Pupil numbers have declined from 223 to 204.
The new canteen opened but was too small, necessitating two sittings.
The School grounds are just as unsatisfactory as they were in 1936 and only one side has been partly levelled.
1949
Mr Owen of Univ. College Cardiff, joined us a Junior Science Master in July.
Staff shortages had, however, been relieved by two very good students who came from Univ. College Exeter, one of whom has taken over teaching junior Science and also Chemistry to the 6th form.
Owing to our difficulties, the Governors allowed us to engage Miss Manners, a Science Mistress at Edgehill, to give two senior boys special tuition in Biology and Zoology, which enabled both boys to pass the Higher School Certificate in these subjects.
Mr Hippisley, an Old Boy, also joined after being demobilised from the RAF, and took on teaching all kinds of subjects.
Towards the end of last term Mr Tregenza had to have an operation but returned at the beginning of this term.
Mr Witter received a telegram from the Principal at Freckleton Emergency Training College, inviting him to enter as a student at a day’s notice! He will return to the School next Sept.
Mr Down, Headmaster of the Modern School, has allowed us to share the PE Master as a result of Mr Witter’s absence.
The dining hall and kitchen were used for the first time in Jan.
A war memorial tablet to the 42 Old Boys and 2 Masters who died in WW2 was unveiled on 27 Oct 1948.
1950
The continued decline in the number of boys on the roll continued to cause grave concern to Governors, with many problems of staffing, finance and academic routine appearing insoluble.
There have been serious consequences of the 1944 Education Act, including the passing of the old examination system of School Certificate and Higher School Certificate. The Head saw their passing with regret.
Mr Witter was absent for most of the year at Freckleton College, only returning for the last 3 days of the summer term, but Mr Scarborough of the Secondary Modern School took over his work.
Mr Christie left at the end of the Spring term to take up a post at High Storrs GS in Sheffield, losing his artistic touch, especially in Dramatics. In his place came Mr R C Fox, who studied at Cambridge and Leicester Art Schools, is on the staff of the Bideford School of Art and joins part time. In the meantime, during the summer term, Mr W J A Corke, Principal of the Art School, taught art to the senior boys for one and a half days per week.
For private reasons, Mr Owen left Bideford. He was a real asset to the School but his place has been filled by Mr Parry who will start work in Jan.
1951
In Jan Mr D C Parry took up the role of Chemistry Master. But owing to the decline in numbers on the roll, Miss J H Goaman had to be transferred to the County Supply Staff at the end of the Spring term, although she was quickly acquired by Ilfracombe GS. Her departure was regretted by everyone. Mr Harle, the Second Master, continued to give valuable careers advice to parents and boys and organised a number of talks by experts in the profession.
The return of Mr Witter enabled the school to hold the House Physical Training Competition for the Korn Cup.
1952
There were few changes this year but after more than 40 years of faithful service, Mr Walker retired at the end of the summer term. But nonetheless he continues to come to us twice a week to conduct music for the lower form.
Mr J N D Stuart of Univ. College London joined us in Sept to teach Latin.
1953
There was no mention of any staff changes.
1954
At the end of the autumn term, Mr Fox, our part time Art Master, was appointed a full-time member of staff of the Bideford School of Art, and Mr Dunlop was appointed as a full time Master in his place.
Mr Witter left at the end of the Summer term to take up a post in a new school at Evesham.
Mr Cameron was appointed PE Master.
Mrs M I Tolley, our cook supervisor for many years had to resign after a long illness. Her place was taken by Miss G Hearn in Jan.
The number of boys on the roll again showed a small increase.
The Colts teams had a very successful season, led by R H Perkins, who was chosen to captain the Devon County Under 15 teams in both cricket and football; his teams had the distinction of winning all their matches and he was selected as full back for the English Schools Under 15 team which played against the Welsh Schools at Twickenham, attended by Mr Norman, the Head and his secretary, and about 50 boys.
1955 – No report found.
1956
The year began with 208 boys on the roll, but as an unusually large number left during the Autumn term, the roll reduced to the mid 190s.
The long hoped for improvement to part of the field took place and will provide tennis courts and cricket nets. But the field still needs levelling and terracing.
The County Education Committee decided not to consider co-ed development of the School for another five years.
At the end of the year Mr J H D Stuart had been appointed Senior Classics Master at Letchworth GS.
Mr D Jackson, new Latin Master, was welcome to the School from a similar post at Glossop GS.
Mr S Cameron left at the end of term to become a Commissioned Officer in the RAF but his time at the School resulted in commendable results in athletics, rugby and swimming.
1957
There was no mention of staff changes in the Head’s annual report, but there was a very notable sporting success: B Smale was appointed Captain of the Devon Schools Under 15 rugby team and let them to victory in each of their 3 matches. He was then appointed captain of the Combined Devon and Cornwall team and then of the South West. P Durrant was awarded his County Cap for cricket and R Talbot ran for Devon in the National Sports held at Southampton.
There were 212 boys on the roll in Sep 1956.
1958 – No report found.
1959
Mr J P Morgan was welcomed to the staff in Sep 1958 to assist with teaching English.
At the end of the autumn term Mr R A Dunlop left to take up a post in a comprehensive school in north Derbyshire. In his place Mr M J Mayer took up his duties in January.
Mr E J Morris died in May; he was a Master for nearly 32 years and held the post of Senior French Master from 1945-7.
Mr F T Peters died unexpectedly in June; he was a part time teacher of music and his orchestra was held in high esteem.
1960
No member of staff left but Mr F Holliday was appointed as an additional half time Master to teach Physics and Maths.
Mr Norman was responsible for coaching the Colts teams in rugby and cricket and they both had excellent seasons without losing a match. Also, R M Eastmond, R G Squires and D Whitfield were awarded Devon County Caps and R G Squires went on the play for England and captained the team at Cardiff and Twickenham, an honour not previously accorded a member of the School. Mr Chappell organised day trips to Cardiff and London.
1961
There were many staff changes in the past year. In Sep 1960 Mr F J Smith joined as a half time member of staff until the end of term.
In Jul, Mr Tregenza retired after 20 years’ service. “He liked to browse in the bye-ways rather than follow the broad highways to the Certificates, but he nonetheless had some fine results” and did a grand piece of work editing the Bidefordian.
Mr Kent left to take up an appointment at Truro School after 6 years at the School.
Mr Mayer was appointed to the Bideford School of Art quite unexpectedly after the term ended.
Mr Clifford Grout, a former Music teacher, died at the end of Oct.
In place of those leaving the following were appointed: Mr J A Jones joined to teach English and French.
Mr J S Fraser joined to teach Biology and Science.
Mr J Ayers for Art.
Mr F Holliday agreed to teach full time until the end of term until Mr G Robinson takes up his appointment for Maths.
Mr Courtney and Mr Mayer took a party of boys on a visit to Paris, the first excursion of this nature for a number of years.
It was noted that the number of universities was increasing at an unprecedented rate, and it was presumed, the ‘feeding grounds’ for these universities must also increase.
1962
It was hoped that the County Authority would provide an additional new laboratory as Mr Fraser has to teach his A-Level Biology students in the store room between the Physics and Chemistry labs.
Mr Moran left in Dec to take up a post as Senior English Master in a larger school in Gloucs and there has been no opportunity to fill his position for several months. However, the School was very fortunate to secure a former School Captain, Mr R H Crowther in July.
Mr R Reed went into hospital on 1st Oct, underwent an operation and appeared to recover, only to die suddenly on 22 Oct.
The Rev J Taborn (MA, Oxon) and Rector of Goodleigh, was able to come along at very short notice to provide valuable assistance to the School.
1963
The previous year, as reported, Mr Reed died suddenly and the Head also suffered a private loss. Added to those, Mr Courtney was hospitalised and absent for half a term. These staffing difficulties put a great strain on the permanent staff who were, nonetheless, steadfast and loyal.
Mr Billingham of Durham Univ. was appointed to take over teaching geography in September.
Mr F Holliday, a half-time supply teacher who has been with us for four years, resigned at the end of the year. Mr A J Gunn, (MA, Aberdeen), was appointed to this part-time post also in September.
In May the school received Her Majesty’s Inspectors.
As if that were not enough disruption, for the past 15 months the school was being rewired, and it took 10 months simply for the clocks and bells to work. Even after 14 months it was far from complete. A new saw bench arrived for MrRice in the workshop but it had to wait for eight months until it could be wired in. There was, therefore, considerable disruption throughout the year.
1964
There were no changes in the Teaching Staff until the end of the year.
Mrs Auchinvole was appointed as Laboratory Assistant in January.
Mr Gunn joined the staff in Sep 1963 on a nearly full-time basis.
Mr Billingham left after being with us for only one year.
In their places we welcome Mr W S Morgan from the Univ of Durham, who is in charge of Geography, and to C B Hosken responsible for Art.
Mlle Odile Haution joined as a French Assistant last year but has since returned to France.
Mrs Kevan assisted us for the first six weeks of the year due to Mr Courtney’s absence after a serious operation.
Two new huts arrived under the so-called ‘Crash’ programme; one is used as the new Library and the other as the Biology Laboratory. The old library has been turned into a form room for the Upper Sixth.
The Certificate of Secondary Education Examination will come into being next year and the effects of which will be very far reaching. This is designed to cover the 40% of the children in the ability range below the Grammar School entry. It is suggested that the top 20% are designated for the Grammar Schools, so this new exam will cover twice as many children as enter the Grammar Schools. The highest grade, 1, is expected to be equivalent to a pass at Ordinary level in the GCE.
The Devon Education Committee accepted the recommendation that changes should be made in the allocation of children to secondary schools. The one-day exam will not be held any longer and the allocation will be based on the assessment made in the Primary and Schools by teachers and Head teachers. Having our new laboratory being built, we have introduced some different groupings of subjects in Form IV, Biology and Technical Drawing have been introduced as full subjects, which will widen the scope of the sciences in the Ordinary Level course and give some qualification to those who might wish to become Technologists, for the demand of industry for skilled and intelligent boys is very great and still growing.
The rugby XV had an outstanding season and did not lose to any of the school teams they played. R M Eastmond and R H Green played for the Devon Public and Grammar Schools team. In the County Sports, R M Eastmond was first in the ‘Hop, Skip & Jump’ and R H F Green in the half mile. Then in the S Western Sports meeting in Chippenham, R M Eastmond again came first and R H F Green third in the half mile. A McKenzie ran for the Devon Cross Country teams at both the S Western Counties meeting and the National Meeting which was held at Leicester.
1965
Mr Ayers, Arts Master, left in July 64 having finished his training and is now at a leper colony in India. As mentioned last year, Mr C B Hosken is appointed in his place.
Mr W S Morgan took over teaching Geography in place of Mr Billingham who returned to Durham Univ. to work in the Dept of Administration.
Three members of staff left this year (65): Mr D Jackson, Latin Master, left to take charge of Divinity at Crediton School, having gained a BA in Divinity from the Uni of London in 1963.
Mr A J Jones was appointed to a lectureship at Rolle College, Exmouth.
Mr R H Crowther obtained an admin post at the Uni of Bristol; he was also a very active member of the Borough Council.
Mr M J Evatt was appointed to teach Latin in place of Mr Jackson.
Mr J M Morning was appointed to teach English in Oct.
Part time assistance has been secured from local people: Mrs W R Courtney to help with junior French, Mr H C Lanyon with Geography and Rev A T Fleetwood with Divinity.
The new Biology Laboratory has been a great boon and many boys are turning to this subject with interest.
Alan McKenzie was chosen to play for the Devon Under 15 team against Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. A J Jewell ran for Devon in the National Cross-Country Championships at Stoke-on-Trent, and R Shute represented Devon in the Intermediate Steeplechase in the National Championships at Watford, having previously won that event at the Devon County meeting at Devonport.
Three Old Boys awarded Doctorates in the same year:
Frank Badcock achieved his from Bristol University, Cyril Langman was awarded his from Hull, followed by a post doctorate scholarship at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and John Stephenson received his from King’s College, London.
