School Records (1906 – 1976)

1. Headmasters’ annual reports 

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 15^th Oct to inspect the new buildings and expressed himself as generally satisfied with them. 

1909 No record

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 Boyle resigned 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 numbers 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 Cawthron is 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 were on average 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 numbers were 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 wild 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 Mr Cawthron 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’s states 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 6^th 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 Andersonand 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 S Goode 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 Lock had 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 French, Divinity and 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 Sep.  

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.  

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 6^th 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 Sep.

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 the music of the lower form. 

Mr J N D Stuart of Univ. College London joined us in Sep 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 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 1^st 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 Mr Rice 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.  

Old Boys: Frank Badcock was awarded a doctorate from Bristol and Cyril Langham was awarded his from Hull, and a post doctorate scholarship at the Univ of California in LA.  John Stephenson was awarded his doctorate from King’s College, London. Never before have three Old Boys been awarded PhDs in one year.

• Governors’ minutes

26 Sep 1941 

“Approving the appointment of Mr D Harle as Second Master in place of Mr C J Smith, to take effect as from Sep 1^st 1941, for which he would receive a special responsibility allowance of £24 per annum”.  

And “Stating that the Board of Education have decided to raise no objection to the continued employment of Mr C J Smith for the duration of the war, subject to review at the end of each school year.”  

And “Approving the appointment of a Clerical Assistant to the Headmaster at a salary not exceeding £50 per annum”.

“Many changes in staff as follows:

Mr W T Bedwell was called up, Mr A T Dobel resigned, Mr B Fenton resigned. Mr F G Gould resigned. The vacancies had been filled by the appointment of Mr F W Green, Mr J T Bonney, Mr J H C Christie, Mr G D Feltham.”

3rd Nov 1941 A SPECIAL meeting of Governors.

“A letter was read from Mr C J Smith thanking the Governors for the many kindnesses shown him during the period of 44 ½ years’ service with the School, and expressing his willingness to continue at the School although having reached the age limit for retirement.”

22 Dec 1941

“Approving the appointment as Temporary Assistant Teachers of Messrs. J A H S Christie, J T Bonney, G D Feltham and F W Green.”

12 Mar 1942.

“Confirmation of the appointment of Mr D Tregenza in place of Mr Bonney.”

29 Oct 1942

“Now that Selhurst had left, the appointment of Miss B M Boyle as temporary Assistant Teacher, and Mr A Hartigan as temporary Physical Training Instructor were confirmed.”

“Mrs Coppock was appointed as the Headmaster’s full time Secretary as from 1^st Sep 1942.”

“Mr Christie had been absent on four occasions for fairly lengthy periods since his appointment in Sep 1941. In view of the rather unsatisfactory circumstances concerning these long absences, the Headmaster suggested that Mr Christie should be given notice to terminate his employment at the end of the present term. It was resolved that Mr Christie continue at the School but should he again be absent from his work then the Headmaster was directed to bring the matter before the Governors for their further consideration.”

14 Jan 1943

“Mr A Hartigan, temporary part-time gym instructor, appointed last term, had not returned to duty. The matter was left open for the time being.” 

12 May 1943

“Mr Hartigan would be attending a course at Loughborough College for four weeks during the summer holiday.”

11 May 1944

“A recent decision of the County Education Committee is of great importance to Secondary Schools in the County, that the staff ration is to be reduced from 1-23 to 1-22 in Sep next, and the numbers in the 6^th form are to count twice for this purpose. This will entitle the Headmaster to a staff of 14, which will mean two additional appointments.”

14 Jun 1944

The Headmaster “had received a number of applications, mostly young women straight from university”.*  But that “Two men had been called for interview as soon as possible.” 

* presumably with no teaching qualifications.

14 Jul 1944

“Twenty three applications has been received of which the Headmaster had interviewed five candidates.  He recommended the Governors to approve the appointment of Mr R Reed, at present an Assistant Master on the staff of Peckham Central School, and Miss Lock on the staff of Oswestry High School.”

“Mr Harle, Careers Master, presented some facts and figures and stated that a total of 24 boys had taken up appointments in the last 12 months. The best thanks of the Governors were accorded Mr Harle for his report.”

27 Sep 1944

”Miss Lock and Mr Reed had joined the staff this term. The County Education Committee had also arranged for an Assistant Master, Mr Dyer, to be loaned from Surbiton County School.  The staff is at present 13 full time and three part time, giving a calculated strength of 15.  Mr H F Green would be leaving at Christmas.  It is also recorded with regret the death of Mrs Ashton through enemy action.  She was a member of staff for 12 months.”

25 Oct 1944

The Headmaster reported on “the formal resignation of Mr H F Green from his temporary post as Science Master and paid tribute to the work done by Mr Green during his period of service with the school.”

“Owing to the recall by Surrey of Mr H L Dyer, who had been loaned for the opening of the Autumn term, it was recommended that the Governors appoint Miss J Hilda Goaman as Junior Form Mistress.”

30 Nov 1944

The Headmaster had “Received an acceptance for the post of Science Master from a Mr A L Scobie, now at Paisley Grammar School.  He would start his duties in January.”

24 Jan 1945

“Miss Goaman and Mr W L Scobie took up their duties on the opening day of term.”

9 May 1945

“Resignation of the Headmaster on the 7^th instant, to take effect as from 31^st Aug 1945, he having been accepted as Headmaster to Battersea Grammar School.  The Governors accepted the resignation with deep regret, and that it be placed on record their highest appreciation of the very valuable service he had rendered to the school since his appointment in May 1937. “

“The estimate for the number of pupils in the school for Sep 1945 would be 269, such a number would entitle the school to 15 staff.  The present staff is equivalent to 15 and the Governors were asked to face this situation at once.”

6 Jun 1945 

An advert for a new headmaster had appeared in the Times Education Supplement on 4 June, for which 81 applications had been received.

11 Jul 1945.  Agreed to review the shortlisted candidates on 16^th July.

16 Jul 1945.  A total of 311 applications had been received (of which 156 had completed applications anew and 155 from those already applied for the headship at Ilfracombe) and a shortlist of 6 were balloted for and selected for interview on 25^th July; the votes were as follows:

H F Boulind – 7 votes, C W Stephenson – 6 votes, S J Barton, C E Key, J Daniel & R A Bowman, 5 votes each, A F W Pratt & H A White – 4 votes each, M H Eck – 3 votes, E Riley – 2 votes, F B Pinion & J Rising – one vote each.

25 Jul 1945  Special meeting. 

Charles William Stephenson was the clear winner with 10 votes and would be available to start at the beginning of the autumn term.  The other 5 applicants received only a single vote or none at all. 

3 Oct 45

Mr William Sidney Goode BSc, took up his duties on 19 Oct but was “interviewed yesterday under the Emergency Teachers Training Scheme about a 5-year contract.”

7 Nov 1945

Mr Anderson reported for duty on 22 Oct. Mr Christie and Mr Hartigan were now doing part time duty at the Geneva Secondary Modern School. Mr E R Hewlett’s return was expected shortly. 

12 Dec 1945

It was resolved that the County Education Committee be informed that: “It is the unanimous wish of this Governing Body that Mr C W Stephenson’s appointment as Headmaster of this school be placed on a permanent basis.”  Regarding the temporary appointments of Assistant Masters in the school, it was resolved to appoint Mr C Penrose, Mr F W Green, Mr J A H S Christie, Mr A Hartigan and Mr R Reed to be confirmed.  There was no decision regarding Mr D Tregenza nor Mr W S Goode, Miss H I Lock or Miss J H Goaman.”  It was reported that the County Education Office had written to agree to the release of Mr W S Goode to take up his duties on 1^st Jan as a teacher at Exmouth Training College.

30 Jan 1946

Mr E R Hewlett returned to duties on 17 Dec having obtained a Class B release from the army.  Capt. Bartlett MBE had been appointed to commence duties on 18 Feb.  “Although Mr C J Smith retired at the end of last term after nearly 49 years faithful service, he had agreed to help until Mr Bartlett takes up his appointment.”

27 Mar 1946

“Mr G J Norman, an Old Boy of the school and recently demobilised from service in the RAFVR, has been on the school staff for the past few weeks, practice teaching for his Diploma Course at the University College, Exeter.”

14 Jun 1946

For information to the newly appointed Governors of Bideford Secondary Schools, the Headmaster reported that the staff were:

D Harle BA – Senior Master & Senior History Master

H Anderson MA – Senior Science Master

G H Walker BA – Latin & Music, also Games Master

E J Morris BSc – Senior French & Divinity Master

C Penrose BSc – 6^th Form Master & Senior Geography & Economics Master

E R Hewlett MA – French & German. Librarian

F W Green – Crafts

J A H S Christie MA – Art

S R Clark MA – English (under notice to quit by 31 Dec).

D Tregenza BA – English

A Hartigan – PE

R Reed BSc – Mathematics & Geography

W E Bartlett BSc OBE., Science & Mathematics, temporarily replacing W S Goode BSc

Miss H I Lock BA – History & Divinity

Miss J H Goaman – General subjects.

Reports from the Grammar School from this date forth are much less detailed than hitherto. 

4 Dec 1946

Recommended that W E Bartlett and D Tregenza, who hold temporary appointments, be appointed permanent staff.  Consideration of the appointments held by Miss H Goaman and Miss H I Lock be deferred until the school is reorganised as a co-educational school.  Mr S R Clark had tendered his resignation as Assistant Master from 31 Dec. 

19 Dec 1946.

Resolved to appoint Mr G J Norman as Assistant Master to replace Miss H Lock.

12 Feb 1947

Mr C Penrose had tendered his resignation as an Assistant Master, effective on 31 Mar, on his appointment to Drakes Hill College, Staffs.   Mr Hartigan had tendered his resignation as PE Instructor also with effect on 31 Mar.  The recommendation that Mr Bartlett and Mr Tregenza be appointed to the permanent staff was approved by the Divisional Committee.  Resignation of Miss H Lock, Assistant Mistress, as from 31 Dec 1946.  

24 Feb 1947

Mr Norman’s appointment had been confirmed to commence duties on 3 Mar. 

10 Mar 1947

Mr W O Probert from Liverpool was recommended to be appointed as Geography Master as from the start of the Autumn term, and Mr Witter from Cheshire be appointed as Physical Training Master from 5 May. 

25 Apr 1947

Messrs Penrose and Hartigan left on 31 Mar.  Messrs Bartlett and Tregenza had received letters off appointment to the permanent staff.  Mr Morris was to retire at the end of term and tendered his resignation; he had served on the staff for just over 31 years, from Jan 1916. Mr Tucker came in at the start of term to assist until two new members of staff were appointed. 

9 Jul 1947

Resolved to appoint Mr W O Probert as Geography Master as from the start of the Autumn term, but it was reported subsequently that he has refused the appointment due to housing difficulties.  Mr R Witter would be appointed Physical Training Master as from 5 May 1947.  Mr Morris was asked to defer his retirement until 31 Dec.  

The staffing sub-committee had resolved to recommend that Miss J H Goaman, temporary Assistant Mistress, be transferred to the permanent staff as from 1 Sep.  It had also resolved to recommend that Mr D J Daniel he appointed Geography and Mathematics Master as from the start of the Autumn term and that Mr J Cooper be appointed as Mathematics and Geography Master as from 8 Sep.  

5 Nov 1947.

Mr D J Daniel was recommended as the Geography and Mathematics Master as from start of the Autumn term.

6 Mar 1948

The Education Committee was requested to approve the inclusion of Laboratory Assistants D Nancekievilland D C Whiteside, and Library Assistant D Yelland in the school estimates for 1948/49.  

The Governors reaffirmed their recommendation that the Development Plan be amended so as to permit the school to be retained as a Boys’ school to enable it to be organised on a two-stream basis.

May 1948

The Headmaster’s Secretary, Miss M Pearson, will leave at the end Aug to get married and move away. Resignation of J Cooper and D J Daniel.

Feb 1949

George Boyle Ltd was appointed as the official school clothier.

May 1949

Members of staff and pupils were congratulated on the high standard of production reached in recent editions of ‘The Bidefordian’. 

May 1950

J A H S Christie, Art Master, had resigned.  As the school was officially overstaffed, it was proposed that a teacher from the Art School attend the school for 1.5 days a week.

Jun 1950

Agreed to the Development Plan proposal that the school should become co-educational with a two-stream entry with first form entry of girls in Sep 1951.  D Owen accepted a new post at Hereford GS. 

W J Cordings & Sons appointed as approved school clothiers. 

Jul 1950

No response to the first advert for a Science Master. 

Sep 1950

Mr Witter returned from Freckleton Training College. 

Mr Parry, newly appointed Chemistry Master will take up duties on 1^st Jan 1951.

Nov 1950

The Chief Education Officer reported that the school was overstaffed by two teachers and that it required a reduction of one teacher forthwith. Miss J H Goaman was put forward as the person to whom notice of termination of employment would be given, taking effect at the end of Spring term 1951.

Dec 1950

Mr Parry was unable to find a house suitable for his 4 children in Bideford but is arranging to purchase a cottage in Newton St Petrock.

Oct 1951

The Education Committee, in calculating the salary for Mr Parry, approved that his six years business experience equated to three years teaching experience.

Mar 1952

Mr Tregenza went into hospital for an operation on 4^th March and Mr D B Reed, BSc, had been appointed as Temporary Supply Assistant during his absence. 

May 1952

As a consequence of “severe cuts on educational expenditure’ by the DCEC and to reduce the annual working hours and with an appropriate “adjustment in salary” of Secretariat staff, Miss B G Backway has resigned as from 10^th May.

Agreement to appoint an Assistant Master to teach Latin in place of Mr G H Walker. 

Jul 1952

Appointed Mr Stuart as the new Latin Master and Mrs J K Durant as the Secretary from 9^th June.

Dec 1952

Another son born to Mr & Mrs Parry.

Feb 1953

In view of the decline in pupil numbers reported in a recent report by H M Inspectors, it was proposed to re-open the question of the school becoming co-educational.

May 1953

The Secretary’s hours were restored to 1,200 hrs p.a. and salary adjusted accordingly.

Dec 1953

Interviews were held with three individuals for the post of Assistant Master to teach art, with at least one subsidiary subject.

Feb 1954

Mr R A Dunlop, Art Master, appointed as from 1^st January 1954.

Jul 1954

Mr Witter, PE master, had resigned as from 31^st March.  Three candidates had been interviewed and Mr S Cameron had been appointed. 

Mar 1955

As a result of the increase in numbers on the roll, an additional post for an Assistant Master to teach Mathematics or Physics could not be advertised.  Mr F W Green, Handicrafts Master, had resigned, taking effect on 18^th April.

July 1955

Mr R A Kneebone, Woodwork Master at the Secondary Modern, would be able to prepare boys for the GCE Woodwork on one evening a week and on Sat mornings on a temporary basis. Mrs Waldron was appointed as temporary Secretary on 9^th June during the illness & operation of Mrs Durant. 

Oct 1955

Mr S Cameron, PE Master, was chosen to play for Devon County Rugby Team on Sat 24 and Thu 29 Sep.

Nov 1955

Mrs J K Durant, Secretary, had returned to duty.

Dec 1955 

Mr P J Fletcher, member of the N Devon Divisional Executive (i.e. the Governing body for Bideford’s Secondary Schools since the 1944 Education Act), proposed that the following should be considered at its next meeting in Feb 1956:

“In view of the ancient and therefore particularly close association of the town of Bideford, with the life, customs and traditions of the Bideford Grammar School, do the Board of Governors consider it wise to expedite the introduction of girls into the school at the present time considering the transitory period of our new system of education?”

Feb 1956

Two Stella Maris girls would start immediately to study A level physics until Jun 1957.

In consideration of Mr P J Fletcher’s proposal, the Governors 

“resolved to re-affirm that it would be desirable to expedite the proposal to admit girls at the school”.

Mar 1956

Regarding the decline in school numbers and the proposed admission of girls, it was reported that 

“the Education Committee had included proposals in the Major Building Programme for 1957/8 for the provision of additional accommodation so that the school may become a co-educational establishment.”

Mr J N D Stuart had been appointed Classics Master at Letchworth GS and will be leaving at the end of term.

Jun 1956

Mr D Jackson would be appointed Latin Master from 1 Sep 1956.

Dr Cook, Deputy Chief Education Officer, 

“explained the reasons leading to a recent decision of the Education Committee that the proposal to convert the Grammar School into a mixed school should be deferred for the time being.”

July 1956

Following a suggestion from My P J Fletcher, it was decided to open a small tuck shop on an experimental basis next term, under the direction of Mr R Reed.

Oct 1956

Mr S Cameron had resigned his post from the end of term, having been appointed a temporary Commissioned Officer in the RAF. 

Regarding the decline in numbers and the proposed introduction of girls, it was reported that: “following the  protest of the Governors, the Education Committee had decided to ask a Special Subcommittee to meet the Governors to discuss the proposal that the school should be re-organised on a co-ed basis and that, because of restrictions recently imposed by the Ministry of Education on school building, no arrangements had yet been made for this meeting to take place.”

Mr R J Chappell had been appointed as Assistant Master PE as from 1^st Jan 1957.

Oct 1957

The Headmaster reported that the discipline exercised by Mr A G Courtney, Assistant Master, had been unsatisfactory and he had been compelled to re-organise the timetable in an effort to deal with the situation. He would submit a further report at the next meeting. 

The Headmaster’s wife had been in hospital.

Mr G H Walker had died on 26 Oct. He had been appointed to the school in Jan 1912, retired in Aug. 1952 but continued to attend for 2hrs per week to take music, until Dev 1956.

Feb 1958

The Headmaster wished to bring a personal and private matter before the Governors [assumed to be the health of his wife Ella who was ill and who died in 1963].

The school had been allocated an additional Assistant Master from 1^st Sep. The Head wished this to be an English graduate. 

Mar 1958

Mr J P Moran from Leicester had been appointed Assistant Master. 

Jun 1958

Discussion on the proposed admission of girls would be considered at the annual meeting of Governors.

Jul 1958

The Governors 

“re-iterated that it was the unanimous wish that the existing premises be so adapted that the school can become co-educational as early as possible, and to request that the Local Education Authority include this work in the Building Programme for 1960-61.”

Feb 1959

In view of the expected large 11+ entry in Sep, the Head expected staffing difficulties, particularly in science and mathematics, and requested permission to appoint Mr Frank Holliday BSc as part time teacher for both subject. 

In June 1959 a letter from the teaching staff at the school was received by the Chief Education Officer:

“We are unconvinced that the academic work of the school will not be impaired [i.e. it will be impaired!] by the proposed amalgamation of the two schools, or that a mixed (co-ed) is impracticable. We therefore favour strongly a mixed grammar school as offering the best solution of the existing problem.  If this should in fact prove impracticable, we favour a mixed bilateral grammar/technical school as the best means of preserving the grammar school standard of academic work leading to a fully implemented sixth form course; Or, as a possible alternative to this, a mixed comprehensive school. 

For and on behalf of the Teaching Staff, BGS.”

This memo was considered at a Special meeting of Governors on 17 Jul 1959 and again on 29 Sep.   The Chairman of the Education Committee explained that he was:

“recommending consideration be given to the possibility of adapting the Grammar School premises so that they could be used as a Maintained Modern School, for the boys attending the GS and also those girls selected for a Grammar School course, whose parents with them to attend this proposed new school.”

Oct 1959

The Head reported that the situation regarding Mr Courtney’s discipline had improved slightly, 

“I am doing what I can to assist him and I think he is making genuine effort to improve, but I find him rather uncooperative.”

The Governors asked the Head to provide another report on Mr Courtney in 6 months’ time.

16 Oct 1959 (Special meeting of the Governors, held at the school)

“The Governors are unanimously of the opinion that the original proposal, whereby the Grammar School premises were to be adapted for use as a co-ed grammar school, should be implemented and urge that a new co-ed secondary modern school for Bideford be included in the 1962-3 building programme; and to request the Education Committee to inform the Governors immediately of any recommendations their Developments Sub-committee may make regarding the future of Bideford Grammar School.”

4 Nov 1959 (Another Special meeting of Governors)

After considering a memo from the Chief Education Officer dated 28^th Oct, stating that the Development Sub-committee are recommending to the Education Committee that the original proposal to adapt the Boys’ Grammar School premises for use as a mixed Grammar School be dropped, the Governors:

“Deplored this decision and reaffirmed their previous resolution that the only satisfactory solutions are to adapt the existing GS premises so that a mixed Grammar School can be established in the town, and to build a new mixed County Secondary School.  

The proposal to establish a mixed Grammar School was first suggested by the Education Committee (at a time when the presence of a Direct Grant school for girls in the town was known); was approved by Governors and the North Devon Divisional Executive and supported by the Bideford Council;  and was included in the Development Plan submitted by the Local Education Authority to the Minister of Education who approved the Plan.

As the present Grammar School forms part of the cultural life of the community, the Governors are not prepared to allow the school’s identity to be lost in any form of “comprehensive experiment” and therefore neither of the two alternatives suggested by the Development Sub-committee is acceptable to Governors.

It is the wish of the Governors that the recommendations of the Development Sub-committee, referred to in the Chief Education Officer’s letter, are considered by the Education Committee, a copy of the same minutes of this special meeting of the Governors shall, at the same time, be circulated to each member of the Education Committee.

A special sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Mr P J Fletcher, be appointed and empowered to take whatever action they deem necessary to implement the views of the Governors as set out above.”

25 Nov 1959 (Another special meeting of Governors)

A verbal report from the Chairman about a Special Sub-Committee meeting to consider the decisions reached by the Education Committee at its meeting on 19 Nov about the Reorganisation. 

2 Dec 1959

Five boys played in the N Devon Trials and of these R M Eastmond, R G Squires and D Whitfield were chosen to play for N and E Devon against Plymouth and mid Devon, and won 10 points to 8.  A C Beer, B Jeffery and M J Lee had all been accepted for the Civil Service Executive Branch on the results of their A levels. 

6 Jan 1960 (Special meeting about the proposed reorganisation of secondary education in Bideford)

Brief report from the Developments Sub-Committee’s brief report to the Education Committee.

3 Feb 1960

231 on the roll. C Pike left to go to an Approved School!  R M Eastmond, R G Squires & D J Whitfield played for Devon against Cornwall on 19 Dec 1959 and won 6-nil.  Eastmond and Squires were chosen to represent Devon and Cornwall against Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset, and after that, were chosen to represent the Southwest against the Southeast.  R J Talbot, Captain of the School, and B Jeffery, Senior Prefect, played for the Devon Public and Grammar Schools Team against Somerset. The match was a draw, 3 points each. 

R B Polley reached the final of the ACF Boxing Competition but lost by one point due to the fact that someone accidentally dropped a chair on his head and knocked him out, just before he was due to go into the ring!

2 Mar 1960

 R G Squires played for the South of England against the North of England and won 6 points to 3. As a result, he had been chosen to play for English under 15 schoolboys against Wales at Cardiff on 5 Mar and at Twickenham on 16 April.  The OBA would be holding a Whist Drive in the School Hall on 2 Mar to raise funds to reduce the cost to the boys of their visits to both venues.   In the N Devon inter-schools cross country race, the Junior Team came 1^st out of 12 teams competing and A M W Harrison was the winner of the Intermediate Race.

4 May 1960

R G Squires was chosen to captain the English Schoolboys Under 15 team against Wales in Cardiff, where the result was a draw with no score. He nearly won the match with a long-range penalty which hit the post and fell on the wrong side.  Squires was again chosen toe captain the side.  The return match was lost 9 points to 3.  D Baker ran for Devon’s Under 15 cross country team, which came first.  The Head asked the Governors to purchase a Roneo Duplicator for his Secretary. 

6 July 1960

F J Smith had agreed verbally to help with teaching of Junior Mathematics and Science half time during the 1960-61 year.  In the ACF athletic sports, 7 boys took Certificate ‘A’ and 6 were successful including T K Bartlett, A J Bissett, P A C Diwell, M J Fishleigh, R B Polley and A C Stevens.  In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, previous Headmaster, W J Langford, had been honoured with a CBE. 

22 Sep 1960

Number on the roll was 238.  J R Carpenter was the first boy to achieve 10 passes at O level at the first attempt. 

7 Dec 1960

D A Hocking and A J Heal was chosen to play for the Devon Under 15 team in their first match against Cornwall at Plymouth on 3 Dec.  The County Inspector had surveyed the requirements for Science accommodation and with the larger number of boys in the school there was a strong need for an additional laboratory, perhaps a prefabricated one. 

1 Feb 1961

230 on the roll. D Hocking was chosen to play for Devon against Dorset on 17 Dec, and for the combined Devon and Cornwall team against a corresponding team from Somerset, Dorset, Wilts, Gloucester and Bristol on 7 Jan.  

1 Mar 1961

Mr D Tregenza would retire in Aug at age 65; he started in Jan 1942. Mrs Stephenson has not made the progress expected and would be taken to the Specialist at Exeter hospital on 2 Mar; she has great difficulty walking.  Mr Paddon, Caretaker, returned to work on 18 Feb.  In the N Devon Cross Country Championships on 15 Feb, R H F Green was the winner of the Junior event and the Junior team came 3^rd.  The Intermediate team came 2^nd, D Baker being 6^th and D Staddon 8^th.  These 3 boys would run for N Devon on 18 Feb against the other districts in Devon, where the Intermediate team came 1^st and the Junior team came 3^rd out of 7 teams in each section. 

3 May 1961

D A Hocking and C Jeffery played for Devon Schools Under 15 team against Leicestershire where Devon lost by 13 points to 8 On 22 Apr, A J D Heal and C Jeffery played for Devon against Somerset and the result was a draw at 8 points each.

11 Oct 1961

Mr A J Jones (English & French), Mr J S Fraser (Biology and General Science) and Mr J Ayres (Art) took up their duties at the start of the autumn term, and Mr G Robinson would be appointed from 1 Jan 1962 to teach Mathematics. Mr Rice is head of the Crafts and Art Dept.  J Ayres and J S Fraser are serving their probationary years.  Old Boy R H Crowther was awarded 3^rd Class Honours at Hull in English and Government, J Stephenson was awarded a First Class Honours in Physics. 

6 Dec 1961

231 boys on the roll. Mr J P Moran had been appointed as Senior English Master at Coleford GS in Gloucs from 1 Jan 1961 so the Head requested a supply teacher given the short notice.  Mr A J Jones had agreed to take over Advanced and Ordinary work from Mr Moran and to edit the Bidefordian.   Three boys had been chosen to play for Devon Under 15 team, J N Blackmore, G Rogers and C D Rosekilly. 

7 Feb 1962

226 boys on the roll. Geoff Rogers had been chosen to play for the Southwest against the South and Southeast on 27 Jan; the SW lost by 11 points to 8.  

On Representation at Secondary Schools in Bideford, the Devon County Education Committee had decided to retain both the Grammar School and Edgehill and Stella Maris Convent, but to build a mixed Secondary School on a site adjacent to the Grammar School.  The Governors’ objection to these proposals lay in the inadequacy of the playing field provision for approximately 1,000 children.  It was recognised that in view of the financial situation, it was unlikely that a new Secondary School will be ready for use within 10 years. 

7 Mar 1962

The N Devon Schools Cross-Country Race was run in Barnstaple on 14 Feb and M Lockyer, A R Findlay an G C Mountjoy came 8^th, 9^th and 10^th respectively, with M Lockyer being chosen to run for N Devon on 17 Feb. 

2 May 1962

224 on the roll. J N Blackmore, G Rogers and C D Rosekilly played for the Devon Under 15 team against Somerset and won 22 points to 8, with Rogers scoring two tries. 

4 Jul 1962

Number on the roll 228.  In the N Devon Schools Sports meeting, the Junior and Intermediate teams won their respective age group championships, with G C Mountjoy first in the Junior 880 yards and R G Squires was first in the senior shot, setting a new Devon record.

3 Oct 1962

235 on the roll.  Mr R H Crowther took up his appointment on 2 July.  M J Omejer was awarded the School, County and National prizes for Boys in Art. 

5 Dec 1962

234 on the roll. Two girls from Stella Maris are attending for Advanced Physics and some Mathematics, and 5 girls from Edgehill are attending for Advanced Mathematics.   Mr R Reed died on 22 Oct.  The Governors were requested to promote Mr Norman from Grade A to Grade B in order to take over some of Mr Reed’s workload.  C Hold has been chosen for the final County trial at Exeter on 24 Nov and chosen to play for Devon against Cornwall on 8 Dec. 

6 Feb 1963

232 on the roll. R G Squires and R M Eastmond were selected for the first County trial for the Devon Public and Grammar Schools’ R G Squires was chosen to play against the Devon Colts and the Schools team won 16 points to 8. Squires has now been chosen to play for against Cornwall, Somerset and Bristol but all matches were cancelled.  He has now been chosen to play for the Southwest against the Southeast.  C Hold was selected to play for Devon Schools Under 15 against Cornwall on 8 Dec and the result was a draw 6 points each, but Hold scored a try. 

6 Mar 1963

231 on the roll. In the N Devon Cross Country Race, R H F Green was first in the Intermediate race and he and C Hold and A R Findlay went to Plymouth to run for N Devon against the rest of Devon. The N Devon team was first and R H F Green was third and has been chosen to represent Devon in the National Cross-Country Championships. 

The school did not have to close in the severe wintry weather, although the boys from the Hartland and Langtree areas were unable to get in, and the school heating system was not built for such conditions. 

Mr Billingham was recommended to be appointed Assistant Master in place of Mr Reed, provided he obtains his Diploma in Education.  Mr R Crowther was given leave of absence to attend an interview as a Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Party.

1 May 1963

A J Jones and A G Courtney took a party of boys to Brussels and Paris on an educational visit from 1 to 4 April. 

3 July 1963

234 on the roll.  Mr Jackson was given leave with full pay from 19 to 27 May in order to take a degree examination.  

At the N Devon Schools Athletic Sports held at the school on 29 May;  among the Junior boys, C Hold was first in Hurdles and E A Colegate first in 220 yds.  In the Intermediate boys, G Rogers was first in 100yds, C Jeffery first in 440yds, R Geen first in 880yrs with G Mountjoy second, C Rosekilly first in High Jump, N Cooper first in Long Jump, B Tucker first in the Hop, Step, Jump, and D Hocking first in Discus. 

2 Oct 1963

238 on the roll. Mr Courtney underwent a very serious operation in July but is not expected to return to school until October. Mrs S M Kevan had been appointed temporarily to cover French in the meantime.  Mr D Jackson was awarded the BD degree by the Univ. of London. Resignation of part time Assistant Master, Mr F Holliday.   The Education Committee had approved the appointment of Mrs W Auchinvole as a Laboratory Assistant. 

15 Nov 1963

Consideration was being given to two projects: a biology laboratory and a library, both in temporary accommodation. 

4 Dec 1963

238 on the roll.  Mr A G Courtney resumed work on 21 Oct and Mrs S M Kevan finished her supply work on 18 Oct.  Mrs W Auchinvole, Laboratory Assistant, gave birth to a son on 8 Nov.

5 Feb 1964

235 on the roll.  Mrs W Auchinvole commenced part time duties on 20 Jan.  The Head reported that: 

“As you will have seen from the local papers, I had some difficulty in persuading two boys to conform to my regulations that they should wear their hair reasonably short. When these new hair styles became the vogue, I took no action assuming they would die a natural death, but after the public exhibition at Speech Day when some parents were upset buy the undignified appearance of some of the boys, and the Vice Chairman expressed his strong disapproval, I notified the school that haircuts must in future be reasonable and conform more to what is normally acceptable. By the end of term only a few boys had no conformed and most of them were warned personally either by the form masters or by me and I gave a directive that when we returned in January, every boy must have his hair cut reasonably short, especially at the back.   When the new term commenced, I was informed that six boys had not complied with my request and I issued another directive that it must be complied with by Mon 13 Jan.  Blackmore, whose mother complained, was warned by his form master on Tue 7^th and Thu 9^th and then had my directive on Fri 10^th, so that when he had not complied with my request on Mon 13^th, I sent him home to have his hair cut before permitting him to attend school.  The other boy was David West, whose mother a widow, is having difficulty in bringing him up; she approved my action.  Three of the boys had their hair cut, the other telephoned to say he had had toothache over the weekend but had had his hair cut and hoped to be back on Tues.”

The Governors supported the actions of the Headmaster.

4 Mar 1964

234 on the roll.  A Mckenzie, Form lll, ran in the County Cross Country Race held on 22 Feb and came 5^th.  The N Devon team won.  The school team shot against several other school and town ACF teams, and it came first in the tournament. With 245 points.  C Hold and J Edgecombe scored 63 points each.  Grenville came second with 217.  

The staff have unanimously requested me to give the 6^th form the option of wearing caps and asked the Governors for their observations and they agreed to leave the decision to the Head.  

6 May 1964

Number on the roll 226.  Mr J Ayers and Mr M Billingham resigned their posts as from the end of Aug.   

The Colts 7s team won the N Devon Schools Seven-a-side Competition on Wed 4 Mar, beating Ilfracombe GS in the second round, Barnstaple GS in the semi-final and Torrington County Secondary in the final.   

(The team consisted of J Bennett, T Colegate, A Mckenzie, G Parker, G Proctor, D Short, M Waters). 

The school also reached the final of the County Public and Grammar schools 7-a-side Tournament on Wed 18 Mar, beating Okehampton GS in the first round 8-3, St Boniface Plymouth in the 2^nd round 8-nil, Sutton HS Plymouth in the quarter finals 16-nil, Barnstaple GS in the semi-final 6-3, losing to West Buckland in the final 18 to 8.  The Head had received a number of letters congratulating the team, in the opinion of some, it was the best team on the field, but the W Buckland team was much bigger and heavier. 

R M Eastmond and R H F Green played for the Devon Schools team twice during the Easter holidays, beating Exeter ‘A’ 6-nil, and Gloucestershire 16 – 5.

A Mckenzie ran for Devon in the SW Competition at Warminster and was second in the Devon team and 16^thin the whole field. He also ran for Devon in the National Competition at Leicester but seemed to have got lost in the multitude of runners.

15 July 1964

The 11+ entry is very small, only 29, and is a matter of grave concern as it will affect staffing and leads to instability and worry.  Mr R H Crowther came top of the poll in the Borough of Bideford. 

Four boys played cricket for N Devon against Culme Valley at Barnstaple on 17 Jun and G Baker, D Short and P Petherbridge were selected to play for the Combined N Devon and Culme Valley against Mid Devon.

14 Oct 1964

227 on the roll. The new Laboratory has enabled Biology to be introduced to the timetable. 

2 Dec 1964

224 on the roll.  Colin D Rosekilly has been appointed Captain and R J Clarke and R J Twitchin as Senior Prefects.  [None of these appointments had appeared in previous annual reports to Governors]

3 Feb 1965

222 on the roll.  A ‘Family Service’ had at last begun in the canteen at two servings.  

Mr R H Crowther has made an application to be considered as a parliamentary candidate and has written to the Chairman of Governors to ask permission to stand as a Liberal candidate if selected. 

3 Mar 1965

Those on the roll are the same at 222.  The Old Boys played the school and won 38 to 6, and afterwards they had a dinner and dance at Kenwith Castle. 

In view of the academic successes achieved at the school, a grant of £273 was made from central funds for the purchase of equipment for teaching chemistry.

5 May 1965

Again, the roll remained at 222.  Two candidates were interviewed for the post of Assistant Master to teach Latin in place of Mr D Jackson, resigned.

Mr A J Jones attended an interview at Dorchester, Mr J S Fraser had an interview at Gainsborough and Mr D Jackson at Crediton.  Mr R H Crowther has been appointed an administrative assistant in the Univ of Bristol from 1^st Aug and Mr Jackson has accepted a post of Divinity Specialist at Crediton Girls’ Grammar School from 1 Sep. 

A J Jewell ran in the Schools National Cross-Country Race at Stoke on Trent and came 110^th out of 350 runners.  The Devon team came 26^th out of 52.

7 Jul 1965

The number of boys entering in Sep will be 23, the lowest for at least 20 yrs. The Head stated that it was quite impossible to build a school soundly on such small numbers.  

Mr A J Jones has been appointed as Lecturer for English Literature at Rolle College, Exmouth and will leave at the end of summer term.   The boys and girls GSs in Crediton are being combined and Mr Jackson has been appointed as Head of Religious Education. 

In the N Devon Athletics, the Junior team came 4^th out of 11, the Intermediate team came 6^th out of 12, and the Seniors were 2^nd equal with Barnstaple GS out of 4 schools. 

At the County Sports at Devonport, R Shute came 1^st in the Intermediate Steeplechase and was asked to represent Devon in the National Sports at Watford; E Colegate was 3^rd in the triple jump and the N Devon team was placed 5^th out of 8, their best effort so far.

In the ACF County Inter-Brigade Sports, R Murray was 1^st in the Senior High Jump, J Moore was 1^st in the Intermediate Shot, J Harle was 2^nd in Intermediate High Jump and 3^rd in Intermediate Long Jump, and B Johns was 2^nd in Junior 880 yards.

15 Oct 1965

Total on the roll 219.  J Symondson passed 10 O levels at his first attempt, after having failed his 11+ in Buckinghamshire.  Mr J M Morning from Glasgow had been interviewed for the post of Assistant Master to teach English and was appointed. 

1 Dec 1965

215 on the roll.  Since the last report, R C Levick has left to be apprenticed to a printing firm in London.  Mr J M Morning joined the staff to teach English on 18 Oct. 

The Head reported that L Griffin and P Ayres broke into the school on 14 Oct and stole the Masters’ Detention book, then on 21 Oct L Griffin and C Lee broke into the school and stole the new Detention book, smashed open the Tuck Shop cupboard and and removed £8 & 9 shillings. The police were called and the matter is in their hands.  As a result of so many petty thefts in the past two years, the Head had decided to close the Tuck Shop. 

Several boys were selected for the N Devon team and on 6 Nov, G Withecombe, D Harman and B Johns played for N Devon.  Afterwards G Withecombe and A Cowlard were selected for N Devon, Exeter and E Devon to play against Plymouth and S Devon at Exeter on 20 Nov. 

A L Watts was chosen to represent the Devon ACF to shoot at Bisley and came 48^th out of the first 100 and was awarded the Queen’s Badge.

2 Feb 1966

Since the last report the following Form 6 boys had left: 

K J Hunkin – family farm; J E Lott – Bideford School of Art; A S Mackenzie – Pickfords; B V Mountjoy; G A Oliver; S D Smithson – Gale & Jaquiss, Architects, Bideford; R R Shute – Oliver & Dyer, Architects, Bideford.  Consequently the roll was only 208.

L Griffin and C Lee were brought before the Juvenile Court on 3 Dec but there was no other report. The parents have agreed to repay the loss to the school. 

By national agreement, the working hours have been reduced from 48 to 40 hrs per week. The Head enquired how the County can insist that no extra person can be appointed and asked how a caretaker can do the same work in 40hrs that he used to do in 48, under the same conditions. 

2 Mar 1966

G Granger had left to become a police cadet so the roll was 207.  

Professor R M Shackleton, Head of Dept of Earth Sciences at Leeds, visited the school on 4 Feb and spoke to Forms 5 and 6 on university life.

G Granger, J B Harle and P C Nicholls played for Devon ACF against Somerset. Devon lost but P C Nicholls was awarded his County Colours. 

Mr Rice, Crafts Master, submitted a memorandum to the Governors on the considerable inadequacies in the workshop, pointing out that the boys take the same O and A level examinations as the boys from fully equipped schools. 

4 May 1966

205 on the roll. Regarding the boys who were in trouble, the Head had held a long discussion with the staff. L Griffin has been provisionally accepted into the Marines in August. C J Lee is very unhappy, has a sour disposition and no one is able to get much from him. I have recommended to his parents that they should withdraw him at the end of the Spring term and I understand that they are in agreement with any decision made by the staff and myself.  P Ayers is very difficult, has obtained an unusually large number of detentions during this last erm and is obviously desirous of leaving. I think it is better for the boys and the school if both Ayers and Lee leave and obtain suitable posts. 

Mr A T W Foss from Cornwall had been interviewed for the post of Assistant Master to teach Mathematics after the resignation of Mr Jones.

6 Jul 1966

Boys who had recently entered the school include J W Carter from Devonport High School, joining the Lower 6^th, and one boy who had left, G Staddon, who would be joining the Bideford Gazette as a Junior Reporter.  The roll stood at 209.

In the Devon County Athletic Championships, K Moses and E Colegate were two members of the N Devon Schools Relay Team which came first in the County meeting at Exeter. E Colegate also came 2^nd in the Senior Long Jump and 3^rd in the Triple Jump. Moses was second in the Senior 440 yards and C Cowlard was third in the Junior Mile. 

The Head of the Art School held a competition for Schools for over and under 16; the 1^st prize went to R C Durant and the 2^nd prize went to J Symondson. 

Four candidates were interviewed for the post of Caretaker in place of Mr R Padden, retired, and Mr W H Northcott of 34 Abbotsham Road, was appointed from 1 Sep.

12 Oct 1966

Eleven boys from the 6^th form had left since July, including G J Giddy, joining his father’s business, and A Mackenzie. And from the 3^rd year sixth, 13 boys had left.  The roll now totalled 219.  

Mr A G Courtney had 1 day in hospital and a further 7 days recovery at home. 

Following the Head’s previous report on 5 boys in Form 4 whose work, attitude and behaviour were unsatisfactory, their improvement was so slight that he told their parents that they would have to leave.  

The A level results were very pleasing this year, every one of the 19 candidates passed in at least one subject, and the Captain, S A Dunn, was awarded a Distinction in Geography. 

The Schools 7-a-side Tournament took place at Chivenor on 26 Sep and the School team beat West Buckland 10-nil in the first round, beat Shebbear College 5-3 in the 2^nd round, but lost to Barnstaple GS 19-nil in the final.

Because of the varying entry and difficulty of arranging for 4 team fairly evenly matched, the staff and I have decided to reduce the number of Houses from 4 to 2, and they will be called Darracotts and Stucleys. 

7 Dec 1966

There were 220 boys on the roll. 

J A Little, P F Allen and R Giddy were selected for N Devon against E Devon Under 15. E Devon won 23 -3 but Little and Giddy were selected for the final trial on 19 Nov. 

1 Feb 1967

The roll was 217.  The following boys had left: R M Auvrey, from the Upper 6^th prior to entering Manchester Univ, and E A Colegate from the Lower 6^th, to go to N Devon Technical College.  E A Eagle had joined the Upper 6^th from Belmont College. 

J N Bennett, E A Colegate and G Baker had played in the final trial of the Devon Public and Grammar Schools Under 19 Group at Exeter.  E A Colegate was chosen for the Devon team and played in 3 or 4 matches.   In the Junior age group, P F Allen, A Cowlard and J Little played in the final trial; Giddy and Little were chosen as travelling Reserves for 3 matches, against Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. 

1 Mar 1967

R E Dipple had left from the Upper 6^th to take temporary work before entering Aston Univ., leaving 215 on the roll.

Mrs W Auchinvole will be resigning her role from 31^st March as she was expecting a baby,

In the N Devon Schools Cross Country Races at Chumleigh, the School’s Juniors were placed 10^th, The Intermediates 1^st, and the Seniors 3^rd.  G Jones won the senior race and C Weaver was 3^rd in the junior race. 

3 May 1967

Mrs W Auchinvole has asked permission to return half time as from 1 Sep, and the County has given me permission to appoint Mrs P E Scott half time as from 1 April.

R Giddy and J Little played for the Devon Colts rugby team against Somerset at Bridgwater, winning 6-3 with Giddy scoring the winning try.  

The School Colts record for the season was played 16, won 14 drawn 2; points for 305, against 46. This beats the previous record number of points set up by the 1933-4 team, and this total has been surpassed only once, by the First XV of 1963-4.

5 Jul 1967

The roll was 216.  The Headmaster went into hospital on 4 Jun for a minor operation and hoped to be back at school by 3 Jul. 

Mr J S Fraser had been appointed to Caistor GS from the end of Aug.  He was succeeded by Mr J R Martinfrom Ealing who commenced his duties as Biology master in Sept.

4 Oct 1967

Death of Mr R R Padden, Caretaker 1935-66.  Mr J Paterson presented the school with a painting of Mr Padden.  

Mrs W Auchinvole would not after all return as half-time Laboratory Assistant this term because of the impossibility of obtaining someone to look after he family, so Mrs P Scott will continue as the only half time Assistant. 

Major D Harle has retired from being in charge of the School Corps of the ACF as he had reached the age limit after 25 years. Capt. W E Bartlett, MBE, has taken over the running of the Corps, assisted by Mr A T W Foss, who has applied for a Commission. 

The A level results were quite satisfactory and 10 boys have gone to university or other FE Colleges.

6 Dec 1967

There were 221 boys on the roll.  

R Paterson was chosen to play fullback for Devon Schools Under 15 against Dorset on 17 Nov and Devon won 27-3. 

7 Feb 1968

216 on the roll.  K Brewer was 3^rd in the All England Final Competition for Junior Piano; the other two candidates attend Schools of Music.  The Governors received a verbal report of the Deputy Headmaster on the financial difficulties experienced by the newly appointed Assistant Master, Mr J R Martin. He was advised to write to the Chief Education Officer on the matter. 

6 Mar 1968

215 on the roll.  North Devon Cross Country Races.  The Junior team was 10^th; the Intermediate team was 1^st; the Senior team was also 1^st.  In the Intermediate team, M J Weaver was first and A Cowlard was 3^rd. In the Senior race, J Shepherd was 1^st, M J Easton was 3^rd and P Shepherd 6^th.  Seven boys were selected to represent N Devon at the County event at Torquay.

Among the Old Boys, M J Fishleigh and M Glover have passed Part 2 of the Institute of Chartered Accountant’s Examination.

Graham Baker, last year’s Senior Prefect and son of the newly elected President of the OBA, has been chosen by the Univ of Sheffield to tour France with the First XV during Easter week.

Mr Martin thanked the Governors for their support in his difficulties, which were now resolved.

1 May 1968

216 on the roll. Neither of the Under 15 or the Under 13 7-a-side teams got beyond the first round of the County Finals at Exeter. 

2 Jul 1968

219 on the roll.  In Sep there will again be less than 36 boys entering. Dr Cook said that 19% passed in the Bideford area as against 24% for the County.  These uneven, small entries make things very difficult and inefficient. 

At the N Devon Schools Athletics Championship, A Cowlard was 1^st in the Intermediate 440 yards and J Butcher in the Intermediate discuss. These two were chosen to represent N Devon at the County Championships, where Cowlard was 2^nd in the 440 and has been invited to represent Devon at the National Championships at Portsmouth.

2 Oct 1968

224 on the roll.  Peter Petherbridge, the school Captain, played twice for Devon Colts and he made a century against Somerset Colts. 

The Divisional Executive supported the Governors’ recommendation that the piece of land at the SW corner of the GS site should be purchased. 

4 Dec 1968

225 on the roll.  The Head gave a detailed report on the condition of text books. The Governors recommended an immediate grant of £300. 

5 Feb 1969

225 on the roll.  Mr A G Courtney underwent another operation in Dec and hopes to be back in Feb.  The Groundsman will be retiring at the end of Feb.  The Divisional Executive had not approved the Governors’ recommendation that a grant of £300 be made for the purchase of text books as “the capitation allowance was insufficient to permit a regular replacement of text books”.

5 Mar 1969

Mr A G Courtney returned to the school on 10 Feb.  The Head’s Secretary Mrs J K Durant, has been absent and unwell since half-term.  Mr Wickett (!) has been appointed Groundsman from 10 Mar. 

17 Mar 1969

A special meeting of the Governors to discuss Secondary School Reorganisation.  The Governors explained that they had expected that the Education Committee would have by now have formulated a definite plan as to how they proposed to introduce comprehensive education into the Bideford area, and until such time as this plan was placed before them, they were unable to agree to the siting of any additional buildings, including those required for the raising of the school leaving age, on the GS site.

After a “full and frank” discussion, the Governors reaffirmed their believe that the only satisfactory scheme in the area would be the provision of a ten form co-ed, all through secondary school based on the existing premises, now under their control, and that the arrangements now operating with Edgehill and Stella Maris regarding the admission of girls should be terminated. 

7 May 1969

225 on the roll.  Because of the change in pattern of schools in N Devon, Mr Chappell feels it is necessary to bring a change in school teams. He is suggesting that there should be local teams of rugby, football and perhaps cricket and athletics, which will be sponsored by local clubs.  He has approached both the AFC and RFC in Bideford and they are in favour. Grenville College has also made the same approach.  The teams would be formed from boys in local schools and those who had left, who are under 18.  The PE Master, Mr R J Chappell, was asked to address the Governors at the next meeting. 

Peter Petherbridge, Captain of the school, has been awarded a County cap for cricket for last season.

2 Jul 1969

228 on the roll.  Mr G Robinson, Maths Master has resigned as from 31 Aug to take up the post of Warden of the Forest of Dean Teachers’ Centre.  

D J Harding has been awarded First Class Honours in Mathematics at the Univ of Birmingham.

Mr Chappell was asked to prepare a precis of his presentation for circulation and consideration at the next regular meeting.

1 Oct 1969

232 on the roll.  The Governors recommended that the Education Committee give notice forthwith to the Governors of Edgehill and Stella Maris to terminate the present arrangements under which County pupils are admitted to those schools.  And to recommend that plans are prepared for the future development of an 11-18 maintained Comprehensive School in the town. 

3 Dec 1969

There were 230 on the roll.  K Bright and R Hulme had played for the Devon Under 15 team against Somerset on 15 Nov and Devon won 14-3; they were awarded their County Colours.  Mr Payne had undertaken to train the school teams.

The Governors decided not to make any changes to the arrangements to school sports teams. 

4 Feb 1970

Mr W S Morgan had resigned, effective 31^st of August.  

11 Feb 1970

A special meeting of the Governors of the Bideford County School, held at the Grammar School, for further consideration to a Memorandum prepared by the Chief Education Officer headed “Bideford and Torrington: Reorganisation of Secondary Education”.  After discussion, it was resolved to defer further discussion of the proposals until members of the Authority’s staff had discussed the proposals with the staffs of the two schools.

227 on the roll. The Devon Public & Grammar Schools XV was rather weak and were overwhelmed by Somerset.  

4 Mar 1970 – nothing of note.

6 May 1970

Mr A R Drake would take up the role of Assistant Master for Geography.

1 Jul 1970

226 on the roll. This was Headmaster Stephenson’s last report after 25 years and he thanked the Chairman and Governors for their assistance. A presentation of an inscribed silver salver was made to him.

7 Oct 1970

254 on the roll. Mr J C Dare took up his role as Headmaster and Mr A R Drake took up his appointment as Geography teacher, both on 1 Sep.

11 Nov 1970

Special meeting of Governors to consider the reorganisation of Secondary Education:

• Work on the Moreton Park playing fields was expected to start in 1971-2. 
• The Education Committee had given notice to Edgehill College that no County places will be required from 1974.
• And yet the Committee had been asked to re-submit proposals to the Dept of Education for the Major Building Programme for 1974-5. 
• The Secr. of State has made it difficult for an LEA to plan Secondary School Reorganisation where there is a conflict of interest between Direct Grant and Maintained schools.
• There is a pressing need for reorganisation in the immediate future as there is an increase in numbers in the Secondary school population which gives the area proper entitlement to additional building.
• More than half of the pupils in the County Secondary School (CSS) are in temporary classrooms
• Reorganisation cannot go ahead without adequate additional building.
• The retirement of the Head of the CSS must be taken into account.

2 Dec 1970

A touring XV from Chippenham, where Old Boy George Squires was head of PE, played the school and after a closely fought game, the visitors won 8-6.  An inaugural meeting of the Parents Association would take place on 3 Dec.

3 Feb 1971

256 on the roll.  Mr W Wilkinson, supply teacher, had been appointed teaching General Subjects to the 1^stand 2nd forms, and Mr J H Shelby had joined to teach Technical Drawing part-time.  Mr D Harle had been absent for a day in connection with his retirement arrangements. 

3 Mar 1971

256 on the roll.  A paper from the County Education Committee from a meeting on 14 Jan 1971 between the Education Committee, the Divisional Executive, the Governors and Heads of the Grammar and Secondary Schools, on the proposed Reorganisation of Secondary Education in Bideford was considered.  The plan was to move to an 11 to 18 co-educational, comprehensive school, given that for a town of Bideford’s size, it was considered a waste of facilities and staff to have four separate schools (Grammar, Edgehill, Grenville and Stella Maris, each with a 6^th form, as well as the Secondary school).

The Governors were in favour of a reorganisation with Edgehill remaining as a Direct Grant School, but that there should be a 6^th Form Complex under the direct control of the Headmaster of the reorganised Comprehensive School, to be sited on a neutral site between the two schools.

5 May 1971 

The Colts XV won the County 7 a-side tournament at Exeter on 11 Mar, winning 9-8.  Mr J M Morning would be seconded to attend a one-year course.

23 Jun 1971

257 on the roll.  Five candidates were interviewed for the post of Deputy Head and Mr M S Ruddock was appointed from 1 Sep.  Mr R J Prance was appointed for Assistant Master for General Subjects also from 1 Sep, and Mr A K Spragg was appointed to teach English in place of Mr J M Morning – absent on a one year course.  Two candidates were interviewed for the post of Head of Dept for History and Mr M A Argyle was appointed. Mr R S Montague was appointed as part time Laboratory/Workshop Technician. 

6 Oct 1971

271 on the roll.  Headmaster Mr J Dare was welcomed to his first meeting with the Governors.  A slight increase in the staffing establishment had been given.  Association Football would be introduced into the games programme.  

1 Dec 1971

Part-time appointments had been given to Mr J H Shelby (Technical Drawing), Mrs G Cox (French) and Mrs M Kimber (Music).  The 1^st XV were enjoying a good season with double victories over Grenville and over the Town XV.  

19 Jan 1972

Special meeting of Governors to consider the building proposals for Bideford Comprehensive School and the Sixth Form Centre.  The Governors requested:

• an immediate ministerial decision on the proposals for a joint Sixth Form Centre to be provided by Bideford Comprehensive School and Edgehill College.
• Geneva Place be closed to vehicular traffic.
• That more adequate accommodation be provided for the Fifth and Sixth Forms than is proposed in the plan since the expected numbers would likely be 400 to 500, not the 150 proposed.
• That a larger activity hall be provided is a swimming pool is not provided.
• The preparation of the Moreton Park Playing Field be completed by 1973.
• That adequate car parking is provided – at least 100 spaces – and to enquire if it were possible to erect buildings with stilts above a carpark.
• Erect buildings with several storeys or strong enough for adding extra floors in order to save playing field land. 

2 Feb 1972

273 on the roll. Nothing of note.

1 Mar 1972

The proposal to acquire a piece of land at Moreton Park adjacent to allotments was now the property of Devon and Cornwall Police Authority, had received the support of the Divisional Executive Committee, but a strong case would have to be made for the transfer of this land to the Education Authority.

The Borough Council had not approved the proposal to prohibit traffic in Geneva Place, but suggested either a footbridge or subway be provided.  

Planned to request further information on the total playing field area that would be required to meet the future needs of the increases school population and the way in which the statutory area could be provided. 

It would not be possible to provide a pavilion on the Moreton Park site without sacrificing essential building elsewhere. 

3 May 1972

The request to purchase a piece of land at Moreton Park had not been approved and the land was to be offered back to the builder from whom it was originally purchased. 

It was decided to launch an appeal fund for the provision of a pavilion to be erected on the Moreton Park playing fields and to ask the Borough Council to provide financial assistance as well. 

Staff include P Scott (Lab Assistant), A K Spragg, R J Prance, C B Hosken, A G Courtney, A T W Foss, G J Norman, R J Chappell, A R Drake, D C Parry, N J Payne, W E Bartlett, G E Rice, J R Martin, Mr M S Ruddock, M A Argyle, Mrs I Devereux.  

5 Jul 1972

274 on the roll.  As part of the process of bringing the schools closer together before reorganisation, the Head reported that it was desirable that the PE and Games arrangements should be coordinated. Mr R J Chappell would do this. 

Mr A Drake had resigned as from 31 Aug 1972.  

Boys and girls due to enter school in Sep had spent an introductory morning on the premises.

4 Oct 1972

332 on the roll.  Three candidates were interviewed for the post of Assistant Master/Mistress for Geography and Miss A E W Weston was appointed from 1 Sep.  

Mr J C Dare was appointed Headmaster-elect of the proposed Comprehensive School.  

Resignation of Mr R J Prance as from 31 Dec.

6 Dec 1972

The Secretary of State had agreed to include the first phase of the Reorganisation Building Project in the 1973/4 programme. This would extend the school to 1447 places. 

The Chief Education Officer reported that the statutory requirement for playing fields for the school would be 25 acres, and that there would be 30.5 acres available including the Coronation Road fields.  These figures were doubted and it was agreed to contact Grenville College to establish if its playing fields could be hired by the school.

The name Bideford College was proposed as the name of the new school.

332 on the roll.  Mrs J Hosken had been teaching Home Economics part time to the new intake of girls. Staff members from both the BGS and Secondary School had worked together to review assessment and reporting procedures.  Resignation of Mr J M Morning, Assistant Master, from 31 Dec. 

7 Mar 1973

331 on the roll. It was reported that the Education Committee would be unlikely to approve the title ‘Bideford College’ since a similar proposal for another school in Devon had not been approved.

J C Dare was now submitting separate reports as Head of both BGS and of the County Secondary School. 

9 May 1973

329 on the roll.  A special meeting of Governors would take place on 21 May to consider staff designations under Secondary School Reorganisation. 

Resignation of Mrs J Dodwell, Miss A Weston and Mr A G Courtney, Assistant Teachers, as from 31 Aug.

Mr M J Evatt was given approval to be seconded to study for an MA in 1973-4.

Mr P B Gale was recommended to take up the post of Head of Geography from 1 Sep.

11 Jul 1973

328 on the roll.  A joint schools Senior Sports Day was held on 16 May. Staff had submitted their applications for posts in the reorganised schools at Bideford and Torrington. There is now regular contact between the two secondary schools and the primary schools for in service training. 

10 Oct 1973

346 on the roll.  Because of the increase in numbers, the BGS was allocated a third mobile classroom. Mr S J Philp was appointed Head of Languages in place of Mr Courtney, Mr R C Clyde for English in place of Mr J M Morning, Mr P Youngs for Geography in place of Miss Weston, Mr E M Guyver for Latin (1 year) in place of Mr M J Evatt, Mrs G Cox in place of Mrs J Dodwell, and Mrs V Hodgkinson for Science and Maths.

The designation of staff posts had taken place and it was hoped that letters would be sent out shortly.

Various activities and visits took place to mark the 400^th Anniversary Celebrations.

5 Dec 1973

345 on the roll.  In a discussion on the Reorganisation of Secondary Education, there was a general plan to remove the process of selection at the earliest opportunity on the understanding that the new buildings would be substantially ready by Sep 1975.  But the Governors recommended that this be deferred in the Bideford area from Sep 1975 to Sep 1976, in view of the deferment of the building programme. But that it was hoped to prepare for the admission of girls in 1974 and 1975.  The Chairman of the N Devon Divisional Executive agreed to meet Governors to discuss building plans for the comprehensive schools.

6 Mar 1974

350 on the roll.  Staff from both schools were continuing with training in preparation for reorganisation and also visiting other comprehensive schools. 

5 Jun 1974

The major building project [i.e. the new school] had been put out to tender.

4 Jul 1974

It was expected that work on the major building project would start in Sep or Oct. 

24 Sep 1974

Headmaster Dare requested that in future he should submit a joint report for the two schools as so many matters are already of concern to both.  His major anxiety concerned supervision of pupils at lunchtime.  Other future agenda items, he suggested, should include progress on the major building project, interim improvements, the Moreton Park playing fields and pavilion, and a telephone system.  Specific problems arising from insufficient space and facilities for sports [due to loss of the BGS playing fields] were outlined:

• The present pitches cannot support the number of games that have to be played.
• There will be fewer pitches the following year and they will be used for games lessons twice as often per day for House and School matches and practices.
• Consequently, they will deteriorate much more quickly.
• There will also be greater demand on the indoor facilities, yet the County Secondary gym will be lost, the Sports Hall will not always be available during games lessons, and so ‘wet weather’ games will have to be spent in a classroom.
• All athletic and cricket facilities will be lost.
• When the Sports Hall and Gym are in use for single period PE, there will be insufficient changing space. 

It was suggested that the playing fields at Grenville College or the Municipal Parks could he hired, as well as hiring the hard surface playing surfaces at Grenville.

2 Oct 1974  

First joint report for both schools.  BGS 366 on the roll, CSS 1191. This was the first year accepting girls into the GS – but the intake was only 21.  There had been an overall increase of 110 pupils in the combined school.   The 4 mobile classrooms so desperately needed to absorb the rising numbers, had yet to arrive, and so many classes were being taught in non-teaching spaces such as the library and dining hall.  Staff designated to posts in the Comprehensive school had begun to operate in their new roles from Sep.

16 Oct 1974

Special meeting called as a result of information on the Major Building Project. The Head outlined the history; he had been given a brief in 1972 to achieve as high a level of integration in anticipation of the reorganisation planned for Sep 1975.  He was concerned about 3 major issues, 

• The date of abandonment of the 11+ selection procedure
• The best method of organising the first year to provide proper education
• The effect of the above on the rest of the school and the need for a progressive plan for integration

At a meeting of the whole staff, the clear majority was in favour of immediate termination of the selection procedure.  

The Governors, after a very full discussion, recommended immediate termination of the selection procedure but that a full and proper statement should be made to parents and the public.  They also recommended to the Education Committee the need to expedite the building programme by all possible means and to ensure the prompt arrival of the mobile classrooms which had already been approved, to establish before Sep 1975, a first year complex big enough to accept the whole of the new intake.

4 Dec 1974

Heamaster’s report:

Grammar School: 271 boys, 96 girls, total 367.

CS School: 642 boys, 558 girls, total 1200.

The accommodation situation had deteriorated since the last report; 4 mobile classrooms had arrived but were without light or heating, and the 3 others which were present have been disconnected, re-sited and left without services. Funds had been allocated in Oct 1973 and the classrooms were still not in use in Nov 1974.

The House system has been discontinued in both schools. The senior rugby teams have had little success but the U-14 XV is having an excellent season with a crushing recent win over Shebbear. 

5 Feb 1975

The mobile classrooms were now all in operation after work over the xmas period, but the site is very waterlogged due to weather and the earthworks.

Contractors were due to move on site for the major works on 3 Feb.

The main problems to be overcome before Sep 1975 were to:

• ensure 5 further mobile classrooms arrive promptly
• bring the Moreton Park field into use asap; major drainage work has still to be done
• convert 4 existing classrooms for science with minor conversions for gas, electricity and water.

5 Mar 1975

No major issues.

7 May 1975

There was an urgent need to the 5 additional mobile classrooms and mobile toilets for use on the GS site before Sep. Failure to provide these would prejudice the introduction of the comprehensive system.

A new telephone system was being installed, especially helpful for those in the RSLA units, but the security of the premises was causing concern, given the sporadic outbreaks of vandalism in out of school hours and one break-in.

The major building project was proceeding with new blocks beginning to appear above ground.  Drainage at Moreton Park is vital if the area is to be used next term.

2 Jul 1975

The building work was proceeding according to programme and a tender for the mobile classrooms had been accepted. It was emphasised that these were absolutely vital before beginning of the new year as it would be impossible to accommodate the whole of the new intake without them.

The Head had not received notification of date for the modification of existing classrooms for science. 

There had been further cases of vandalism and trespassing on the premises and members of the public were using the school grounds as a shortcut and to exercise their dogs. 

There was a serious lack of technical support for science and craft teaching throughout the school.

Sep 1975

The admission of the new intake was delayed until 8^th Sep due to the failure of contractors to get all 5 mobile classrooms installed.  The remodelling of 4 rooms to provide extra science areas was nearly complete. 

Pupils and staff have nonetheless adapted to the many changes in location and organisation, and little friction between the two former groups. The earlier policy of a gradual ‘mix’ has clearly been of benefit.

Most members of staff now have a fairly stable timetable in that they teach mainly in one room. The first year intake has settled in well, the vast majority are in school uniform, and are staying for lunch.

A full-time messenger delivery service is required.

The last known Prizegiving ceremony of ‘Bideford Grammar School’ took place on Fri 26^th Sep 1975 at 8pm.

In addition, until July 1975 the Governors were responsible for the ‘Bideford County Secondary Schools’.  From Oct 1975 the combined schools were renamed ‘Bideford School and Community College’ and hence the end of the summer term 1975 effectively marked the official end of the Bideford Grammar School.

1 Oct 1975

More cases of vandalism, trespassing and dog fouling on the fields. 

Notice boards warning of trespass were in preparation.  

The Speech Day had been very well attended. 

Concern that staff representation on the Governing Body had been reduced from 2 to only 1.  There was an anticipated increase of 100 in the Sep 1976 intake which would require 3 additional teachers.

The building project was on schedule.

The installation of services in the science rooms was nearly complete.

3 Dec 1975

An up to date schedule of building projects including the remodelling of the old GS building and RSLA units and the Geneva Place building, was requested.

Staff accommodation in the Geneva Place building was inadequate.

There was concern over the projected excess of 400 children beyond the planned accommodation of 1,600 children in Bideford School by 1980.

Jan 1976

The Head reported that the Bideford Gazette seemed to be taking a hostile line towards the school and its correspondence columns repeatedly carry letters directed against the school and educational establishments in general, but most of the allegations were too vague and ill-founded to warrant a reply.

4 Feb 1976

Notice boards about trespassing had still not been delivered. 

Pupils on the roll: boys 947, girls 733, total 1,675.

The building schedule was as follows:

• Science, Arts and Admin block ready for Sep 1976.
• General Teaching and remodelled RSLA ready for Nov 1976
• First year block and remodelled Abbotsham Road block ready for Jan 1977.

3 Mar 1976

The report of Mr M J Fishleigh who visited the school on the 18 Feb was received and considered. 

The provision of ancillary staff, especially technician help for the science labs was inadequate. The issue would become more acute when the two new teaching blocks with 8 new science labs and 10 other teaching spaces would come into commission.

5 May 1976

Mr W E Bartlett, Head of Physics, would be retiring at the end of the summer term. The Chairman would write on behalf of the Governing body to express thanks for his long service to the school. 

7 Jul 1976

In addition to Mr Bartlett, Mr G J Norman and Mr J A Shelley would also be retiring at the end of the term.

It was still not certain when the new blocks would be ready and awaited a report from the contractors for their programme of works during the holidays.

340 children were expected to join the school in Sep.

There were still grave problems because of the shortage of ancillary staff.

15 Sep 1976 – Special meeting of Governors

The Headmaster Mr Dare presented two confidential reports related to a dispute with the National Association of Schoolmasters in the summer.  The Governors confirmed unanimously the action taken by the Headmaster in suspending 9 members of the teaching staff for refusing to teach the timetable drawn up for the autumn term.

A further meeting would take place on 20 Sep 1976 to agree final actions related to the suspension of these members of staff.

6 Oct 1976

No finances were available for security of the site.

The County would allocate an additional 1,935 hours per year to Technical Assistance.

The new science, admin and arts blocks were working satisfactorily.

The old GS craft shop and the RSLA blocks were out of commission for remodelling until half term. All 3 temporary classrooms arrived in good time and were in use.

Governors had been informed about the sad episode of the timetable dispute and the revised timetable came into force on 27 Sep.  As a result of the dispute, the Head was reviewing consultative procedures and communications within the school.

It was intended to reinforce the uniform regulations more firmly in the year. 

1 Dec 1976

Numbers on the roll: 984 boys, 789 girls, total 1,773.

Operation of the general teaching block was delayed because furniture did not arrive in time to teaching is now back in the RSLA blocks.

The former GS now called Abbotsham Road block has been evacuated to allow extensive remodelling to take place. 

Rugby teams at U12, U13, U14, U15, U16 and 1^st XV have been fielded regularly, but results have been mixed. 

The retirement of Mr Bartlett and Mr Norman in July 1976, represented the last direct link with the former BGS Masters.