The early years

1931, Autumn Term

The first edition of The Chronicle was produced on 19th December 1931

Weekly timetable including Saturday morning school, 9am to noon and Wednesday afternoons were reserved for sport.

The school badge is designed by the headmaster. 

1932, Spring term

First house system – the houses were named A, B, C and D, the first house captains respectively were Alan Murray, Peter Ost, John Whitbread and Norman Barber The school’s first public performance took place including a piano solo, recitals in French, one act plays and numbers from the choir and the staff.

1932, Summer term

The first annual athletic sports day is held on Saturday 23rd July 1932

1932, Autumn term

The first Speech Day is held in December 1932.

1933, Summer term

The first school tour abroad to Rhineland.

1933, Autumn term

The school roll reaches 190.

1934, Summer term

The first public exams are sat in the Summer of 1933.

1934, Autumn term 

The school’s first open day – parents could watch current students being taught between 6pm to 8pm

The school roll passes 200 for the first time.

Saturday lessons discontinued with the time given over to sporting activities.

Annex opened above Midland Bank in the High Street to provide temporary classrooms
16th November 1934.

1935, Summer term

In the summer of 1935, pupils went swimming at the Orpington Lagoon.

Work started on the new school buildings at the Crittall’s Corner site.