Kettering Grammar School

We're delighted to have the Old Cytringanians using the Museum's Community corner this month- September 2013. Don't miss it, the display changes over to our next installment at the end of the month! http://www.kettering.gov.uk/info/100009/leisure_and_culture/1519/community_corner

Am I really the first former pupil to contribute?

I was a member of the Satellite Tracking Group run by Geoff Perry and witnessed the decline of the Grammar School after it’s conversion to a ‘Comprehensive’ one. A very sad loss to the town. The Rothwell Road school building has been demolished as have the Gold Street and Windmill Avenue ones. There was, apparently, even a threat to demolish the Bowling Green Road building?

Former Grammar School pupils may be interested in this upcoming talk at the Friends of Kettering Art Gallery and Museum March 2014 Meeting?

Where: Alfred East Art Gallery
When: Thursday 20 March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £3 per person, free to Friends Members. Available on the door, no advance booking required.

Maurice Bayes gives a brief history of the Kettering Grammar School and Barbara Lewis presents and compares the history of Kettering High School for Girls. Both discuss the post war changes to education, the end of grammar schools in Kettering, and memorable moments of the 50s and 60s school days.

Attended KGS from 1956 to 61 in Bowling Green Rd, with the then science block in Windmill Ave used a few afternoons a week. Jake Dudley was headmaster with Weeky Woods deputy head. Teachers were Chip Mandale, Tarzan Cowell, Whacker Wilson, Tom Cork, Troll, Jock Brown, Johnny Larcombe, Gus Phillips, Cluck Mclusky, Muffin Mule, Tump Thompson, Perry, Sos Slater, Biff Smith, Ted Roberts, Greenwood and others I am sure other pupils of that era can add to.

I was at KGS from 1971 to 1976. The remarkable John Stein was Headmaster and Tarzan Cowell was second in command. It might have been selective but the strict regime and search for excellence are elements sadly missing now. Teachers I remember: 'Stick' (Physics), Mr Barker (RE), 'Bogie' Burgess (English), Mr Burden (French). Looking back brings out some good memories. At school: having art lessons while 'Moth' tested his polystyrene jet, hiding in the cloakroom during break time, singing silly rhymes during morning assembly, skiving from country running in Wicksteeds Park. Some fantastic school trips: Tutankhamun, county shows, day trip to Calais, Derby works to see the Flying Scotsman to quote a few. I bombed out after the 5th year, but  a couple of characters (Mr Needle and a mathematics teacher I cannot remember his name) at the school inspired me back to education and all turned out well.

I was at KGS from 1953 to 1956. I can add a few more teachers names to Raw Hide's list. Mr Ward(English), Mighty Joe Young(French), Beaky Laywood(Maths), Mr Adkins(PE) and Reggie Gladden(Biology). I went from KGS to a school in Malta run by the RN. I remember Mr Brown asking my parents to visit a memorial in Malta on which his brother appeared; he was killed while serving as a pilot with the RAF there. When I received my pilot's wings in 1964 at RAF Church Fenton Jake Dudley was at the passing out parade ! He, of course, was a Battle of Britain pilot. I remember seeing a photo of either a Hurricane or Spitfire behind the desk in his study at school. It partly took my mind off the unpleasant experience of being caned !