St Philip's provides great history lesson!

ST PHILIP’S Church of England School has seen plenty of change in its 130 year history, but is now looking forward to life as ‘a school for the 21st Century’.

The Hampton Road primary has changed shape dramatically in the intervening time and is calling on all ex-pupils to make contact before a balloon launch on January 8 marks the beginning of a £500,000 investment in the future.

Although it was formed in 1876, the foundation stone of the present school building wasn’t laid until May 1 1893, by the largest landowner in the area, Charles Scarisbrick.

The development of a centre of learning became necessary as Southport spread and expanded beyond the amenities that were then in place.

Such was demand that, forsaking any notion of political correctness, an inspectors’ report of the time noted: “A new school in an outlying and increasing part of Southport has been erected.

“The infants are backward and show only moderate intelligence.�

Imagine the outcry if such an observation were made today!

But of course it wouldn’t, as the testimony of parents and ex-pupils makes clear.

George Whalley attended St Philip’s between 1940-1947 and his strongest memories range from the slates used as notebooks, to swimming lessons in Victoria Baths and the occasional caning if you stepped out of line.

George, who went on to work in insurance, said: “I remember we used to have to write with white chalk on a slate.

“There would be about 40 of us, and only 20 or 30 of the slates were smooth and the remaining 10 were rough.

“There would be a rush to get in early to make sure you got a smooth slate because it was so hard forming letters on the rough ones.�

He fondly remembers his involvement in shows and particularly the Christmas pantomime, but gave a sharp reminder of how strict schooling, and the headmaster, was just 60 years ago.

“We got the cane from Mr Rimmer for fighting and would be brought out and whacked on the hand in front of the rest of the school.

“We wouldn’t do that again!�

Today’s headmaster, Mr Johnson is certainly cut from different cloth, and the school try to foster an environment that delivers young people who are “happy, well-rounded, successful and fulfilled�.

An aim parent of two current pupils and one ex-pupil, Shelley Hughes believes they achieve.

She added: “It’s such a friendly school and really gives them confidence.�