Last week saw the return of school children to classrooms across Bucks as part of the Prime Minister’s roadmap to ease lockdown.
With youngsters having spent the best part of a year being home schooled, many were relieved to go back to school and see their friends – and many parents rejoiced at no longer needing to take on the tough task of home schooling.
We asked members of our We Grew Up in Wycombe group on Facebook to share their memories of secondary school life – and we were not disappointed.
More than 85 readers responded, with many fondly remembering their school days.
Bobbie Gristwood, who went to Wycombe High, said: “Favourite memories – the wonderful friendships which endure to this day, and the fun we had. Talking to boys over the fence and being told off for it,” while Ann Scott commented: “[I went to] Lady Verney, I loved all the sport that I did and the many friends I had, and still keep in touch with after 60 years.”
Lesley Wood recalled studying at the once-notorious Hatters Lane School – now The Highcrest Academy – which was once known as ‘the prison on the hill’. Many readers who studied there said the best part about it was “leaving”.
She wrote: “I think our year was the first to do CS [computer science]. Mr Hatt taught us and, from memory, it bears little resemblance to computers today, but I can do a flow chart.”
Geoffrey Hill said he went to Netherwood School, opposite the cricket ground in London Road, and then when it moved to West Wycombe, while Martin Hemming joked: “Another prison on the hill goer.
“Best memories [include] smoking ciggies in the groundsman shed with the groundsman (a few of us), art with Mr Eade (RIP) and leaving in ’83.”
ALSO READ: The pub beer gardens you can't wait to revisit after lockdown ends
Jennifer Darvill-Saunders remembered the “best teacher of all [her] school days”, a Mr West at Lady Verney, with Ann Scott agreeing, saying: “I was in his form for two years, the best teacher ever.”
Jennifer added: “I was there from 63-69 and if you were seen in out of the school grounds in uniform not wearing the dreaded hat you would be forced to wear it while eating your lunch.”
Lady Verney was a popular choice for members, with Isabella Adamec saying she “loved it” and Vivienne Green also attending.
Gill Evans, née Burgess, said she “loved” athletics while at Wycombe High from 1965-67, while Dinna Burnett was one of the few readers who said going to Hatters Lane was “the best thing – so many laughs with good friends”.
Zahid Tanvir, who went to Brenchwood School, said he “loved the whole walk to school especially in the snow, nothing stopped us or had any excuse not to go,” while Roger Coates commented: “I left Wellesbourne Secondary School High Wycombe Bucks in 1980.
“Pretty good school, shame it was bulldozed. I was Mrs Tang’s teacher’s pet in physics.”
Wellesbourne was another popular school, with Richard Adamec and Wendy Curtis also singing its praises.
ALSO READ: Looking back at school memories from years gone by
Wendy, who attended the school from 1975-79, wrote: “Great teachers, I had an English teacher who discovered that I couldn’t read properly so spent an hour each lunchtime reading target books (Doctor Who stories).”
Bob White told his triumphant story – he went to Hatters Lane in 1955 and “got bullied because my mum couldn’t afford new shoes, because my dad died when I was three.
“I later became captain of cross-country team, I rose above those people.”
Nigel Draper, who went to Holmer Green Secondary School, said: “My favourite memories [are] just being there amongst some great friends, happy days.”
Cliff Bownes also went to Holmer Green, adding: “I met my wife there and we were in the same year group.”
Elaine Hipgrave said she and all of her family, including her father, nieces and nephews and one of her children, went to Holmer Green, adding: “I wasn’t a lover of schoolwork at the time but [have] lots of fond memories.”
Elizabeth Riley and Paul Reynolds both went to Mill End School, with Elizabeth commenting: “I went to Mill End School [in the] 1950s, left in 1962.
ALSO READ: These are some of your memories of growing up in High Wycombe
“Have not kept in touch with friends from that time. Favourite teachers [were] Miss Edgerley, games, and Mr Woodbridge, English, who tried to introduce me to reading books.
“Also remember Miss Clarke, [the] headmistress, Miss Parry and Miss Maxton.”
Is your secondary school in this list? Share your favourite memories of school life below.
To join We Grew up in Wycombe and share your memories of the area, go to www.facebook.com/groups/688327338498744.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here