Grammar school boys of 1920s

THIS week’s Archive Corner photo shows a class of boys at King Edward VI Grammar School in Retford.

It probably dates from the 1920s.

It’s interesting to note how all the pupils are giving their undivided attention to the teacher sitting in front of them, who appears to be pointing a pen at them.

There is another teacher standing near the back who seems to be observing.

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The rows of wooden desks have piles of books on them and there are maps on the walls.

All the pupils are dressed smartly with polished shoes and the teachers are wearing robes.

King Edward VI Grammar School, on London Road, was founded during that king’s reign in 1551, although its original foundation can be traced further back to Thomas Gunthorpe of Babworth in 1519.

Boarders were accepted at the school from at least the 17th century onwards, and the last ones left in 1938.

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The school magazine was called The Retfordian and the school motto was Ex Pulvere Palma, loosely translated as the rewards of victory arise from the earth.

In later years the school’s senior houses were Edward, Foljambe, Gough, and Overend and the junior houses were Bescoby, Darrell, Laycock, and Mason, all named after school benefactors.

If you have any old school photos you would like to share please get in touch.

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