Landmarks and Points of Interest

In 1912 the first name on the pupil register was that of Norman Ainsworth of Bury New Road, Heywood.

Homework diaries, which had to be signed by parents, were introduced in 1923. The same year brought the first acts of vandalism to affect the School, and police notices were posted " warning persons against the improper use of the premises". This did not reflect badly on the School, as the culprits were believed to be revellers who had enjoyed a drink after a day at the market, which was then still adjacent to the School.

The dire state of the national economy at that time, when the Board of Education was raising the spectre of closure, is illustrated by the declaration which all teachers had to sign:

"I consent to your deducting from the gross salary payable to me, under the full operation of the appropriate Burnham scales, during the financial year beginning 1st April 1923, a sum equal to five per cent of such salary, in accordance with the arrangements made between the two panels of each of the Burnham Committees, as a contribution towards the financial necessities of the Nation and the Local Authorities".

The School obtained its first telephone in 1929, although it was only an extension line to the switchboard in the Municipal Buildings.

In 1931 School Record Books replaced report forms, and continued in use throughout the life of the School. As well as an academic record of progress, they also recorded details of such things as the pupil's height and weight each term.

Jack Allan Thorn became the first former pupil to join the teaching staff when he was appointed in 1947, although Audrey Smith had become a non-teaching member of staff in 1937.

In December 1947 the School War Memorial, in the form of a lectern, was dedicated by the Rector of Heywood. The first man named on the Roll of Honour was Norman Ainsworth, the first pupil to be registered at the school. He had been killed in the First World War. The other names were: