Morecambe primary school looking for help to fill in 125 years of school history

With the motto “Where Learning is for Life”, Sandylands Primary School has built a reputation for inspiring consistency, cohesion and self-confidence.

But most parents and pupils don’t realise it all began 125 years ago this month.

To celebrate, pupils have been experiencing lessons 1901-style, including dressing-up, as well as receiving their own commemorative satchel complete with their own slate and chalk!

 “The school was much smaller then, with just over 100 children compared to over 400 today,” said head Penny Lupton.

“But our pupils have the benefit of 63 staff, many times what they had then! Divided into infants and juniors, the youngest children were referred to as the ‘baby's class’!”

 First opening on a temporary site on Sefton Road while a dedicated facility was built, the school moved to its permanent Hampton Road home in 1904, with early years annexes added in the 1950s, 80s and 90s.

Penny was working as a teaching assistant at the school 25 years ago when, to mark its centenary, she decided to delve into its history and co-write a book.

Now, as the school approaches its 125th anniversary, she is looking to expand on that history and is calling on anyone with past connections to the school to get in touch.

 “Sadly, we can’t talk directly to people like Mr McGregor, our head for the first 18 years, or Miss Marshall, who is listed as being in charge of standards” said Penny.

“But we know there are generations who have come through our wonderful school, with mementoes including end of year photos and exercise books, as well as lots of memories.

“So, we’re drawing up a ‘family tree’ of the school and looking for names and stories to fill it.”

 Aiming to celebrate the oldest people who remember attending Sandylands, the longest linked generations of pupils, and those now living furthest afield (current contenders include South Africa and New Zealand), all memories and memorabilia from past pupils and previous generations will be enthusiastically received.

One famous discovered alumnus so far is racing motorcyclist John McGuinness - who knows who else?

While they might not recognise recent initiatives including feel good breakfasts, creative lessons, a pupil-designed eco-garden and even a choir appearance on ITV, Mr McGregor and his original staff would surely be proud of Sandylands 125 years on and the collaboration to create a lasting, living school family tree.

“It’s about human connection down the years,” says Penny, whose own mother taught at the school.

“Our Year 6 teacher, Angela Cokell, was a pupil here, so the children have been interviewing her about what school life was like in the ‘olden times’! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could trace a local family right back to 1901?”

To help bring Sandylands’ heritage to life and enrich future generations, if you have memories, photos and books to share or tales to tell, call 01524 410286 or email [email protected]