Town had lots of grammars
STOCKPORT once had a lot of grammar schools, not just the Stockport Grammar School founded by Edmund Shaa in 1487.
They were places where, if you were lucky enough to pass your 11 plus exam, you were sent wearing an outsized spanking new uniform to begin your climb in ‘social mobility.’
At least that was the theory.
Most of you reading this article probably didn’t. By far the majority who took the exam were sent to secondary modern schools, and younger readers will have benefited from the comprehensive school system.
I scraped through my 11 plus, yet the first school inspection revealed that I couldn’t even spell ‘grammar’ correctly (I put one ‘m’).
The biggest difference I noticed between my schooling and that of my carefree friends, who didn’t pass, was that they had more spare time. While I got through several hours’ homework every night (the slipper next day was an alternative) they rushed about the street playing football and yelling happily. In the end they stopped calling for me.
In addition to Stockport Grammar School our town still has Cheadle Hulme School and pupils at both are described as ‘outstanding.’
In the past Stockport’s less well-heeled bright boys went to Stockport School at Mile End, on passing the 11 plus, and there were other grammar schools at Bramhall High School, Fylde Lodge GS for girls Heaton Mersey, Marple Hall School and Offerton High School for girls.
I went to Audenshaw Grammar, Tameside – then a predominantly industrialised working class area.
Now, in an era when many pupils leave our modern enlightened school system still unable to read, write or do simple arithmetic, I am not going to criticise the old grammar school system, which did help many to gain better lives and opportunity.
A pupil schooled at home was asked recently what he found difficult on his return to school. He replied that it was the poor behaviour of fellow pupils, their lack of desire to learn and lack of respect for teachers. Somehow this issue has to be addressed.
Stockport Heritage Magazine was started nearly 30 years ago by two founder members of Stockport Heritage Trust with the aim of interesting people in the heritage and history of our borough. It still sells through newsagents, bookshops and online.
Visit stockportheritagemagazine.co.uk where you can browse back copies.