Celebrating 60 Years!

n Wednesday 9^th November The Coleshill School was pleased to welcome the return of the Headmaster and ten special former pupils who had started their time at Coleshill Grammar School 60 years ago in the autumn of 1956!

This was a significant year in the school’s history as it saw the school relocated from the building it had occupied on Church Hill since the sixteenth century to its present site on Coventry Road.  It was also the first occasion that girls were admitted to the school since Tudor times.

Tom Wilson, Headteacher from 1956 to 1983, now aged 96, commented  “When the school opened in 1956 it was still being built and there were just 10 classrooms in use.  It took almost 2 years for building to be completed”.

During a very pleasant afternoon the former students enjoyed a tour of the school led by prefects from Year 11, a chat with present students and an excellent celebratory tea prepared by members of the Sixth Form.

Dr Watkins brought in school memorabilia and gave a very interesting talk to the group about the school’s history.

Jim Haddon, former student commented “It has been a wonderful afternoon, we have all re-lived happy memories at this school.  I remember the day that Kennedy got shot, we were receiving our A Level results in the Hall!”

Ian Smith-Childs, Headteacher said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom Wilson, Headmaster and those former students of the school who entered the first year in 1956.  We are especially pleased that so many were able to join us to celebrate the 60^thanniversary of the school moving here”.