About Oldbury Grammar School
Moat Road, Oldbury.
Oldbury Grammar School Description
Oldbury Grammar School originally opened as Oldbury County High School in 1926, [2] situated next to Barnford Hill Park in Langley Green following the transfer of Oldbury Secondary School, founded in 1904, from Flash Road, Oldbury. In 1944, following the new Education Act, the County High, originally co-opting its location within Worcestershire, became Oldbury Grammar School.
In 1929, local glass artists Tom Stokes and Bill Pardoe created a window for Oldbury Grammar's main school hall as a memorial to the Old Boys of the school who died in the 1914 war. It consists of eight lights with the allegorical figures of Justice, Courage and Fortitude and with extracts from the story of the Peloponnesian War, specially selected by Mr Willis Bond, that great figure in Worcestershire education of those days. Around the same time, money was raised for a multi-pipe church-style organ. "I Vow To Thee My Country" became a regular fixture of morning assembly.
The school motto was Cresco (I Grow) and former Grammar school pupils are known as "Old Cresconians".
Serving a mainly working class area, the school acted as a bridge to University education and a career in the professions. A thriving Sixth Form, lost when the school changed to a comprehensive in 1974, saw many pupils attain sufficient quality A levels to attend Russell Group universities and gain social mobility.
A history of Oldbury Grammar School 1904-1974 was written by former history teacher at the school Mr A. A. L Pearce and published in 1979. [3]
As a selective Grammar with open entry dictated only by academic ability at 11 + rather than the ability to afford school fees, the school not only promoted similar levels of academic excellence to that of private schools but adopted many of their trappings including a House system, winter and summer school uniform (which included distinctive striped blazers and straw boater hats for girls) and a school song which drew on the working class roots of the area.
Comprehensive
Reviews
From Sue Carberry Hi everyone! I joined this page in the vain hope that someone might remember me and be able to help with my quest. However, I only recognise one name and that's Rob Murthwaite who was in my class. So, hi Rob! I was at the school from 1962 - 1969 and my name was Sue Morris. I had a friend named Jane Clarke who was at the school from 1965 -1967. Her father, Leslie, was an English teacher at the school at the same time. They left in 1967 to live in New Zealand ...and Jane and I lost touch. I've been trying to trace the family but with no luck. Is there anyone on here who remembers us and / or knows Jane or her whereabouts? I'm sure this is a complete long shot especially as this page doesn't appear to be very active! Still, I can only try!
Best wishes
Sue
See More
Just a note to wish all Cresconians young and old all the very best at Christmas, and a prosperous New Year.
This week I've been in touch with an old friend I last saw in 1976 at Crocketts Lane College and was a good mate during my days at OGS, Peter Murthwaite. Great to chat and reminisce about the old days. :)
Messaged photo by Scrumpy Apperley, (I assume not their real name :) ) Lovely keepsake nonetheless
Just passing the old school site, and took a peek through the gates. I must say the new build is looking impressive, and appears to be on the same footprint as the old school. Time will tell if it will live up to being anywhere near what it replaced.
This is a photo of the OGS site taken today 7th March 2016 by a local resident.Apparently it will be a no expense spared academy for the area with up to the minute facilities and technology. (Photo courtesy of Stefan Jurczak.)
From Chris Jones 6 January 18:01 Hi, Can anyone on here help me. I'm interested to find out current where-a-bouts of a teacher who worked here before, after and certainly during 1984-1989. His name....Fred Pratt and he taught Maths and IT. I knew him for several years after i left the school but lost contact with him. He lived in Dudley area and loved painting often combining religion with his art. Does anyone know what happened to him ? Thx
Colourful Stained glass window with the dedication plaque, followed by the commemorative plaques from two world wars.
Sad photos from Most Road on Olbury, Langley and Warley local history page......no explanation required. :(
From Lynda Sutton: Hi guys. Update for you all. The last few weeks the contractors have been removing all the asbestos. Monday starts the demolition process of the school. The only part that will be saved is the Sports Hall. All the rest will be demolished. The dome cannot be saved as the plaster posts have perished and the dome is made of wood and doesn't actually fit together well. 2016 will see the first 120 new intake at the new academy and 2017 a further 120. Then building to 240 per year. At least it will be a school facility on that site
Aerial view, courtesy Google maps. (Just in case they find out..... ;) )
Photos courtesy of Kully Kaur, taken on Friday 17th April 2015, on what was the final option for a chance to visit the school buildings that are safe, prior to demolition....sad. :(
To clarify, the planned final chance to tour parts of the old school has been arranged by a local history page. I have merely shared the details as shared to me so unfortunately I cannot answer questions regarding details.I can only suggest those interested call the phone number to reserve your place. ;)
IMPORTANT READ MY PREVIOUS POST IF YOU WISH TO SEE THE SCHOOL PRIOR TO DEMOLITION.....LAST CHANCE IS THIS FRIDAY 17TH APRIL.
Anyone know what happened to the preserved specimens in jars from Ernie Swains classroom? There were several embryos at differing stages of development, and the one I liked most, the rabbit dissected and injected with red and blue dye to highlight the cardiovascular system. They were antiques back then, must be worth a few bob now. :)
If the old school does get demolished, it will be replaced apparently by a new school/academy which it is said would benefit the community. I suggested to the conservation officer at SMBC that it may be a good idea to incorporate the original stained glass, along with the war memorial plaques of the 'old Boys' lost in the wars within the new build? At least some of the school would remain in it's original location along with the memory of those souls who attended the school there..........
The window and bronze plaques were installed at Oldbury Academy Pound Road a good while ago for those not aware following their restoration. http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/…/100877 50.Historic_Great_W…/