In 1949 I entered a school in the Midlands (strict uniform policy and no eating in the street) as a result of passing the ‘11-plus’.
There were still a few girls in the sixth form who referred to us disparagingly as ‘scholarship girls’ although of course they were the last of those who had entered as the fee-paying pupils.
The school still had a fee-paying prep school, although very few of its pupils came to the High School.
At some point in my career, I found a copy of the school magazine, with an article written by the headmistress, who resigned because of the implications of the 1944 Education Act.
I remember being horrified by the vitriolic language she used – the term ‘this misguided government’ lingered long in my memory.
However, I also recall her speaking at prize-giving one year and being very interesting and encouraging.
I know many staff continued to visit her at her retirement home in Worcestershire.
Josephine Mander (via email)
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