Winton High School

The following is a reproduction of a program entitled Winton Senior Council School, Official Opening. It is reprinted by kind permission of Mrs. Jenny Kenneston, niece of Mrs. Margaret Williams (Lees) who was a 14 year old pupil at the time of the school opening.

WINTON SENIOR COUNCIL SCHOOL
OFFICIAL OPENING
by
Mr. KENNETH M. LINDSAY, MP
Parliamentary secretary to the Board of Education
TUESDAY, 28th JUNE, 1938
at 2:45 p.m.

The Education Committee		Mr. Kenneth M. Linsay, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education.
Chairman : Alderman George G. Senior, O.B.E., J.P., C.C. Vice-Chairman : Alderman J.H.Chapman, J.P. Chairman of the Sites and Building Sub-Committee : Councillor Albert A.J.Trippier. The Mayor : Alderman George Hiley.
Alderman E.Hallsworth, J.P. " J.K.Walker, J.P. Councillor Mrs Hayes " Mrs. Higgins " Mrs. Kemball " J.Peters " J.S.Speakman, M.B.E.	Miss D.M.Brison, B.A. Mrs. W.H.Lumb, M.A. Mr. R.Arbuthnott Mr. D.Davies Mr. H.Hodson Mr. A.S.Reid, J.P. Mr. J.W.Snelson
County Councillor F.H.Dodd Town Clerk and Clerk to the Local Education Authority: Arthur V.Ridgway Secretary for Education: H.J.Bailey Architects: Messrs. Biram & Fletcher, FF.R.I.B.A., St. Helens General Contractors: Messrs. Jonathan Partington, Ltd., Middleton Junction.
Clerk of Works: P.Whalley	Contractors' Agent: Wm.Hampshire

Staff of the School

Boys' Department Headmaster: Mr. C.S.Adams. B.A.
Mr. V.D.Boothman Mr. J.G.Davies Mr.N.Gunn, B.Sc. Mr. G.C.Hardy, B.Sc. Mr. E.Howgate, B.Sc.
Mr. S.G.Jones Mr. L.Lowe Mr. J.G.Mackie Mr. D.W.Richardson Mr. G.A.Robinson, B.A.
Mr. N.S.Stephen

Girls' Department Headmistress: Miss E.D.Williams, B.A.
Miss C.M.Ellison Miss F.J.H.Hannam Miss K.Healey Miss A.Marks Miss M.Nevitt Mrs. B.Olsfield (Temo)	Miss W.M.Owen Mrs. M.P.Rogers (Temp) Miss M.E.Ward Miss D.M.Westbrook Miss J.Westbrook Miss H.B.Whitaker

Reorganization of primary education in Eccles, on the lines of the Hadow report of 1926, is being dealt with in four sections;

The Winton, Monton, Patricroft and Peel Green Area.
The Eccles Area.
The Church of England Schools.
The Roman Catholic Schools

The opening of the Winton Senior Council School marks the virtual completion of the first section of the Committee's program, and it is hoped the whole of the program will be completed by the end of 1940.
The site of 5½ acres was purchased in the early months of 1931 and great hopes were entertained for an early start on the building. This anticipation had a short life however; in the autumn of that year the Government issued a strict economy appeal and so all thoughts of expenditure on the erection of a large building such as this senior school had to be relegated to the background.
It was not until 1934 that the Committee were able to make a forward move again. Messrs. Biram & Fletcher of St. Helens, were appointed architects, and building operations were begun on 9th November, 1935.
The building was completed and furnished by the end of March, 1938, and opened for instruction on Monday, 4th April, 1938.
The school holds the distinction of being the first public elementary school in the country to be erected with a separate and fully equipped gymnasium.
Playing fields of 7½ acres extent have been acquired for the use of the school, nearby between winton Park and the L.M.&S. Liverpool - Manchester railway.
The accommodation of the school is 720, in two departments :- Boys 360, and Girls 360
Costs:

Site of School (5½ acres) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Building, etc. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Furniture and equipment -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Playing fields (7½ acres) purchase, leveling, etc. --

£1,574
£28,900
£4,600
£2,623

£47,697

The building is planned round a large quadrangle, with the Boys' Department on one side and the Girls' Department on the other.
The main block has two storeys, the ground floor containing the Headmaster's and Headmistress's rooms on either side of the Main Entrance Hall. The Medical Officer's room also is off this hall. The remainder of the ground floor of the main block contains the boy's Woodworking and Metalworking rooms, girl's Domestic Science rooms, Craft rooms, Staff rooms and Cloakrooms.
The first floor of this block accommodates the Art rooms, Science rooms and Craft rooms.
Separate Assembly Halls form the north and south sides of the building. each hall has a cinema projection chamber which will house Sound Film Projectors. A radio gramophone also is installed in each hall.
The classrooms, which face west, are fitted with sliding windows, so that the whole of one side of each room may be thrown open. Vita glass is fitted in the windows. Between the two blocks of classrooms is the gymnasium, with shower baths and separate dressing rooms.
On the quadrangle side of the gymnasium is the Dining Room and Kitchen, which for the time being is used for the preparation and serving of dinners under the Committee's scheme for provision of free meals for necessitous children.
The school is heated by two Spencer Bonecourt Gas fired Boilers, and the Domestic Hot water Supply is also from a small boiler of the same make.
Ample accommodation has been provided for the storage of apparatus, equipment and stationary, and in addition two large Wardian Cupboards, with south-west aspect, have been provided for use in connection with the Biology syllabus.
The class change bells are of different tones for each department to avoid confusion, and the fire alarm is of the siren type.

Contractors
General Contractors --- Messrs. Jonathan Partington, Ltd., Middleton Junction, Manchester

Sub-Contractors

Artificial Stone ---------------------------
Asphalt Flats -----------------------------
Cloakroom Fittings ----------------------
Collapsible Gates ------------------------
Concrete Reinforcement ---------------
Cycle Storage Sheds --------------------
Domestic Hot Water Installation ----
Door Furniture ---------------------------
Drinking Fountains ---------------------
Electric Lighting Fittings --------------
Electrical Installation -------------------
Fire Fighting Appliances --------------
Fireplaces ----------------------------------
Fireproof Doors --------------------------
Foundation Stone &
Opening Commemoration Stone -----
Gas Fired Boilers -------------------------
Heating Installation ---------------------
Lantern Lights and Patent Glazing ---
Painting ------------------------------------
Paint -----------------------------------------
Paint (Gloss Paint) -----------------------
Plastering ----------------------------------
Plumbing -----------------------------------
Railings and Gates -----------------------
Rod Gearing -------------------------------
Sanitary Fittings -------------------------
Sliding Windows ------------------------
Steel Windows ---------------------------
Wood Block and Maple Floors ------

Christie Patent stone Co., Stretford.
Charles Seaglem, Warrington.
Alfred Brown & Co., Birmingham.
Hughes & Ellison Ltd., Liverpool.
British Reinforced Concrete Co., Ltd., Stafford.
Parker, Winder & Achurch, Manchester.
G.N.Haden & Sons, Manchester.
Quiggin Brothers, Ltd., Liverpool.
J. & R.Howie, Ltd., Kilmarnock.
General Electrical Co., Ltd., Liverpool.
John Hunter & Co. Ltd., Liverpool.
John Morris & Sons, Ltd., Salford.
E.A.Clark, Ltd., Liverpool.
Dreadnought Fireproof Door Co., London.

A. & H.Patterson & Son, Manchester.
Town Gas Boilers (Bonecourt) Ltd., London.
C.Seward & Co., Ltd., Preston.
Mellowes & Co., Ltd., Sheffield.
A.Sharrocks, Rochdale.
Wallpapers Ltd., Datwen (Walpamur). &
Montgomerie Stobo & Co., Ltd., Glasgow.
W.Pickup, Patricroft, Eccles.
R.Heyworth & Sons, Manchester.
Blackburn & Sons, Preston.
W.& R.Leggott, Ltd., Bradford.
Duckett & Sons, Ltd., Burnley.
Educational Supply Association, Stevenage.
Rustproof Metal Windows, Co., Chester.
Earl Castle Flooring Co., Manchester.

Furniture

Cupboards, Cabinets and Chairs ---------------
Curtains and Light-excluding Blinds -----------
Desks --------------------------------------------------
Gas Cooking and Domestic Heating Appliances
Gymnastic equipment ------------------------------
Metalwork Machinery -----------------------------
Pianos --------------------------------------------------
Staffroom Furnishings and Domestic Utencils
Tables, Benches, Blackboards, Stools ..
Notice Boards, Towel Rollers --------------------
Radiator Cowls ---------------------------------------
Vitreous Enamel Name-Plates ---------------------

Kingfisher, Ltd., West Bromwich.
J.Robertshaw & Sons, Winton, Eccles.
Andrew Bentley, Ltd., London.
Salford Corporation Gas Department.
Spencer Heath & George Ltd., Ponders End.
Buck & Hickman, Ltd., London.
Lambert London, London.
W.Fryer & Sons, Ltd., Eccles.

Thomas Bradford & Co., Salford.
R.W.Whittle Ltd., Monton, Eccles.
W.H.Wittle Ltd., Monton, Eccles.

Order Of Proceedings
Opening Hymn: --------------------------------	"All things are Thine: no gifts have we, ....."
Dedicatory Prayer: ----------------------------	The Rev. Graham Christie, B.A Vicar of St. Mary Magdalene, Winton.
Lesson: -------------------------------------------	The Rev. E.J.Ives Minister of the Eccles Wesley Methodist Church.
Chairman's Remarks: --------------------------	Alderman George G.Senior, O.B.E., J.P., C.C. (Chairman of the Education Committee).
On behalf of the General Contractors and the Architects, Mr. L.B.Fletcher, A.R.I.B.A. will ,make a presentation to the opener.
Address by Mr. Kenneth M.Linsay, M.P.:	Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education.
Vote of Thanks to the Opener: -------------	To be moved by The Mayor (Alderman G.Hiley). and Seconded by Alderman Chapman.
Vote of Thanks to the Chairman: ----------	To be moved by Alderman Hallsworth and seconded by Mr.A.Stodart Reid.
Benediction: -------------------------------------	The Rev. Graham Christie, B.A.
National Anthem

The school had the distinction of being the first public elementary school in the country to be fitted with a separate fully equipped gym. The separate assembly, each with a cinema projection room was again another first. A unique feature was the installation of bells with different tones to avoid any confusion and a fire alarm was fitted of a siren type. This was also very unique.
It should be noted that records show that Mayoress G.Hiley, Miss L.Hiley, Mr R.A.Carey (Education Committee), and Mr W.S. Mycock, Mayor of Swinton and Pendlebury, were also present although not shown in the above program. Mr G.G. Senior laid the foundation stone in May of 1936.
During the opening Mr. Senior said: "...thanks that the school was situated in a healthy location where fresh and invigorating breezes blew in from the west". This is ironic, due to the fact in the 1970's the school was surrounded by motorways!!
Mr. Lindsay said of the school: "I want to congratulate Eccles on the lead it has given to many Lancashire towns". Thanks were expressed by Mr A.S.Reid, JP (School Governor)
Mr. Charles S.Adams (Charlie) was the first Headmaster of the Boys, and Miss E.D.Williams was the Girls Headmistress.
After Mr Adams (d.Jan.1984) retired in 1961, Mr R.Kane took up the reins until he passed away in 1974. John Goodier, the deputy head then held the fort until Mr Emyr Pierce-Jones (PJ to the kids) filled that position the following year.
An article in the Manchester Evening Chronicle, Thursday 11th July 1963 and on the front page! said "Winton county secondary school is to have a new dining hall and a new kitchen with modern equipment at a cost of £23,751. Mr J.Varley, Divisional educational officer said today that the cost might seem high but this will cover 1500 square feet and will be available for other uses in addition to catering for children at meals - This is a school with close to 900 children"
Sandra Mazur (nee Halliday) recalls a specific day in 1966/67 when the school went co-ed. "The Boys sat on one side and the Girls sat on the other side of the class room" she said. In 1973 the school was part of a reorganization and was renamed Winton High School.
For a glimpse of life as it was in the first few years, please click here. When I received this as an email off Doris Eachus (Green), I could feel the excitement of attending this the New School. Brilliant Doris, I love it. :)
The casual browser to this web site might get somewhat confused as to the Form numbering system used throughout the schools history. Believe me, you cannot be more confused than I am :) Here is my attempt to throw some light on it. From the school opening in 1938, the students attended for 4 years. Each year had 3 forms, H, N and T. School yard scuttle said that the H form, Higher, was for the bright kids, The N for Normal and the T form, Terrible was for the thick kids. If you look around this web site you might find that the T formers were not all that thick after all :)
Within the Archives held at the City of Salford, there is a large collection of documents and photographs transferred after the closure of the school. Many of the photographs and documents are available for access by the public and can be viewed after making arrangements at the Local History Library. Under the reference SM2/LG1 can be found the original, handwritten Boys School Log Book commenced by Mr Adams in 1938. The book contains entries until 1966. There is one entry, handwritten by Mr. Adams, that you may find interesting: Thanks to Eric Heaton for the research and submission of this document.

WINTON SENIOR COUNCIL SCHOOL - LOG BOOK
March 1st 1938: Commenced duty as Headmaster. signed: C.S.Adams.
April 4th: The Winton Senior Council School opened at 9am. for boys and girls, in separate departments, aged 10 years and 8 months upwards.
Staff Boy's School:
Head: Mr C.S.Adams, B.A. Form 1T Mr S.G.Jones Form 1N Mr N.S.Stephen Form 1H Mr G.A.Robinson, B.A. Form 2T Mr D.W.Richardson Form 2N Mr V.D.Boothman Form 2H Mr N.Gunn, B.Sc. Form 3T Mr J.G.Davies Form 3N Mr G.C.Hardy, B.A. Form 3H Mr G.Howgate, B.Sc.
Subjects: Handicrafts: English: Mathematics: History: Geography: Art & Handwork : Music: Science: General Form & Games:	Mr L.Lowe & Mr.Mackie Mr Hardy Mr Gunn Mr Robinson Mr Davies Mr Richardson Mr Stephen Mr Howgate Mr Jones
The children are grouped according to age: 10.8 - 11.8 Form 1 11.8 - 12.8 Form 2 12.8 - 14 Form 3
They are further classed according to ability:
Backward and retarded children. Average Above Average	T forms (Transfer) N forms (Normal) H forms (Higher)
The contributing schools are: # transferred: Westwood Park Council School 88 Monton Green Council School 49 Lewis Street Council School 78 Green Lane Council School 69
All the children from Green Lane School have been transferred here since that school is now closed.
Alderman J.H.Chapman was present at the opening of the school and Alderman Senior and Mr Bailey, Secretary for education, visited the school at 9:30am. Alderman Speakman came in the afternoon.
The School is at present equipped with five classrooms, hall and stage, science room. art room, two handicraft rooms, headmasters room, medical officers room, staff room, stockroom, two cloakrooms for children. teachers' offices etc. A projector room is built in at one end of the hall The boys' and girls' departments share the gymnasium jointly. There are also dressing rooms and showers.
There is a dinning room and kitchen attached to the school for the provision of free meals to necessitous children. 7th April 1938: Intelligence tests given and general tests also commenced.

The whole school was also divided into 4 houses, Ellesmere (yellow), Brindley (green), Trafford (red) and Lindsey (blue). These presented a competitive edge to the school, where house points were handed out for various team or student achievements and were tallied monthly. Whoa! betide any student who lost house points for behavioral misconduct. Now the tricky bit. Although we are not dead sure when the change came, Pat Pedder (Cox) remembers that by 1955, the Girls school had changed their system to;

F - (F)irst year, streamed 1,2,3 and 4
S - (S)econd year, with same streams
T - (T)hird year, same streams. ['1' being the smart kids and '4' the.. err! not so smart] Now because we already had an 'F' for first year, the fourth year became 'T' - plus the career option
T41, T42 etc. and an extra one for a general career choice H4. G4 for those who left at Christmas of the year they entered 4th Form.
Fifth Form were usually T41 that went on to do GCE's

Uhmm! and we thought that was tricky. After the Grand Reunion in April, 2003 I received class photos indicating the existence of yet more Form designation letters. June Hall (Blakemore) produced Forms J3 and M2 from 1952 and1953 respectively. Nancy Beales with Forms J4 and M3 in 1954 and 1955, with yet another from Maureen Jones (Child) with a class photo of Form M4 1956. If anyone can throw light on these and tell us when this series started, finished and why! we would really appreciate it.

Now it appears that the Boys stayed with the old system until about 1964 when, according to Wayne Dixon and Bob Gooch the following was adopted;

First Year: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Second Year: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
Third Year: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5
Fourth Year, Exam: 4E1, 4E2, 4E3
Fourth Year, Non Exam: G1, G2
Fifth Year: 51, 52

Note: Wayne adds that the first three years were unstreamed, but we were all rearranged for Math and English classes only in to new groups 1 through 5. Group 1 being the highest.

Miss D. Williams retired as Headmistress.

Now for sometime after the great reorganization of 1973, the whole school, it was co-ed now, changed to a new system of 5 competitive levels, with one of 5 academic grade levels applied to each student. The following shows the competitive structure.

First year was: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5
Second year: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 and so on until the ....
Fifth year: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5

The academic grade levels applied to the above were designated the letters W, N, T, S and H.

W was Top for extra education curriculum with O levels.
N was similar to W but needed more help.
T was average offering O level and CSE
S required more concentrated tutoring.
H offered a basic education in reading, writing and math.

After a number of quite bitter meetings between the education department and local parents the students were dispersed to Ellesmere Park and Eccles Church of England High Schools and it closed it's doors to new students in 1987. Joanne Baxter remembers this period well. "I was in the last graduating class at Winton. We were not moved to the other schools as it would be to much of an upheaval, so they let us finish our school days here. It was great fun being the only year in the building. We graduated in 1989 and the gates were closed for good." In 1993 it was bought for £600,000 by Beezer Homes and razed to make way for 50 houses, but the spirit lives on stronger than ever.
This Web Page is an attempt to locate as many students as possible, be a focal point for 'finding old friends', organizing reunions and to publish Wintonian history, facts and memories. Yea! and maybe make a few smiles or a few tears along the way. Where are they now? What are they doing? Come one, come all, lets hear from you eh!
Note: I would like this section to be an accurate historic account of the school. If you see an error or have further information, dates etc that will go towards completion of this narrative, please email Ernie.

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