HISTORY OF LEIGH SCHOOL
In 2005/6 there was discussion on the web site about the date the new school opened in Leigh, since it was thought that it might have started in 1907. The conclusion at the time was that it was probably built in 1912 and was opened in 1914. Here is some of the evidence as shown on an e-newsletter at the time:
When can the school celebrate its 100th birthday?
Original question:
When did the school move from the old School House opposite the Plough to
its present location? An official (?) history says that it was 1914,
but some think it was 1907.
Click on photo to enlarge
 The old school in the past |
 The old school in recent times |
The Web Master heard from the school, reinforcing the information from Caryl Day who had said
that she had seen evidence that it had been built in 1912.
Adrienne Hayward, the School Secretary, said:
"re. your query about the opening date of
this school. I have unearthed the school log book and in the front is a
handwritten message which says the school was erected in 1912. So we
aren't coming up to our centenary for a few more years yet.
Furthermore, Harriet Hall visited the Surrey History Centre in
Woking and asked about the school's history. She was
told:
"The plans for the building were prepared in
1907, and the first Management Committee of the new school sat in 1913."
Caryl Day discovered a nice snippet that when the school moved the
pupils all marched up in single file from the old school to the new one.
Further evidence has been received from Jean Parker who says:
"I remember
my dad telling me that he started at the 'new school' when he was 7. He
was born in 1908, so it probably did open in 1914. He used to walk from
Mynthurst Farm with George Watson (the late Nobby's brother). They all had shoes
patched with cardboard so by he time they reached the school the cardboard
has worn out. The school mistress at the time used to supply new pieces of
cardboard so they could walk back home!"
click on photo to enlarge
This
photograph, taken in 1987, and probably published in the Dorking
Advertiser, shows Katie Lynch the Headmistress, far left, with
children dressed posing in 1912 costumes. Clearly in 1987 it was
thought that the school opened in 1012, but perhaps that was the year
it was built.
 The new school building in the past |
 Children dress up in the new school |