Schools out!!! April 2021

[Wrench]

May I asked if you got into the main building through the roof? Unfortunately when I went to this place they was no easy access to the main building

Ayup, no I'm to old and fat for roof access

 

[Wrench]

Great pics Tbolt! Really enjoyed this report like the school tie with the ivy covered background shot, excellent stuff

Thank you .
It was ok this place

 

[SPEXTC]

History stolen (from some chap on another less salubrious area of the intenet)
​

This former Grammar School, once known for its strict discipline and impressive clock tower was built in 1931, officially opening on 16th April, 1932. The school’s moto was 'Per Laborem Ad Honorem' meaning “In his effort to honour”. After nearly four decades as a grammar school, it then merged with the adjacent Secondary Modern School to become a Comprehensive School. New buildings were added and although it re-opened as a comprehensive in October 1967, it wasn’t until 1974 that it became truly comprehensive and the former grammar students had left.

After a decade or two with business as usual, a couple of things in the noughties painted the school in a less than flattering light. The first were several years of underperformance as evidenced by unsatisfactory and inadequate Ofsted reviews of the school (2004 – unsatisfactory, 2006 – inadequate). Sandwiched in between these reports, in October 2007, a science teacher at the school, was arrested and cautioned by police for possession of the wrong type of chemicals, i.e. crack cocaine. Despite being found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in April 2009, he kept his job as the then Head Teacher considered him to be an “excellent role model”! As it should be in my opinion

In January 2010, partially due to its poor performance, it was converted into a ‘sponsored’ academy . A £10.9 Million investment plan ensued from the 'Building Schools for the Future' programme and new education facilities were built nearby, and gradually the Old Grammar School building fell out of use. After finally closing in 2012, Academy board directors looked to demolish the old building, including the clock tower, to make way for more newbuilds. Predictably, this was vehemently opposed by locals, and the plans were refused. Since then, the academy has been sealed up and left empty. On 9th February, 2017, a fire broke out at the school but fortunately three fire engines were in attendance and the fire quickly extinguished and minimal damage was caused. The school’s future now hangs in the balance.

Explore

Being as this is basicaly on a live site the camera on the building was not really much of a shock but whether it works or not is a different matter, entry was quick though so we didn't worry too much.

Although the classrooms are mostly stripped the building itself is nice and has some nice features I thought, so Porky Pig and myself spent probably a good hour or so in the place.

Loved this little climbing wall

I rather liked this little place and it was a nice start seeing as I aint been anywhere since August 2020

7/10 from me
thanks for looking.
​

Did this Saturday 1st May around about 3pm. We were in a good hour and a half but after seeing 2 youths carrying hammers we decided to exit. It was then that 20 + youths entered. They ran when we whistled at them but we did have a confrontation with them on exit when they realised we were not Police or Security. I fear the worst for this building. I was going to put the explore on here but you covered it perfectly

 

[SPEXTC]

Nice in here, I may do a revisit as no-one seems to of cracked the clocktower ;-)
Great pics there

Roof tiles are missing at the clock tower and water damage has made the ceiling look weak and feeble (lay tings showing). Clock Tower with mechanism must weigh a fair bit. You need a big ladder to get up to the tiny hatch. Be careful sir.

 

[Wrench]

Did this Saturday 1st May around about 3pm. We were in a good hour and a half but after seeing 2 youths carrying hammers we decided to exit. It was then that 20 + youths entered. They ran when we whistled at them but we did have a confrontation with them on exit when they realised we were not Police or Security. I fear the worst for this building. I was going to put the explore on here but you covered it perfectly

Bloody kids!!!
Thanks it was a good little mooch

 

[Wrench]

Roof tiles are missing at the clock tower and water damage has made the ceiling look weak and feeble (lay tings showing). Clock Tower with mechanism must weigh a fair bit. You need a big ladder to get up to the tiny hatch. Be careful sir.

I'd agree