Marget Dorman (b.1915)

Few people stayed on after the age of 14. Most had to find a job and earn some money. I never did take to school life…I were glad to leave. They were very strict in those days you know, very strict. You know St. Mary’s church, that’s the school, near it. I was there ’til I was 13 then they moved us up to the council school. Today the children aren’t frightened of the teachers are they, yet we were, we were scared to death! Whether it was because of nervous disposition or not, but they held us in place you know. There’s not enough discipline today is there?

Hinckley Grammar School
(Now Mount Grace, viewed from Leicester Road)

Francis Laker

I first went to school, Trinity School, where the Leisure Centre is. That closed down and this (Westfield’s) was built and we came here, 1933. Miss Brown downstairs in the Infant school, Miss Everett and Miss Jones. Up here was Miss Greenwood at the end, Miss Sharp, Miss Harris. Then she left and Mr Beazley came and Mr. Simpkins. I loved it here, it was grand. I didn’t like the council school for girls up Eleanor Road – too strict. Well, probably we deserved it – talking in class, standing in the corner, making a blot on your paper, I had the cane for that.

We never had school uniforms – we couldn’t afford it if we had. If you paid and went to the Grammar School you had the uniform or private schools but otherwise no. And you always had to have your hands inspected every morning to see if your nails were clean – turn them over – if you didn’t you’d have a rap on the knuckles, shoes clean. I don’t know, I think it learnt you respect, take care of yourself.