My First Day

My first day at senior school is imprinted, indelibly, on my memory, but for all the wrong reasons. All because of what was considered suitable clothing for young boys. Walking to school on my first day, I was certain everyone was looking at me, especially my bare knees. In truth, I now realise that most people had better things to do than observe a small boy on his way to school, but if they did, my former school pals did not. They had heard the news about the M-Form uniform and now awaited my arrival with great expectation. The first few days were embarrassing. Things sort of settled down after that. I and my M-form mates didn't like our uniform one little bit. I must confess, I think I had been a rather arrogant boy, ever willing to put the underdog down. So now I was going to find out just how that felt.

As expected I saw all the familiar faces in the school yard, but all now resplendent in their new long grey trousers. Mine, grey thick flannel, and extending to just above my knees singled me out as different. My embarrassment and humiliation only provoked more taunts. When the morning bell went we were crowded into the school hall and, following a brief morning religious service, the new boys were sorted into their respective forms. It was strange to find respite in leaving the hall for my new class, in the company of complete strangers, but strangers all in short pants, just like me. We found refuge in solidarity.

At this tender age I found it difficult to understand how, placed into another group and dress form, I became segregated from my former friends. The M classes were regarded as the "nobs," and in our first years our short trousers appeared to confirm this. We were a class apart.

Uniform Regulations

My own school was fairly rigid regarding some aspects of uniform. Blazers with school badge were definitely required and, you had to wear your school tie, but what happened if you did not I cannot recall. Some boys in my school did not comply, as I can remember individuals in 'ordinary' clothes, but looking back, I suspect this was because of financial constraints. It would be certainly the case that some of my generation was poor enough not to be able to afford new clothes. ( In junior school, when I was about 10, I can remember one boy coming to school with no underwear or coat during winter months) I do not know what happened in these circumstances. However, I cannot recall seeing any Grammar boys without uniform.

I don't think anybody made too much fuss about ties. Indeed, I can remember some rather odd styles of tie knots. I was rather proud that my Dad had taught me a "Windsor Knot" which I still use. Perhaps the Grammar, again, was stricter in this sense, as they always looked tidy.

Class Differences

Its worth saying there was a element of class still in these days. A fair generalisation would be that Grammar boys were better off and consequently better dressed. You may recall, even our M form, was regarded in the secondary modern as the 'nobs' form. I suppose, I had an element of snobbery, in that I certainly considered the C form as scruffs and from a poor background. Oddly however, these boys left us well alone and I cannot recall one, ever teasing me about short trousers, when it would have seemed they would be the obvious candidates for mocking us 'nobs'. Strange times.

Girls

My school was all boys, but, had an all girls school adjoining it. In the play ground we were only separated by a grass border. I never saw anyone trespass into the girls yard, unless pushed there by other boys; in which case the transgressor made a very hasty retreat. We must have been afraid of girls in large numbers in those days.

Our Head Master

My own Headmaster was a Mr. Stewart, an extremely strict man, who every boy lived in fear of. I feel another memory coming on………I certainly remember Mr. Stewart, as he also on occasions took my form for English Language lessons. For some reason, fearsome or not, I really, really liked him. It would be fair to say I was in total awe of him. My worst memory regarding school punishment was at the hands of Mr. Stewart, not because of the nature of the punishment, but because it was he that administered it.

I certainly held our Headmaster, Mr. Stewart, in high regard. This stemmed not from his position as Head, but from the occasions when he deputised, for a often absent English Language teacher. Most of my form dreaded these classes, he was so strict, but for me it was a revelation. English became my favourite subject, because of his ability to turn it into a living, exciting, adventure with word. I think he was very aware of my interest and we developed something of a bond. He would be gratified to have known, in your opinion at least, he had done a good job. He was certainly one of the best teachers I ever encountered.

Created: April 20, 1999
Last updated: May 10, 1999