I was born in 1943 and went to Anfield Road Secondry Modern School in Liverpool. The school uniform consisted of Navy Blue Blazer, with the school badge on the breast pocket, A Peaked school cap also with the school badge on, Grey short trousers, either Flannel or more comfortable, poly/cotton material, and long grey turnover top socks. During the 1950s most boys at school wore short trousers until they were 14 years old. In my year group, about 10 boys including my-self, wore short trousers until the day they left school at 15 years old. I went to see my old school some 5 years ago but no signs of our uniform existed any longer. After school hours, boys changed into Short Trouser Suits for going out to church or formal occassions. Playing out meant wearing any of the above that were not considered smart enough any longer for schoolor formal wear. A number of schols in Liverpool. especially Grammer schools, had boys wearing shorts until they reached the age of 15 or 16 years of age.

About Me

I was born in 1943 and grew up in Liverpool, a large industrial city in northwestern England. It is where the Beattles are from.

My Primary School

My junior school was for boys only. The only woman at school was the Heads Secretary. We were 7-11 years old. At 11 we took the "11+ exam" which determined which secondary school we would attend. We did not wear a "Uniform" at junior school. But every boy wore short trousers either as part of a suit or with a jacket or blazer. Long trousers were never even considered by our parents--even during the winter.

My Secondary School

I went to Anfield Road Secondry Modern School in Liverpool which was also a boys only school. Secondry school was from 11-15 years old. Secondry Modern Schools were for those pupils who did not pass an 11+ exam therefore did not go to Grammar Schools. Our school was considered to be the next best (by our parents) as it had a strict Headmaster.

School Uniform

A the pupils had to wear the school uniform. The uniform consisted of navy blue blazer, with the school badge on the breast pocket, A Peaked school cap also with the school badge on, Grey short trousers, either flannel or more comfortable, poly/cotton material, and long grey turnover top socks. Most boys wore ordinary black lace up shoes. Most of the boys wore a cap to school until they were about 14. Some wore them until leaving school at 15. We were reported to the Headmaster if part of our uniform was missing. I do not have any photos to show. I did have one but it was lost when we moved house many years ago.

There was no firm school regulation about wearing shorts, but it seems to me that boys in shorts appeared to be favoured for being monitors, prefects and teachers pets! I can emember one very smartly dressed boy (David) being shown off by our headmaster to the full school at morning assembly. He announced that this was a good example of how to be dressed for school. During the 1950s most boys at school wore short trousers until they were 14 years old. In my year group, about 10 boys including my-self, wore short trousers until the day they left school at 15 years old. I went to see my old school some 5 years ago but no signs of our uniform existed any longer.

The only time boys discussed school uniform at school was if a boy had stated wearing long trousers or if he had been put back into shorts by his parents for some reason or another i.e in summer time.

I left school at christmas 1957 along with about 15 others from my class of about 35. the rest of the class had to stay on until end of term in July 1958. This was due to our birthdates. Those with birthdays before December could leave school at Christmas. As I lost touch with them I do not know how long the remaining 4 or 5 boys in shorts wore them.

Buying the Uniform

I was taken to several clothing shops, always by my my mother. My grey shorts, socks shirt, Navy Blue McIntosh etc., were nearly always bought from a department store "T.J.Hughes" or "Lewis's" in Liverpool but my school blazer, tie and cap were purchased from a shop near school called "Morrows" who had our school uniforms etc in the shop window. This was a Gents Outfitters and I felt important going in there as it was a "Posh" shop. (And expensive my mother always said.)

After School

After school hours, boys changed into Short Trouser Suits for going out to church or formal occassions. Playing out meant wearing any of the above that were not considered smart enough any longer for schoolor formal wear.

Other Schools

A number of schols in Liverpool, especially Grammer schools, had boys wearing shorts until they reached the age of 15 or 16 years of age.

Long Trousers

I remember asking for long trousers for my 14th birthday but I never got them. My parents had ordered me a twp piece suit but when I went to try it on it had short trousers. This was the last short trouser suit I had to wear. It was single breasted jacket and in a dark green shade. Most of my friends had long trousers by then. Some friends from my junior school days (Who went on to a different secondry school) were in long trousers at 12 or 13 years old. They used to say to me "Are you still in them things". Although I didn't admit it, I thought my school uniform was smart and my friends always looked scruffy in their long trousers. I finally got my first pair of long trousers on my 15th birthday but I was told by my parents that I had to keep wearing my shorts for school. The long trousers were for going out for social events, visiting relations etc. after school hours.

Note to Gerry

A note for Gerry - The 4th Generation of the Morrow's shop you visited in the 1950s is looking to make contact. Philip Morrow, who in 2012 re-established his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather's outfitting business would love to speak with you and give you a new tie and some socks! His email is philip@morrowsoutfitters.com or contact him through our website: Morrows Outfitters.