Part of King Henry VIII School at Abergavenny

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 14 Dec 2013

Lower School as it was known in my day, as it educated the new entrants from age 11 years up to 15 years - a fine seat of learning with a large intake of pupils from the town and surrounding rural villages and farms. Some 1,500 pupils in my era if I recall correctly - and every ability range and personality type seemed to be represented in this educational melting pot. Every year the school could claim a few Oxbridge entrants as well as a few expelled for achievements at the opposite end of the scale. Never a dull moment. I can recall snowballing the buses dropping off kids from Govilon, Llanfoist and Llanellen, Grosmont, Forest Coal Pit and Llanthony and Cross Ash - I also recall fights, teachers, illicit smoking and the daily walk to and from school. Yes, walk. In all weathers.

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