Fifty-one to a class
I attended Newton Road Infants School in Rushden from September 1954, moving to the Junior School there three years later. At five years of age I was so enthusiastically keen to learn, I soaked up knowledge like blotting paper.

It was not only the learning, but the routine and discipline of school life which helped us to have respect and understanding of our peers and elders. There were 51 pupils in our class, and we sat in the position of our examination places. First places sat at the back of the classroom which gave me an incentive to do extremely well in my examinations. Tables were learnt parrot fashion, as were many lessons.

Schooldays seemed carefree, until we reached the age for the 11+ exam. At the age of 11 years in 1960, I attended Wellingborough County High School. The school uniform was bottle green and white, which I felt proud to wear, complete with blazer and boater type hat. We travelled to school in fleets of United Counties buses. The school appeared huge to us first formers. There were excellent facilities for sport, tennis courts, hockey pitches and its own private swimming pool. We were all expected to learn to swim, and to obtain as many 'O' Levels and 'A' Levels as possible. The staff were excellent teachers.

The elderly biology teacher would leave on the blackboard the answers to our surprise tests from the previous class, and would then be so excited when we all obtained full marks.

I am unable to conclude my memories without reference to school dinners. Lumpy cold custard, lumpy mashed potatoes and gristly mince - all for one shilling per day.

Jennifer Tite