Wanstead High School memories

The 100th anniversary of Wanstead High School in 2024 is a momentous event. The school became Wanstead High when it turned comprehensive in the early 1970s. Previously, a grammar, the school was known as Wanstead County High School. Something some ex- pupils from that era like to emphasis. I went to Wanstead High from Aldersbrook Primary in the September of 1973. At the time the school was still split over two sites Wanstead and Aldersbrook - the school having been created, bringing together Wanstead County High School and Aldersbrook Secondary Modern. The first year, we were at Wanstead, second Aldersbrook and in the third term the whole school came together on the one site at Redbridge Lane West. A whole new building had been created, including sports hall, science labs, library, music area, theatre and humanities area. The school offered a great chance, especially for those who wanted to work and take the opportunities offered. The head was Donald Mackay, who had a rather austere persona. I tended to bracket him with Mr Mackay, the prison governor character (played by the actor Fulton Mackay) in the Ronnie Barker comedy Porridge. Mackay was ably supported by deputies Michael Jones and Nick Wheeler-Robinson. The team had a real commitment to the ideal of comprehensive education, giving everyone a chance, regardless of background. The austere image, though, did come crashing down, early on, when a relationship between Mackay and a former sixth former was revealed. The national media were out around the gates of the school. We pupils were told not to speak to them. Mackay left the school. He remained together with the former sixth former for some years thereafter. After an interim period when Jones was in charge, Phyllis Taylor took over as head, She remained head for the rest of my time at the school. The school had a number of characters over the years among staff and pupils. Sports and geography teacher Brian Arkle was a favourite - firm but fair. Brian loved a good cross country around Wanstead Park. He sadly died a couple of years ago, after retiring having spent his whole career at the school. He was a deputy for a number of years. Head of English, Bernard "Bugsy" Doyle was someone many ex-pupils will remember. A small, at times rather angry, aggressive man. Unsurprisingly, the Bugsy nickname came from his resemblance to a rabbit. Whilst English could be testing with Doyle, he knew his stuff and there were never any disciplinary issues in his classes. History teacher and cricketer, Paul Smethurst, was another from the era. A thorough teacher, who was another Wanstead lifer. He was at the school when Churchill visited in the early 1960s. The last big celebration at the school was for the 75th anniversary in 1999. It was fascinating to go back for the day, meeting staff and pupils - seeing how things had worked out. One conversation I remember in the main building that day was with Daniel Levy - now chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. Daniel was in my year, a member of House 4. His rise to fame and fortune came after he left Wanstead High. At the 75th, he was relaxed and chatting about the old days. He had yet to take over at Spurs at that point. Another, who rose to fame and fortune from my time at the school was Nick Berry. Nick was a couple of years younger than the rest of us but came to play football on the top field during the lunch times. Nick ofcourse went on to find fame as an actor in EastEnders (Wicksy), Heartbeat and Harbour Lights. He packed up acting a while ago but still lives in Essex. There are many more characters and tales to tell about times at Wanstead High. It was a great place to be educated, with good committed teachers and pupils who mostly wanted to learn. I still meet up for drinks with friends from those school years. There are also a number of groups, whereby people re-connect and share old memories. The present custodians appear to be carrying on the school traditions. Long may it last - looking forward to the 100th anniversary celebrations.