Hungerford Virtual Museum

Website produced and maintained for the Hungerford Historical Association
by Hugh Pihlens

[Home] [Artefacts] [Events] [People] [Places] [Themes] [Timeline] [Archives] [Search]

You are in [Themes] [Schools] [Primary School]

Prior to 1963, the Primary School had been the All-Age Council School from 1910-1963.

In January 1963 the long awaited new John O' Gaunt Secondary Modern School in Priory Road opened, allowing 29O senior children to be transferred from the Hungerford All-Age School. From then on, it functioned only as the Hungerford Primary School for Juniors & Infants.

There were 310 children (5-11yr) on the register, with a headmaster (Mr John Davies) and ten staff.

The Primary School now entered upon a favourable time in its history, even though the buildings were not ideal, especially for infants.

With the formation of a Parent-Teacher Association and a devoted staff, a new phase in the life of the school developed.

Annual School Journeys for the 11 year olds were undertaken, and much was gained by visits to France, Belgium, Holland as well as to Yorkshire Dales, Devon, Scotland and to Wales.

Several structural improvements were made during 1963-68 including inside toilets in the Infant and Junior buildings for the first time.

In 1964, Mrs Meg E Anthony was appointed Teacher-in-charge of Infants soon after the retirement of Mrs Kittel. She held this post until her retirement in 1983.

In 1974 the selection at 11 ended. From 1963-74, 110 children entered St. Bartholomew's Grammar School and the County Girls' Grammar School in Newbury to pursue their studies. Later many entered colleges and universities and eventually joined the professions and the business world. Meanwhile the majority of children leaving at 11 years entered John o' Gaunt Comprehensive School, as it was now called, and were able to enjoy the specialist facilities offered there.

Through the tremendous money-raising efforts of the PTA, a Learner Swimming Pool was opened in July 1976. All the labour in building the pool was voluntary. The pool became a great asset, as it enabled all children from the age of 5 years to receive instruction in swimming (John Davies, 1987). A cover for the pool was erected in 1980 at a cost of £9,500, paid for by Hungerford Round Table and the school PTA (see "PTA made great contribution to cover for pool" - NWN May 1980)

Between 1963 and 1979 the numbers on the roll gradually increased from 310 children and 10 staff to 434 children and 15 staff.

In 1979 Mr John Davies retired after 4O years of service, 24 as Headmaster of Hungerford Primary School. See "Hungerford headmaster retiring" - NWN 6 April 1979.

Mrs. Shirley Huxtable was appointed Headmistress.

In 1983 Miss Jenny Clack was appointed as Teacher-in-charge for Infants

In 1990 the First National Curriculum Reading Tests for 7 year olds show that 28% are below standard; 51% at expected standard; 21% at 9 year old standard.

There were splendid changes in September 1990-August 1991 with a £1 million modernisation and new wing was added to the school. The official opening was on 11th April 1991.




		Hungerford Primary School



			The new wing 1991

		Head teachers: 1954-79 Mr John Davies 1979-2000 Mrs Shirley Huxtable 2000-2010 Ms Karen Sawyer 2011- Mrs Angela Griffiths Mistress in charge of Infants: 1958-74 Mrs K Kittel 1974-83 Mrs M Anthony 1983- Miss Jenny Clack



		Primary School Centenary Celebration, Sep 2010

In March 1992 the bell tower and weathervane were reinstalled after restoration.

Ms Karen Sawyer was Head teacher from September 2000 until Summer 2010, when Mrs Dee Anderson, then Anne Bunce, became Acting Heads.

The school celebrated its centenary in September 2010 - one hundred years after the opening of the All-Age Council School. A weekend of exhibitions and activities was arranged, and was very well attended by present and past staff and pupils.

In September 2011 Mrs Angela Griffiths took over as head teacher. She had previously worked at schools in Bracknell Forest, Berkshire, and at a Wokingham School in special measures which she helped turn around.

A War Memorial on the wall in what was the Main Hall of the Junior School lists former pupils of Hungerford Schools who gave their lives in the two World Wars.

Information for this section was provided by:
- Mrs. Meg Anthony, (late of 143 Priory Road, Hungerford, 1991)
- Mr. John Davies, Headmaster 1955-79. (Late of Birnam, Craven Road, Inkpen, 1987)
- Mrs. Dorothy Kittel , (late of Dobbins, 88 High St, Hungerford, 1991)
- Miss Betty Munford, (late of 129 High St, Hungerford, 1985)
- Mr. Alfred "Sonner" North, (late of 4 Atherton Crescent, Hungerford, 1987)
- Blackets Directory, Kelly Directory, Hungerford Times, Sept 1990, front page article

Updated: 25.9.2011