We celebrated with a massive party to mark this momentous anniversary and to celebrate the lives of all those who have walked through our doors since 1929. We invited as many former staff and pupils as possible to join with us to mark our special day and to help us relive the story of our school.
The 1902 Education Act made it the city council’s responsibility to provide an education for all children. Manchester was not quick to provide schools. Money had to be spent on other things such as supporting the great many children who lived in very poor conditions, often begging on the streets. Those who could afford an education got one through paying for it. It was not until the 1920s that Manchester actually fulfilled its promise by providing free school places for all its boys and girls.
In 1929 Levenshulme High was completed, offering places to 187 girls, aged 11 or 12. Further cohorts of students joined each September
The school was opened by ‘Her Grace, the Duchess of Atholl’, who, as well as being a member of the aristocracy, was also Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Education. This is, in itself, testimony to the way the school was viewed: Manchester council, its residents and the Board of Education (equivalent to our modern day Department for Children , School and Families) were delighted that our school was ready. The commemorative plaque to the event is still proudly displayed in our reception area.
Since 1929 we have gone from strength to strength. We have seen lots of changes and a great many developments: from the whole school being evacuated to Lytham St Annes during the war to our proudly becoming one of the countries first specialist Language Colleges.
So. Where do you fit in? What’s your part in the Levenshulme story? We would love to hear from you.
