Woodlands School

Would love to go on a Guided Tour. I was a Cresswell Lad from 1970-77, although the last two years were an absolute waste unless you went to Uni, which I didn't. Cresswell staff at that time were Mr Tickle, the Housemaster, Mr Wills, Mr Folliard, Mr Powell, Mrs Slack. Obviously at that time Mr Thompson was Head and R E S Jones was his deputy. Sad to hear that a former Deputy Head, Harvey Wyatt died a couple of weeks back, he was a top bloke.

You started in Cresswell the year I left. I only recall Gordon Tickle of those. Edit: I obviously recall Thompson and Jones!

Hi Trevor, welcome to the forum So far there are 5 interested in a look round. Mick Strong matchle55 + brother Positively Pottering Trevor Smith

Viewing Google Earth it appears Perrens, Malins, Gibson & Smith-Clarke houses have gone along with Gibraltar and Kent teaching blocks. It was my understanding that much of the school had Grade 2 listing. Raac?

All of the buildings were Grade 2 listed. The buildings that were demolished were not affected by Raac. Perrens/Malins was delisted as alterations were made during the Academy days that prevented the building retaining its listed status. I do have to ask why checks were not made to ensure that any alterations that were made were within the approval guidelines, to ensure it retained its listed status? How was this only discovered six years or so after Woodlands had closed, coming to light when the school was being surveyed for possible re-use? It should not have been demolished, despite the above. It was the VERY LAST building of that construction anywhere in the UK, other schools that included that design having been demolished and replaced by this time. All houses were constructed to the same design - concrete panels attached to a steel frame. However, Perrens/Malins was the last to be constructed, a few years after the rest of the school, hence it being different. The footprint of the house is be used as an outside soft sports area. Gibson/Smith-Clarke, Kent and Gibraltar still held their Grade 2 listed status. However, it was decided that they didn't offer anything different to the rest of the school and their demolition would be more advantageous to the new school, so they too were delisted. Their whole footprint is to be used as a turning circle for cars/vehicles bringing pupils to school or taking them home later in the day. There is also parking, presumebly for teaching staff and other employees. Approvals indicate this area is to be heavily planted. The Woodlands site is being split into two SEND schools. York and the remaining houses to be Woodfield Junior School; the rest being the Seniors. A dividing wall is to be constucted, planned using the panels removed from the demolished buildings, especially those retained from Perrens/Malins due to their rareity. Gyms 3 and 4 (as was, later 2 and 3?) are not being taken on by the Senior school, nor are the sports pitches. As far as I know that hasn't changed, and should all remain available for hire. Once the new schools are open, the site of Woodfield Senior School constructed at the Hawthorn Lane end of the school, is to be sold for housing. If you have the patience, there are lots of documents available on the internet, but a lot of them are fairly heavy going. The owners of Woodfield also own Sidney Stringer. However, for financial reasons the school is being rebuilt by Coventry City Council. Yes please, I'd like to re-visit the school once the work is completed. Me plus one other please. Sadly, both of our houses no longer exist.

There was a very nice rockery to the left of Smith-Clarke next to the flag pole that was built entirely by academically challenged (dare I use that term in this day and age) pupils and supervised by my House Master Lofty Lee in the mid 60s. Sadly now trashed.

My memory is obviously failing me. I was in Smith Clarke at that time but sadly cannot remember it .

I can remember Lofty Lee giving instructions to the lads outside building the rockery whilst I was stuck in a science classroom in Leonardo as if it was yesterday. I'm amazed you don't recall, it was a pretty good build.

My younger brother (he always was a pest ) is wondering when this visit is going to happen ?????????

It's probably just a case of time scampering on. I've let the person know that there are interested people.

Hi. So yes ex Woodlands survivor and was in Perrins from 73 to 78. And as with most of you I have plenty of memories of the place. Someone put on about Don Thompson leaving. I thought he retired but you never know. I know me Mum was into pewter and made all sorts of things. She made a box to put playing cards in which had the school badge and motto on it as a retirement gift. Teachers of repute. Apologies can't remember all their first names. Les Harris - House Master Brignall - Physics Peter Rosborough - 4th year English lit. Penny Clark - 1st year English. (Oh boy) she changed so much after she married Brignall. Can't remember the French teacher's name but she was very curvaceous. I'm sure some will put me right. But the HE teacher, was pretty sure called Ball. We had to go into Smith-Clarke for our TB jabs. Tickle was my maths teacher. Howes was my German teacher. Didn't grasp much of the language but knew everything about the beer wine and cars.😁 Sollis was History and managed to put me off the subject for years. And does anyone remember Mr Webb, Metalwork teacher who lost his fingers in the milling machine? I'll leave it there for now but have far too many memories. Unlike the other lad's post, I enjoyed the cross country and ended up with the school colours for it.🙄

Hi Oaksy, welcome to the forum Thanks for sharing your memories

Hello All, I was at Woodlands 79-84 Smith-Clarke House under Bernard Tranter's reign, he was also our geography teacher. I was caned 43 times in five years and receive no commendations, I think that's what they called those pink and gold cards some would be awarded. The main reasons recorded in the punishment book for me was mainly 'horseplay'. Bernard canned me several times and although there was not enough room in his office to swing a cat he still managed to swing his cane with great effect, he had a selection of 2ft canes. Also I believe I was possibly the last pupil to be caned by Don Thompson before his retirement in 1980, he had a selection of larger canes in an umbrella basket, the traditional type with looped handles, very thin and whippy that would almost wrap around your legs on impact. The good were Bernard Tranter, Martin Brignall (Physics/Biology), Jim Wilkinson (Art), Miss Dale (French), Mr Ashley (Music). The bad were Cauldwell (PE/Games), liked to use a cricket bat instead of a cane. Proctor (Art), Brian Glover (English), liked to throw board rubbers. I remember a TD teacher called Frazier nicknamed 'slaphead' to which the whole school would taunt him by clapping hands, poor chap. Got suspended for 3 times having the wrong haircut and dyed hair, wearing suede shoes then expelled 2 weeks before my leaving date. Those were the days....

Hi FrankieS, welcome to the forum You sound like you were a rascal