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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Photo-a-Day Archive
Photo-a-Day Archive

Photo-a-Day  (Tuesday, 19th February, 2013)

Deanery High School


Deanery High School
Frog Lane, Wigan.

Photo: Ernest Pyke  (Praktica DCZ 6.2.)
Views: 7,941

Comment by: Ken R on 19th February 2013 at 00:02

Nice shot of the old Grammar School, that sky looks ominous Ernest did you get wet?

Comment by: Lizzie down under on 19th February 2013 at 01:23

They are seriously angry clouds Ernest...not a bad pic....tidy building....cheers!!!

Comment by: Ernest Pyke on 19th February 2013 at 03:36

This was All Saints Secondary Modern School and was opened in 1932.
I was a pupil there from 1938 to 1939 prior to starting a 3 year course, in Sept.1939, at the Junior Technical School in Wigan and District Mining and Technical College, which is now the Town Hall.
There`s a photo, taken by Dave Lewis in August 2008, showing more of this building, in Wigan Streets, Frog Lane - next to last of 8.

Comment by: Ernest Pyke on 19th February 2013 at 04:38

It`s surprising what one remembers about school days. I remember playing Dick Whittington`s cat in the 1938 Christmas panto at All Saints (I was 10).
I also remember our Music teacher there, `Papa` Swift and singing `Up with the Jolly Roger boys and off we go to sea` in a choir in his class.
I have a photo of my father taken in class at Blue Coat school, but I never had a photo taken of me in a classroom.

Comment by: Roy Hesketh on 19th February 2013 at 06:59

It was All Saints when I attended.
Does anyone know why (they) change it's name?

Comment by: John D on 19th February 2013 at 08:03

All Saints Secondary Modern. I went there from 1950 to 1954, and enjoyed every minute.

Comment by: Catherine on 19th February 2013 at 08:15

I went to this school when it was All Saints secondary modern.
The girls school was on the left and the boys on the right and never the twain met except at Christmas in the school hall for the Christmas dance.Many memories of this school.

Comment by: Mick on 19th February 2013 at 08:53

All these happy memories being remembered from just one photo.

Liz it dosent matter what the picture looks like on Photo-a-Day .

Comment by: Lizzie down under on 19th February 2013 at 10:36

I know that Mick.....schools hold lovely memories for all of us......my Mum went to Wigan and District Mining and Tech. College.....she trained as a secretary and was on the athletics or swimming team....I have a spoon trophy she won.....
So I understand what you are saying Mick....cheers!!!

Comment by: Lizzie down under on 19th February 2013 at 10:40

By the way Mick have you seen my school and family photos on Album....you may remember going to school with us....cheers!!!

Comment by: bill 7 on 19th February 2013 at 11:05

Papa Swift he was headmaste r at St Stephens in the 40s when I was there

Comment by: Dave Marsh on 19th February 2013 at 11:18

It is still a beautiful building facade,much better than todays crap.

Comment by: Catherine on 19th February 2013 at 11:57

My old high school! I went there from 1977 until 1982 and by then it was, and still is, the Deanery.

Comment by: cullie on 19th February 2013 at 16:09

this was the worst school i ever went too. hated it with a passion i left in 1983 thank god.

Comment by: Rev David Long on 19th February 2013 at 18:54

Cullie - I expect your teachers didn't like you going into raptures whenever a Class 40 roared past on the WCML.
As for the name change - I'm not a local, so I don't know much of the history, but it became the Deanery High School when the CoE Secondary Schools in Wigan were amalgamated (when the comprehensive system came in, perhaps?).
I think one school which was amalgamated was at St Matthew's Highfield. Others will probably know more.

Comment by: David O on 19th February 2013 at 19:11

"Does anyone know why (they) change it's name?"
The name changed when the school became an amalgamation of All Saints (mixed) St Mark's newtown (girls) and St Matthews Highfield (boys) - sorry, can't bremember the year

Comment by: Neil Rigby on 19th February 2013 at 19:44

"The school was founded to serve the children of the Wigan Deanery and is
supported by the parishes of that Deanery."

(see also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deanery )

Comment by: Denise on 19th February 2013 at 20:55

The year was 1972 when it changed and
the wigan observer took a picture of all the students stating how many children were there

Comment by: Ernest Pyke on 19th February 2013 at 22:11

Rev David, Neil Rigby, see :-
http://www.deanery.wigan.sch.uk/index.phtml?d=524822
An extract :-
As you are doubtless aware, the Deanery High School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School within the Diocese of Liverpool and, as such, the Governors have to fund 10% of money we spend on our building.

The Building Fund began in 1970 when the four secondary modern schools merged to become the Deanery C of E High School. Those of you who are also former pupils will no doubt remember the numerous building projects in the past, and the appeals to your parents to help find the money to ensure that the school could meet its 10% contribution. We are most grateful to everyone who has contributed over the last 40+ years."
I see that St.Cath`s spire is now complete with the scaffolding removed, Rev David.

Comment by: Red Stripe on 19th February 2013 at 22:23

Great school I attended the Deanery 1973 - 1978. Many happy memories.

Comment by: Tony on 20th February 2013 at 13:47

The Deanery changed from All Saints in 1970, not 72. I started in 1971. It had already been the Deanery for a year. We were then the youngest for 3 years until all the middle schools came.

Comment by: Ernest Pyke on 14th August 2015 at 22:53

A tall wooden fence has just been erected in front of this school prior to demolition.

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