A TALK in Bream this Saturday (February 16) will explore the history of the first secondary school in the county to accept both boys and girls.

Lydney Grammar School was officially opened in 1903, and the illustrated talk for Forest of Dean Local History Society members takes place at the West Dean Centre.

It will be given by author and former society chairman Christine Martyn and well known Bream resident Brian James, both former pupils at the school.

“From small beginnings, when pupils attended after-work and all-day-long Saturday classes, secondary education exploded in Lydney,” said Christine. “The town’s first secondary school went on to flourish for 70 years.

“Finally consumed by the move to comprehensive education, Lydney Grammar School had gained an outstanding reputation for educational and sporting achievements.”

Mrs Martyn will talk about the beginnings of secondary education in the town and the encouragement given by local industrialists such as Charles Bathurst and Mr R Beaumont Thomas, who recognised the need to provide specialised technical education for future employees.

“Ideas quickly began to grow and, following the construction of the Town Hall and then the Institute, a firm commitment was made to commence day school classes,” Christine added.

“On January 21, 1903, the new headmaster, Mr Dixon, entered 31 boys and 13 girls on his school register.

“It was considered to be the founding of Lydney Secondary – later Grammar School. It was a notable event for another reason as the school had become the first in Gloucestershire and among the first in England to take both girls and boys.

“As the school’s reputation grew, pupils came by train from Coleford, Cinderford and Chepstow, as well as across the Severn Bridge from Berkeley and Sharpness,” she added.

“It was described as ‘a phenomenal success’.

“A new school followed. Mr Bathurst, jointly with his father, gave the land and money was raised from many sources including the Tinplate Works, local businesses and parish councils within the catchment area.”

Visitors are welcome to the meeting, which takes place at 3pm.