Founder student's memories of Rickmansworth School

Through the museum website I had an approach recently from Brian Tuddenham, from Canada. He wondered if we had in the museum any particular information, or pictures, about what had been Rickmansworth Grammar School, of which he’d been a founder student - the school weren’t able to help with much more than he already had.

Sadly, nor could we – but, knowing of the preparations that the school are now making for their 70th anniversary, I asked him to tell me what he could about his own early days. This could be an addition to the last history of the school, ‘Fifty Golden Years’ by Chris Morton, another of the first intake, for the 50th, but because Mr Tuddenham was in Canada he hadn’t been included in that. So what he’s written is new – or at least, confirmatory.

Clarendon School, the first home of Rickmansworth Grammar School, in 1954. Image: Three Rivers Museum

“In the year I wrote the 11+ my father was a police constable in Berkhamsted. In the summer 1953 he was transferred to Moor Park, and we lived in police housing by the railway station. I started grammar school that fall, commuting by train to Rickmansworth and then by bus to Clarendon School at South Oxhey.

“Aside from the ongoing construction distractions, the grammar school was quite a change from elementary school: a god-like headmaster with authority to cane, rigid uniform requirements, gowned staff, obligatory Latin, constant reminders that our conduct in public reflected on the school (which made for some uncomfortable moments while we were hosted at Clarendon)…

The tenth anniversary, July 1, 1964. Peter Morrill, the Headmaster, with the Patron, the Hon Lady Bowes-Lyon (centre), and Mildred Collings, the Headmistress, just ahead of her. Image: Watford Observer

“The Scots Hill site opened in 1954, and completion of the buildings continued through the school year. Physical Education that first year consisted of us pupils using buckets to remove stones from the future playing fields.

“As a teenager emigrating to Canada after just my third year (our family headed for the ship to Canada on June 20, 1956 – the day of the official opening was my official leaving), I was happy to leave behind the uniform, short pants and school cap. The only tangible souvenirs I have are a small scar from rugby and a brass gong, painstakingly made in Industrial Arts class, warranting a 'competent but needing more attention to detail' assessment."

Advancing times: Opening the new computer room, February 1986. Image: Watford Observer

The school was formally opened by Countess Mountbatten of Burma on June 20, 1956 – there are small photographs in Mr Morton’s book. She was followed as Patron by the Hon Lady Bowes Lyon.

“Perhaps because my own career was in secondary education I still recall my schooling: class discipline inflexibly firm and praise in much shorter supply than admonitions to 'do better', and to warrant our privilege and responsibilities. Unappreciated at the time, those first years of Rickmansworth Grammar School earned me an incredible academic advantage which paid dividends for decades.

Where it's all led to: Rickmansworth School, 2023. Image: Rickmansworth School

“Despite the gowns and relentless 'can do better', the staff cared for us beyond academics. Much time, energy and enthusiasm went into House activities (I still take an interest in reading about mine's namesake, George Anson) and recreational sport, which like our classrooms on loan from Clarendon involved bus-riding/bicycling to local fields. And I remember both Form Master Kenyon [Barry Kenyon also taught PE] and Headmaster Morrill joining us on the bucket line to clear stones from our own playing field-to-be.

“I sincerely hope that seventy years from now the pupils of Rickmansworth School will be as fortunate.”

The Party on the Hill takes place on July 6. Image: Rickmansworth School

Rickmansworth School’s progress from new grammar school through the switch to comprehensive and on to grant maintained, foundation and now (Ofsted outstanding) partially selective academy status has ensured that it remains a successful landmark in Three Rivers. Mr Tuddenham’s hope for the future of its students has a good chance of being realised, along with all the others now doing so much in our community.

The school will be very happy to have a good crowd at their celebration party on July 6.