Memories of Sir James Altham School in South Oxhey closing

The Government website records the official closing date of Sir James Altham School, in Little Oxhey Lane, as August 31, 1989 but the final day for pupils happened on the last day of term on July 21.

Beneath the headline ‘Goodbye Sir James Altham School’, the Watford Observer of that date published this report, the full version of which can be read on the Our Oxhey website here.

Working on the 'Altham Says' school newspaper (Image: Watford Observer)

The report read: “Sadness at the breaking up of a school community will be mixed with hopeful anticipation for the future as pupils of Sir James Altham school today clear out their desks for the very last time.

• Recalling the days before a major road was widened
• Electrical goods shop that became shopping centre entrance
• The unusual house and trees on a Watford street corner

A commemorative mug was produced to mark the school's closure (Image: Watford Observer)

“All the 152 pupils will take with them fond memories of the school which came into being 22 years ago after the merger of Hampden school with Clarendon school.

“Undoubtedly the biggest blow to the pupils will be having to say goodbye to friends.

Sharing memories during the last week of term (Image: Watford Observer)

“Bushey Hall school will take the majority of the pupils – about 90 – with Langleybury school taking 30. The rest of the pupils will go to other schools in the area.”

Our archive photos are not captioned but this is presumably headmaster John Townsend on the school fields (Image: Watford Observer)

The report ended with headmaster John Townsend reflecting: “It is the friendliest school I have ever worked at."

Pupils constructing models (Image: Watford Observer)

Sir James Altham School officially closed on August 31, 1989 (Image: Watford Observer)