The Grove School

on 21 Jun 2018 nelly turner said

So sad its gone. I was very happy there.

on 07 Jul 2018 Brenda Redford nee goodchild said

My brother went to the Grove school in the late 50's.

on 17 Sep 2018 John Brookes said

My Old School I was there from 1964/68/69.
My Form Teacher was Mr Wallace its Heart Breaking to see it gone the best years of my life.

on 11 Oct 2018 Sarah said

Hello, does anyone remember the name of the head master who worked there in 1992?

on 07 Nov 2018 Brian Evans said

I'm a Canadian who went to The Grove School for a few months in the late winter and spring of 1966 while staying with family at 27 West Hill Road.

I remember a teacher the kids called Bogey! I don't remember his real name though ( I don't think it was Bogart, but I could be wrong.) I remember there was one other Canadian boy there, son of someone in the Canadian High Commission I think?

on 02 Dec 2018 graham said

I was there from 1961 to 1965 they were the happiest days of my life, many names come flooding back of fellow pupils and the amazing teachers. "Topper" Hatfield was the Headmaster, as I get older the memories grow fonder.
I now live away from Hastings but The Grove will always be special to me.

Very Best Wishes to any remaining fellow pupils, I hope life turned out well for you.
Graham Ells

on 06 Dec 2018 Graham Pycock said

Thanks Graham and best wishes to you. I was at the school from 58 to 63 and I have to say not the best days for me! Nevertheless the teachers were decent and tried their best with us. I much respected "Inky" Inskipp and liked Geography, despite "Killer" Duly who must have had the record for number of canings (I had my share). When I was there the building and facilities were relatively new and we lucky in that respect. It is sad to know it has all gone. I do wonder what happend to my classmates and I trust we all had successful careers from a rather dodgy "11 plus failure" start.

on 19 Feb 2019 Chris Puxley said

I was there 1957 to 1960, having failed my 11+ at West St Leonards and before going on to a pre-sea training college, passing my necessary 5 GCE's and taking up a career in the shipping industry, at sea and latterly as a Harbour Master / Pilot in the north of England, where I have lived since 1990. My metalwork teacher at the 'Grove' was a Mr Escott. I think the headmaster was a Mr Hatfield and there was a Mr Broadbent. Mr Inskipp I recall (subject ?) and Mr Duly for geography, but wish I could remember others who's faces I still remember, i.e. the French teacher, the P.E. teacher.
I remember going on a great summer camping holiday with the school in August 1960, where three or four teachers took about twenty of us boys of various terms, on a camping touring holiday, in three dormobiles, (campervans), to France, Monaco, Italy and Switzerland. We sailed from Dover on a cross-channel ferry called 'Lord Warden' and came back via Boulogne I think on a French ferry. I still have the cloth badges that I collected of some of places we passed through or stopped overnight, not necessarily in the right order but include Lyon, Valence, Cannes, Villefranche, Menton and Paris. They were originally sewn onto my dufflebag, The holiday cost my parents about £20.
I still have a copy of my 1960 Class photo and wonder how we all got on in life. Happy days!!

on 25 Feb 2019 Jean clarke said

Was at the grove school between 1982.1984.i liked it

on 03 Mar 2019 Stephanie Eastley (hawley) said

I went to the grove 1978 I loved it

on 16 Apr 2019 Nik said

Can't believe its gone! I was there from 87-93. To Sarah, I think 1992 was when Paul Martin became the head master, just before I left. Can't remember the name of the head that was there before Paul, although I think a long-term headmaster was there when I joined in 87 and retired soon thereafter. I remember Mrs Willey very fondly - I think she passed away some years ago - who was my English teacher. Also Mr Fulton Hart - who was a fantastic teacher! - and also passed away a few years ago. Also remember Tudor Jones very fondly - head of the sixth form in my time. Great memories...

on 20 Jul 2019 Michael Whing said

I went to the grove school. I started jwhen it was still an all boys school. 1969/1970 era. It then became a comprehensive school with girls. I think the girls came from st Heles school st Helens road . There was one girl in particular that I really liked . Her names was Heather Elphick. I often wonder what happened to her. Be nice to see her?

on 05 Aug 2019 John Brookes said

I went there in 1964/69 my teachers were Mr Williams Head Master was Mr Hatfield my form master was Mr Wallace so sad to know that it has now gone so many great memories great friends.

on 15 Nov 2019 Nigel Tolkien / webb said

Left in1977 just seen demolition moved away in 80s loads of memories good and bad , areal shame

on 15 Nov 2019 Nigel Webb / tolkien said

Remember Fulton hart had slipper off him

on 15 Nov 2019 Nigel Webb said

Anyone from mr grants classes hello to you

on 07 Mar 2020 Debra Roberts said

I was at the school in the seventies.i remember English teacher Mr Cole.if anyone knows him tell him hi.and my daughter went to Cambridge twice because of him.shes now a teacher.me, I became a nurse.i remember,Bethan Davies,darylblyth,Imelda Scott amongst others..and ..missgrey,mrduly...happy days.. so sad it's gone now

on 16 Apr 2020 Chris Thomas said

I was there in he 50s. Having previously been at Woodland Vale School in Tower Road ,while the Grove was being built.I clearly remember the day when the Grove opened and I was moved to the Grove to start as a pupil in form 1X. eventually finishing my schooldays there in form 4X.

on 03 May 2020 Sara Brignall said

I was there in the 70's. Our form teacher for so long was Mr Beanland....been trying to find him online with no luck ???? He was just great. If anyone knows what happened to him can you let me know? I remember Mr Cole too, I thought we had him for history though. ???? Mr Ralph the maths teacher. Miss Vance we had for sewing classes...I'm still crap at that! Mr Limprick for Biology anyone remember him? Most unfortunate name bless him, we were all most unkind to him!!

on 03 May 2020 Cheryl said

Does anyone remember the English teacher in the late 1970s. I really lked and would like to tell him what a great teacher he was.m

on 03 May 2020 Cheryl said

Mr Hathaway that is!

on 03 May 2020 emma bulmer said

I am so sad that this school is gone. Some of the best years of my life. I was there in the late 80’s Mr Avery was my form teacher. Mrs Childs ne Miss Fields sticks out in my mind for being an amazing History teacher. Wonder where she is these days would love to say a huge thank you.

on 03 May 2020 Rosalind Morton said

I went to the Grove during the 70’s fond memories of teachers in particular Ms Tarbuck PE... Ms Shorricks who frightened the life out of me. Wondered what happened to Mr YaYa too. Loved my eccentric History teacher....too but forgotten his name.

on 24 May 2020 Douglas Palmer said

I was there 59-64.Hatfield was headmaster. John Inskip got me to my only school play, Androcles and the Lion. Duly was vicious giving the cane for no real reason. My form masters were Ken Woodhouse then Inskip both great guys. Ted Selman was French teacher. I remember and can recite the names of every boy in my class from Alfie Benton to Tony Warner. I was not an outstanding student but did enjoy my time there and was sorry to find it demolished when I visited Hastings a couple of years ago.

on 25 May 2020 Douglas Palmer said

Chris Thomas did you marry Janice? And work at Borough Treasurers and play footie for Crypton Dynamos??

on 27 May 2020 Douglas Palmer said

Graham Pycock refers to 11+failures. I wonder if he is referring to the fact no 11+exams were held for those born in 47/48.Why that was I do not know but what I do know is that several boys and girls were robbed of a grammar, / high school place. Whilst at Grove several Grammar school boys were demoted but none were promoted. At least 2 of my classmates went on to have excellent academic careers. The education system in this country went downhill when comprehensives replaced Grammar and Sec. Mods.

on 31 May 2020 Graham Pycock said

Thanks Douglas. That's interesting, I was not aware of any absence of 11+ for the 47/48 cohort. I was at West St Leonards Junior School and I do remember what, many years later, I realised was an intelligence test. Pupils had to be allocated to grammar or secondary modern by some means. It hardly helped Grove School's reputation when a local magistrate called it a "breeding ground for criminals". Poor Mr Hatfield, the Head was terribly upset and told us not to worry in assembly. He was a strict but obviously very well intentioned man. He did some sort of theroretical training for fighter pilots in the second world war and I think deplored social triends in the 1960s.

on 11 Jun 2020 Allan Osborne ( was Turner) said

I was a pupil at Grove during 1959 to early 1960.I had emigrated from Canada and the other boys I met there assumed I was American and called me yank! I just went along with it because it was easier than having to explain I wasnt. My time there was short really but had quite an impact on me. I do recall killer Duly who was disliked for good reasons. Had six of the best off him once, for climbing a tree of all things! and there was one incident where the headmaster Mr. Hatfield caned every boy in the school because some of them had set fire to a local farmers haypile . no one owned up so we all got it that time. I recall that like it was yesterday! My form master was a Mr. Barlow who delighted in reading us storys and was firm but fair. Tom Marshall was the easiest going teacher there and there was one we all called rubberlips , his name escapes me .There was also a woodwork teacher who was a total nutter and I think drank too much.In spite of difficulties learning to cope with a totally different system , I did manage and left at easter time in 1960 to begin my working life where I eventually became a TV service engineer for Rediffusion on ponswood estate. I enjoyed my short time at Grove school and hope others did to!

on 13 Jul 2020 Geoff Morris said

I attended the Grove from 1969 - 1972 left just as the school changed from all boys to mix, Topper Hatfield was head, deputy head was Mr Ralph, two PE teachers Mr Greenhaugh ( the nice one ) Mr Bastable ( not so nice ) always remember him for his very short shorts and the fierce way he dished out the slipper.
Killer Duly with his click click heels another who appeared to enjoy dishing out the cane, Mr Barlow was he history? Mr Carter was maths plus many others but you only tend to remember the ones that handed out the physical punishment, yes there was also Mr De Beaumont a little strange but handy with the black board rubber around the back of the head.
I haven't been the site since the demolition and probably won't do, never did get the opportunity to walk along the front balconies and never will now.

on 20 Jul 2020 Christopher Chadwick said

I went to the Grove from 1964 to 66. I remember Topper Hatfield, the Head. Also 'Arny' (Mr Armitstead) Geography. There was Bedspring; also Popcorn the music master, Bogey, who taught Maths (I remember his retirement speech in 1966 when he said 'I'll keep this short, just have a go lads, have a go.' We all went Yer Whey!!! Not forgetting goggle-eyed Ted Selmann; and Bastable, whom we called Bastard Balls. I remember most of those teachers by their nicknames! A very good school, I remember it with fondness.

on 20 Jul 2020 Andy Wright said

I attended 1965-1970, so sad to see the demise of The Grove School for Boys. Teachers I remembers were, Adams And Escot metalwork, Wallace and Morgan then Andy Necklan woodwork, Terry Carter and Nunn maths, Reid (I was at primary with his daughter, who, with here best friend, regularly alternated there first and second names ...a bit weird) Tom Morgan, Wickham science, Williams English, Vincent music, Greenhaulgh and Bastable PE (wasn’t there some scandal about why he left?) Ted Selma’s French Hgot the cane from him for clicking my cycle clips during his lesson!)
I enjoyed my time at school and remember a school trip staying at Sayers Croft.
I also remember many of my classmates and always wonder where they are now and how life has been dealt to them.

on 13 Sep 2020 Peter Richardson said

I was there from 1963 - 1968 and the memories of the Grove are indelibly etched into my subconscious. My attendance coincided with the ascendancy of teen culture, groups like the Rolling Stones proving a particular source of vexation. There was a real air of a conflict of values which would reach an apotheosis during Remembrance Week when our illustrious head Topper Hatfield would ascend the steps to the Assembly Hall stage and harangue the serried ranks of pupils with his memories of the gallant young men whose Spitfires he had serviced before they flew off to battle the Luftwaffe. These memories meant a lot to him and he was evidently still deeply affected by his war service.
He would then turn his gaze to his reluctant audience and, colour rising, would work himself into a paroxysm of fury, foam flying from his Lips upon the unfortunates in the front row, the hard cases up the back looking on with insouciant disdain from beneath heavy fringes, their winkle-pickers and leather jackets, adding yet another emblem of testosterone-fuelled rebellion. None of this good for Topper’s inner karma, his final rejoinder to the semi-cowed ranks always ending on a variation of “... and to think they died for the likes of you - YOU!!!”
Golden days!

on 14 Sep 2020 Bob Okines said

I was at the Grove from 1975 to 1977. Head Master was Mr Willcox and Mr Ralph.

Favourite teacher was 'Killer' Duly!

Remember him?

on 15 Sep 2020 Peter Richardson said

Killer Duly—a name of conjure with— he had an air of menace about him that was reminiscent of Dennis Price. HIs verbal put downs were memorable and you definitely didn't want to be on the receiving end of his cane. Massive amounts of homework which meant that much of Sunday would be spent writing and drawing maps—in my case a lot of effort for an O-Level which I never took. Ralph took over from Bristow (can'r recall his first name) in 1968.

on 15 Sep 2020 Kenton Murdoch said

So so sad, many happy days that has made me thrive to present day. Football, rugby pitch, trains running by. Stayed until 5 year, listening to Led Zepplin, Leonard Cohen, Black sabbath ect. Memories of playing Grammar school/ Priory road. First day in new school, scrapping with school bully..good day’s.

on 29 Sep 2020 David Morley said

Attended 77-82 I think!! had some great times remember Fulton-hart sadly passed away recently and John Little great times discussing Monty Python. What ever happened to all the people we spent all that time with Gary Peters Julie Driscoll amongst some of those who I had some great times. Sad to see the school levelled for housing

on 30 Sep 2020 Brian said

Mr Scott PE 1983
Mr Barret English
Mr Neckland Wood work
Miss Jones Religious ed
Fulton Hart careers - only interested in every one joining the army.
Mr Smith maths or empty vessels make the most noise
Mr Greenhalph PE
and a chemistry or physics teacher who was into karate and one winter whilst chucking snowballs at the balcony where the teachers walked started shouting at the kids to stop or get slippered

on 30 Sep 2020 Brian said

Ahh Mr Escot metal work 1983

on 30 Sep 2020 Brian said

Mrs shorrocks girls PE who at 5' 3"" scared everyone

on 10 Oct 2020 Mark Taylor said

I went to the lower and upper 1981/84 I spent most of my time avoiding going now spend all my time telling my kids how important it is I did have a good laugh there Mrs fell art and my tutor she was a good teacher

on 10 Oct 2020 Mark Taylor said

Ii also remember arguing with the teachers about keeping the class for more then 15 mins without consent from. Parents used to get the whole class too walk out gees I was a little git ????

on 10 Oct 2020 Mark Taylor said

Me again didn't know this existed used to hang about with brian Chris hitchman Terry solly Vanessa Burton Avril dobell I think most of the people from hollington at that time 11 in 81 if any of you find this be good to hear from you see how you are

on 17 Nov 2020 Douglas Palmer said

Peter Richardson comments on Duly's obsession with maps for homework. I never got more than 7,/10 as I was not much good at art and even got the cane on a couple of occasions. So imagine my delight and his shock when I got a grade 1 geography GCE. To be fair I did respect him and he only invited pupils to join his European jaunts if he felt they deserved it. Sadly I could not afford to go. I do however remember Sayers Croft, the first holiday I ever had with John Inskip and Terry Carter. A couple of years ago I was in the area and visited Sayers Croft, it was almost the same as I recalled it nearly 60 years ago.

on 01 Dec 2020 Steve Hanna said

I was there from 65-69. Good memories. Remember Topper . There was a song sung about him and his secretary. Also remember killer Duly and his selection of canes in the stock room . You actually got to choose which 1 you were caned with standing on the red dot . Also remember the metalwork teacher I think his name was Adam's. He was always a good teacher.

on 26 Jan 2021 Michele sada ( gasson) said

I was shocked to see the Grove school had been demolished, was just looking at old places on google maps as I haven’t lived in Hastings for 30 years. I was there from 72 having moved up from the woodlands school. Had a great English teacher can’t remember her name, I had a run in with mr selman the French teacher and got sent to the head, but luckily didn’t get the slipper! Mrs Shorracks was scary! She locked me and 2 friends in the gym because we were messing around and not putting the equipment away after gym! Hated wearing those awful massive maroon gym knickers. Can’t imagine that happening these days !

on 30 Jan 2021 Simon said

I went to the Grove after woodlands in the 1970’s and left in 1977. My favourite teacher was Michael (mick) Boakes the drama (theatre arts) teacher. Knowone has mentioned him so he may have only been there a short time. I know Nicholas Ball (Hazel) if you remember the tv detective show also went to the Grove so the drama department must of had some impact. Like everyone else I was also sorry to read that my old school was knocked down. Happy days apart from ‘killer Duly’.

on 31 Jan 2021 FRANK HALL said

I passed 11+ but parents were,nt functioning was sent to Grove school, looking back at some teachers,Mr Selman french teacher,only had one term as no more language teachers , ovre la fentre, ferme la port, some sayings still remain, also not mentioned was Mr Freebury technical drawing,i still have a book which he wrote,on t/d was at school between 1956-1960 Mr Dooley ( or Duly ) was into caning everyone,and me at 75 yrs i believe he would at a minimum be sacked,he had a pupil (shall not name him in the stockroom for all of end of term test,we could hear the cane going frequently. i remember the magistrate calling the school a breeding ground for criminals, groups were abscounding and breaking into houses,during school time. When i see the teachers my sons have had in Australia i wish we had had the same calibre when i went to school, was in Castle House. and Men of Harlec.( not sure about spelling) was the school song, Was there in 2018 went to visit but all gone. Pity.

on 22 Feb 2021 Stephen Cramp said

What a waste, barely 50 years old and reduced to reclaimed aggregate and hardcore.
Thankfully the same hasn't happened to me - just turned 68 now!!
My time there was 1963 to 1969 and a great time was had too.
Teachers must have done me some good, I spent my working life in Town Planning and
Architecture - mainly in the East Midlands where I've been since 1975.
Many teachers were memorable (unforgettable) Tom Marshall, WingCo Wallace, Mr Reid, Mr Armistead,
Percy Nunn, Ted Selmon ( I really liked his Triumph Mayflower), Jimmy Adams, Jim Barlow,
They are all gone to the great classroom in the sky, and sadly so have some of my classmates.
Oh the ticking of the Clock!

on 24 Feb 2021 Simon Wright said

Attended 1969-71 and then moved to Thanet. Sad the Grove is no longer. Lots of ups and downs. Remember Escott 'I'll cane you boy' pulling me out of line and threatening to cane me. I was innocent and one of the older boys said he'd thump him if he did. Ted Selman, great fun in his class, always getting sent out. He came and got us all back once when he had more outside than inside. Once he got so mad he threw a desk across the room. His son Geoff was in our year, and he was also at West St Leonards (also now gone). Bastable PE, saw him bring so called hard kids nearly to tears with a good slippering. Barlow, Williams, Greenholf, Nunn, Griffiths, Read, Vincent, Singleton took us for art, and old Arny, who I learnt absolutely nothing from. Can't remember the real name of woodwork teacher called Pinky. The woodwork teacher at my new school in 71 was called Rudolph who had a red face - must be something with woodwork teachers. De Beaumont was our form teacher. Decent chap, and very entertaining. Oh, and Mr Ralph, Adams and Freedman TD. I remember it always seemed to be a rush to the window seats on a sunny day, to light up the blackboard with your protractor whilst the teacher was chalking. Oh happy days.

on 07 Apr 2021 Simon Heanue said

I went there from 1964 to 1969, I was one of the Banardo boys (known as the banana boys)
I remember ol Mr Baggy, Arnie, the Head Topper Brown, Deputy Head Mr Ralph.
And of course I remember the bullies as well, one called Goode I think that's how its spelt, 2 years above me left and become a God carrier a good sportsman though.
Can I say they were happy days.....yes I can.
Hello to anyone that remembers me ????

on 03 May 2021 Les Brittan said

Greetings from Canada, I attended Grove School for Boys 1957 to 1960, I remember Hatfield as the head master, and Mr.Duly our math teacher, what a prune he was. I remember I had to read a rude poem in front of the class, and got caned with the BIG one,,I remember Mr. Barlow, decent guy, and the woodwork teacher I think it was Mr. Adams, took a whole lesson on how to read a "ruler". Different for sure, Kinda strange how you recall the weird ones, great bunch of friends from 3X class, Chris Thomas, Thorpe, Mickey Belair, Cliff Poole, and I remember picking on a guy called Priestly ( sorry about that). Hope you are all doing well, and in good health.
Moved to Canada in 1961,married, two sons, one daughter, 5 grandsons, just waiting for this COVID thing to pass, so we can all go travelling again.

The Grove School

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