Some say their school days are the best times of their lives, but for many, the buildings they were raised in are long gone.
Many primary and secondary schools in Merseyside have been closed over the years, merged with others, completely demolished or even reborn with new names and buildings.
But even though the schools may have changed or closed, many residents have fond memories of them that they still speak of today.
We askedECHO-Lesershare their old schools in the communityKnowsleywhich have since been closed, demolished or merged with others under a new name.
Alumni were keen to share their memories of their lost schools, so we've compiled a list of some of them.
This list is not exhaustive and only limited information is available for some of the schools. But if you can tell us more about it, or think of others you'd like to include, please let us knowcomment section.
Ruffwood and Brookfield
In 2008, the Ruffwood School inKirkbymerged with Brookfield High School to form the Kirkby Sports College Center for Learning at the Brookfield location.
The Bracknell Avenue school officially opened on October 2, 2009.
The old school was completely rebuilt as part of the Schools for the Future Rebuild Program and was upgraded to Academy status in 2013 and renamed Kirkby High School.
Roseheath and New Hutte
In 2006, Roseheath Community Elementary School and New Hutte Elementary School were closed and merged after approval in 2005.
Previously, Roseheath County Infant School and Roseheath Juniors became Roseheath Primary School in 1990 and in 1995 New Hutte Infant School and New Hutte Junior School merged to form New Hutte Primary School.
The new school became Yew Tree Primary Academy in Wood Road, Halewood.
David Elliott said: "Roseheath Infant and Secondary School, Leathers Lane, Halewood, closed in 2006."
Saint Thomas Becket Catholic School
St Thomas Becket Catholic High School was formed following a merger of local high schools, St Augustine of Canterbury Secondary School and Gonzaga Comprehensive School.
In 2005, the closure of the schools was approved and was to be closed with effect from the following year.
Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park complex was built on the former site of St Thomas Becket's School on Longview Drive, Huyton and opened in 2011.
James Flynn said, "I left St. Augustine '76, Mike Trainer, the French teacher was great."
Lisa Jenkins commented, "Gonzaga. It was St. Aloysius High School and you only knew about the school if you went there, most people hadn't even heard of it."
Maureen Douglas said: "St Augustine of Canterbury was Huyton's best school on Longview Drive, where Huyton's new leisure center now stands."
Prescott-Highschool
Having previously been based on the High Street in the 19th century, in 1924prescotand Huyton Grammar School for Girls moved to a site in St Helens Road.
In 1975 the school merged with Prescot Grammar School for Girls.
In 2009 the school, now known as Prescot School, was redeveloped with funds from a Labor government initiative and merged with Higher Side SchoolWhiston.
Bill Cooper said: "Starting at Prescot Boys' Grammar School in 1968, I remember being in student-run after-school societies sponsored by a teacher.
“There were several, including numismatics, stamp collecting, a film club, and one for lovers of buses, trolleybuses, and trams.
“At lunchtime there would sometimes be a debate and one could observe and admire the skill of two students trying to outdo one another with reasoned arguments.
“There were also sharp moments. Occasionally, after school, there would be a larger debate in the hallway, which was well attended.
“Thanks to the hard work of the music teacher, Mr. Kirk, the school had an excellent orchestra and I enjoyed going to their classical music concerts in the evenings, although my family went.
"Later on, when I was there, a rock-jazz group was formed where Mr. Kirk played the sax with the students, and somewhere I have a copy of a record the group made.
"I got the impression that Mr. Kirk lived for his music."
San Gregorio and San Kevin
St Gregory's School and Bewley Drive and Southdene, Kirkby is a merger with St Kevin's School and Northwood for All Saints Catholic High School.
St. Kevin's was once the largest comprehensive school in the country.
After the Bewley Drive location closed in 2009, All Saints opened in 2010.
Macket's Elementary School
Located on Arncliffe Road inHalewood, Macket's Elementary School closed in 2006.
The closure was approved in 2005.
Brookside und Nine Tree
In 2011 Brookside Community Primary School and Nine Tree Primary School were merged to form Stockbridge Village Primary School.
Nine Tree was located at Hollow Croft and Brookside in Cremorne. hey,Stockbridge-Dorf.
Wendy Robinson said: "Nine Tree Primary School in Stockbridge Village closed in 2011 and joined Brookside to become Stockbridge Village Primary School."
Jenny Evans said, "Nine trees in Hollow Croft! If the school hadn't been torn down, I would have sent my children there."
“Today they are more concerned with statistics than with the children themselves.
"Nine Trees had a great sense of community, lots of good memories.
"I think anyone who went there would say the same thing."
Knowsley Hola und Bowring
In 2009,HuytonKnowsley Hey High Schools on Seel Road and Bowring Comprehensive High Schools on Western Avenue merged to form the Huyton Learning Sports and Arts Center.
Both schools were demolished and the new school was rebuilt on the Knowsley Hey site as part of the Schools for the Future Rebuild Program.
The school later became Lord Derby Academy in 2014 when the Dean Trust took it over.
Sophie Buchanan said: “I started my journey into education at Longview Community Primary School on Astley Road and left in 2006. I revisited this school recently and it has brought back all these fond memories.
“Then I started Bowling Community Sports College on Western Avenue. I loved these two schools because each school helped me on my way.
"I remember Bowring and the music productions we did.
"I was part of the Wizard of Oz and played a munchkin. I also remember when we went to the Wavertree Sports Center and had our annual sports day there.
"It was amazing. Although I faced problems on a personal level, it was a decent school. My favorite subjects were French and PE. Mr. Logan was the best teacher I've ever had.
"Unfortunately, Bowring was demolished in 2009 and we opened a new school on Seel Road."
Bowring graduate Chelsey Harwood said: “I would like to give a special mention to a dear friend who is still Mrs Jackie McKee to this day. She was a wonderful kind soul on her own and often allowed me to stay after school and use the computers because my family's house was breaking up and she was very nice to me and when her husband came to pick her up he would seat me always pick up at my second bus stop as I had a long commute to and from school.
"We keep in touch to this day and she is still as beautiful and kind as ever and I often find her in my inbox with a kind word or a few words of encouragement."
David Cowdall, who also attended Bowring, said: “I have always got on well with my teachers.
"But when I was 14 I lost my father in a car accident and the teachers at Bowring really helped me, whether they listened to me or gave me advice.
“They sent me a condolence card in the mail, which was signed by some of the teachers.
"Mr. Owen was my teacher back then and on my first day back after first grade he would hold me down to talk to me and basically tell me I could talk to him if I needed something or someone to talk to.
"I'm not sure if he would even remember it, but I always will.
“Also Mr. Hara and Mr. Lancaster from PE were great, they were always there for me and both took great care of me.
“The three of them helped me a lot in school and I even got to play with the teachers after school five times, which was a bonus.
"I'm very grateful to all the teachers I've had, but especially these three."
Saint-Paul-Gymnasium
In 1988, St. Paul's High School in Halewood closed.
The site on Wood Road is believed to have previously been St Veronica's Girls' School.
Margi Steele New published: "St. Veronica's, Wood Road later became St. Paul's."
Lorraine Marsh commented, "St Veronicas High School for Girls, Wood Road, Halewood, closed I believe in the early 1990s and then renamed St Paul's. I left in 1975."
Sprinkle hello
Alan Martin said: “The Rushey Hey County Primary School in Kirkby. She has produced two great footballers who led their teams to European victories in 1981 and 1982. Liverpool's Phil Thompson and Aston Villa's Dennis Mortimer. No, I can't imagine any other school in Europe claiming the same!"
Knowsley Wollfall
Helen Nicholson said: "Knowsley Woolfall Grammar School, Stockbridge Lane, not sure when it was demolished, houses are being built there now, I was there from 1958 to 1962."
Sandra Clelland said: "Knowsley Woolfall Secondary Modern. It was at the end of Hillside Avenue. And Stockbridge Infant and Secondary School.”
Linda Rabone commented: "Knowsley Woolfall Grammar School on Stockbridge Lane, I was there from 1962 to '66. I'm not sure when it was demolished. Maybe 2000?"
Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School
Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School was located on Westhead Avenue in Northwood, Kirkby and closed in 2002.
Kathy McKeever said, "Sacred Heart, the best school ever."
Pauline Watson wrote: "Sacred Heart Babies and Youth Mr Mullen the headmaster was the best he ever knew every child and family name he was a wonderful man."
Susan Doyle said, "Sacred Heart Juniors on Westhead Avenue. It had a back entrance at what is now Abbey Close.
“The manager was Mr. Mullen. Mr. Walker organized chess championships every year. There was a league table in a hallway window showing who we were playing next and after the game was played I was colored to show who won I think it was my fourth year that I joined the Liverpool Chess Congress and finished third. Thank you, Mr Walker."
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Santo Domingo
St Dominic's RC Infant School und St Dominic's Catholic Junior en Huyton se fusionaron en Hope Primary School en Lordens Road.
Maisie Pritchard said: "My old school St. Dominic's on Southdean Road. Then high school on Ashbury Road. I loved every minute of it."
San Edmundo Arrowsmith, Prescot
Previously, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Secondary School was located on Scotchbarn Lane, Prescot.
In 2010, as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, the school moved to a new building on the Cumber Lane site of the former Knowsley Higher Side Comprehensive School in Whiston.
Lynda Bate said: "Edmund Arrowsmith, Scotchbarn Lane Prescot, big school demolished now."
RC elementary school St. Michael
In 1994 St Michael's RC Primary School on Richard Hesketh Drive in Kirkby closed.
John Gorman said, "St. Michael's Westvale, now a housing development. I was there between 1958 and 1963."
Longview Community School
Longview Community School, a primary school, became Knowsley Lane Academy on Astley Road in 2014.
John Brennan said, "Longview 1956 to 1966, great school, fabulous time in my life, lots of memories."
Dee Robertson said: "Longview Secondary Modern on Astley Road, a fabulous school."
St Agnes Catholic Primary School
In 2009, St Agnes Catholic Primary School in Huyton was closed.
Maureen Coxsey commented, "In the 1960s, at St Agnes Infant School, mother and aunt were the cleaners and Mr Coyn was the caretaker."
Ann Cooke said: "St. Agnes R/C School, Hall Lane, Huyton Quarry. I attended them from the ages of 5 to 11 and then transferred to St Augustine's of Canterbury Secondary School, Longview Drive. Part of the first admission since then was a new school."
Elementary school in beech wood
In 2006 Beechwood Elementary School in Huyton closed.
Danielle Broley said: "Stockbridge Primary School at the end of Hillside Avenue, Huyton. Later changed to Beechwood Primary School but now demolished and housing development in its place. The best moments of my life.”
Overdale and Simonwood
Overdale Primary School, formerly Overdale Juniors, and Simonswood Primary School merged in 2011 to become Northwood Community Primary
The school is located on Roughwood Drive in Northwood.
Hilary Byrne said: "We moved to Kirkby when I was about three years old, my older sister was 10 years older than me and my brother was eight.
"When my sister was old enough there weren't any makeup schools in Kirkby so she had to take the bus to Rainford every day but she didn't walk much because she always missed it!
"My brother went to Brookfield, so it must have opened in 1956 when he was 11. I went to Simonswood in 1958, I lived on Minstead Avenue, so I lived pretty much on the doorstep of this school, about five houses down from the school.
"I loved Simonswood, I met so many friends that I'm still friends with today."
santos engel
Holy Angels Infant School in Kirkby became St Michael and All Angels in 1988.
Barbara Rae said, "Holy Angels Infant and Secondary Schools, Kirkby. Mr Yoxall was the Headmaster for many years, followed by Mr Moss.”
Oliver Lyme Road
Oliver Lyme Road Primary School was in Prescot.
Barbara Orme commented: “I entered Oliver Lyme Nursery School in 1947 when I was four years old. The third year students were in the old buildings on Warrington Rd; the girls and boys were separated by a great wall.”
Brenda Elias wrote: "I went to the Oliver Lyme School from 1941 to 1952 when I went to Wade Deacon Elementary School. I remember that the school gave a concert in the parish hall, I was chosen to sing a verse from Jerusalem.”
Christ the King
The Christ The King Learning Center in Huyton closed in 2013.
The joint Catholic and Anglican secondary school was the first of seven new secondary schools in the district to open in 2009.
green quarry
Quarry Green was a primary school on Old Rough Lane in Kirkby.
Jeanette Wainwright said: "Quarry Green Primary, Old Rough Lane, very fond memories of a beautiful school supported by Sacred Heart, the headmaster was Mr Byron."
Sue Bennett commented: "Quarry Green Primary, Old Rough Lane, Kirkby, I'm not sure when it closed but the site is now housing, the school was an old war building."
Other popular local schools suggested by residents from across the county:
moderne High School Whiston
San Chad
Primaria maypole
Primarily of white stone
Saint Anthony
english martyrs
Springfeld
St Patrick
Brückenfeld
San Bartolome
Primary site of Moss County
modern Huyton
St. Clemens
Do you have photos, information or stories about any of these schools? Email jessica.molyneux@reachplc.com
FAQs
Are schools in Ireland closing tomorrow? ›
There are no school closures.
Is there school tomorrow in the UK? ›There are no emergency school closures yet for tomorrow.
What is the oldest school in Liverpool? ›You'll see above the door in the middle of the building the date 1610 and an inscription “Much Woolton Old School". The Oldest Elementary School Building in Lancashire”. Woolton is now in Merseyside, but it's still the oldest school across both counties and one of the oldest in England.
What month does school end in Ireland? ›Generally speaking though, post-primary schools typically end in early June, whilst primary schools typically end in late June. All schools are closed for July and most (or all) of August. Meaning the school year typically starts in the week in which 1st September falls.
Are schools off in Ireland? ›All schools close on Wednesday, 21 December 2022 which is the final day of the school term. All schools re-open on Thursday, 5 January 2023.
How long is summer break in UK? ›How Long are UK School Summer Holidays? Summer holidays in the UK typically last for around 6 weeks, though this can differ from school to school, and district to district.
How long is school break UK? ›Schools in England and Wales usually have two-week holidays for Christmas and Easter, a break of around six weeks for summer, and week-long breaks halfway through each of the three terms.
How long is a British school day? ›School Hours in the UK
The school hours are determined by each school but on average is about 5-6 hours per day. Normally, school starts at around 8:00- 9:00, and fishes at 15:00-16:00, but every school has different schedules.
...
Here we reveal in reverse order which Liverpool secondary schools are the hardest to get into.
- Bellerive FCJ Catholic College. ...
- The Academy of St Francis of Assisi. ...
- Notre Dame Catholic College. ...
- St Julie's Catholic High School.
- The Blue Coat School.
- Merchant Taylors' Boys' School.
- Formby High School.
- Range High School.
- The Belvedere Academy.
What is the oldest school on Earth? ›
The University of Al-Karaouine (also written al-Quaraouiyine and al-Qarawiyyin) is considered by the Guinness World Records as the oldest or first university in the world, established in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco (Guinness World Records, n.d.).
How long is summer break in Ireland? ›School holidays 2023
The academic year lasts from September, the 1st to June, the 30th. Thus in Ireland, the summer holiday are always from July, the 1st to August, the 31st.
Your child in school
The length of the school day in primary school is 5 hours and 40 minutes. This includes assembly time, roll-call and breaks which are usually around 11am and 12.30pm.
Classes usually start between 8:30am and 9.30am. The minimum hours of instruction per day is 6 and the minimum hours of instruction per week is 28. For more information including the dates of Christmas, Easter and mid-term breaks see our School Holiday Dates page.
Can Americans go to school in Ireland? ›If you're a student from United States, you'll need the Study Visa - Visa Type D to study in Ireland. This visa is made specifically for students like you who are ready to begin their study abroad adventure in Ireland.
Is school in Ireland hard? ›NEW RESEARCH HAS found that Irish in post-primary education is considered to be among the hardest and least interesting of subjects, with more and more students getting exemptions.
Do Irish schools speak English? ›Irish in English-medium schools
It is taught as a second language (L2) at second level, to native (L1) speakers and learners (L2) alike. English is offered as a first (L1) language only, even to those who speak it as a second language.
Around a 2-3 week break. Term 2 begins early January and finishes mid February with a week half term. It resumes in late February and term two ends in late March or early April, depending on when Easter falls. Usually a 2-3 week break.
How long is summer break in USA? ›In the United States, summer break is approximately two and a half months, with students typically finishing the school year between late-May and mid-June and starting the new year between late-August and early-September.
What month does high school end in UK? ›You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you'll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. You must then do one of the following until you're 18: stay in full-time education, for example at a college. start an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Why do UK schools have 6 weeks off? ›
One popular idea is that school children have a long summer holiday (six weeks for most pupils in the UK) so that they could help work in the fields over the summer.
How many hours are you in school UK? ›The 32.5 hour minimum includes breaks and lunch times as well as teaching time and any extra-curricular activities that all pupils are expected to attend. It does not include optional before or after school provision.
How many hours is a school year UK? ›Information on the expectation that all mainstream state-funded schools should provide a school week of at least 32.5 hours by September 2023.
How long is a school day in USA? ›| Average number of hours in the school day and average number of days in the school year for public schools, by state: 2007–08 | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | Average number of hours in the school day | Average number of days in the school year |
| United States | 6.64 | 180 |
| Alabama | 7.03 | 180 |
| Alaska | 6.48 | 180 |
At the Michaela Community School near Wembley, in north-west London, there are no mobile phones, detentions are given for the slightest misdemeanour and a disused car park is the no-frills playground. The high school is famed for being Britain's strictest, and its headmistress, Katharine Birbalsingh, pulls no punches.
What is the world's toughest school? ›For example, Stanford, which tops the list of the hardest school to get into in the world, receives on average over 55,000 applications every year. Of these thousands of applications, they admit less than 2,200 students.
Where do the rich and famous live in Liverpool? ›Woolton. Situated in the south of the city, Woolton is an affluent and coveted area. Only 6 miles from the city centre, this area is alive with a wealth of bars and restaurants and is home to some of the best properties in the city.
Which county has best schools in UK? ›- Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire is a county in the East of England that has been an important centre for trade, industry and commerce since the Iron Age. ...
- North London. ...
- Surrey. ...
- Borough of Kingston upon Thames. ...
- Kent. ...
- Gloucestershire. ...
- Berkshire. ...
- Greater Manchester.
In the United States Margarethe Schurz founded the first kindergarten in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1856. Her German-language kindergarten impressed Elizabeth Peabody, who opened the first American English-language kindergarten in Boston in 1860.
Who is the oldest 1st grader in the world? ›1920 – August 14, 2009) holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to leave primary school—he enrolled in the first grade on January 12, 2004, aged 84. Although he had no papers to prove his age, Maruge believed he was born in 1920 however he had the physical appearance of someone slightly younger.
What is the oldest school in America? ›
The oldest school in the United States is the Boston Latin School, established in 1635.
What are the school holidays in Ireland? ›| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| October Holidays | 30 Oct 2023 (Mon) | 3 Nov 2023 (Fri) |
| Christmas Holidays | 25 Dec 2023 (Mon) | 5 Jan 2024 (Fri) |
| February Holidays | 12 Feb 2024 (Mon) | 16 Feb 2024 (Fri) |
| Easter Holidays | 25 Mar 2024 (Mon) | 5 Apr 2024 (Fri) |
Primary schools usually finish the school year sometime during the last week in June. Private primary schools may finish at the end of May. Most primary schools will re-open in the week in which 1st September falls although some may choose to open the previous week.
What time does school end in Ireland? ›Primary school children usually start between 8:30 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. Children finish between 1.10 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Junior & Senior infants, while older children spend another hour in school and finish between 2:10 p.m. and 3 p.m.
What time do kids get out of school in Ireland? ›The school day in Ireland varies but is generally 9am-4pm. School starts in September and closes for June, July and August (though state exams are held for 2-3 weeks in June for 3rd and 6th year students). There are usually 2 weeks holidays at Christmas and shorter midterm breaks in October, February and at Easter.
How long is an Irish school day? ›Classes usually start between 8:30am and 9.30am. A primary school day lasts 5 hours and 40 minutes. The school day may be shorter for children in infant classes. For more information including the dates of Christmas, Easter and mid-term breaks see our School Holiday Dates page.
How long is a lunch break in Irish schools? ›In our school the children get disciplined by taking 10 minutes of their 20 minutes lunchbreak!
Do Irish teachers get paid in the summer? ›You will not be paid over the summer. However, 12% will be removed from the current hourly casual and non-casual rates. This represents the teachers' statutory annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks per year. The teacher will accumulate statutory annual leave to the value of 12% of time worked.
How many days a year do kids go to school in Ireland? ›Under Department of Education rules, there is a requirement for a school to be open for a minimum of 166 days at post primary level and 182 days at primary level.
How many school days can you miss in Ireland? ›Schools are obliged to keep a register of the students attending the school. They must also maintain attendance records for all students and inform the Child and Family Agency's educational welfare services if a child is absent for more than 20 days in a school year.
How is the US school system different from Ireland? ›
While in the US most school systems have elementary school, middle school (or junior high), and high school, in Ireland its primary school (1st class through 6th class), and then Secondary school. In Ireland, the primary school you go to does not determine the secondary school you will attend.
Is it expensive to live in Ireland? ›At a country level, the cost of living in Ireland, including housing, is only 10% lower than the cost of living in the USA. However, the United States has many cities that are cheaper to live in than similar cities in Ireland.
What grade is 1st year in Ireland? ›Education in Ireland Facts
Year 7 in the UK or Grade 7 in the US is referred to as 'First Year' in Ireland. This is because it is the first year of secondary school. In total there are 6 years in Secondary School in Ireland.
| Age | UK Years | US/International Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 14 - 15 | Year 10 | 9th Grade (Freshman) |
| 15 - 16 | Year 11 | 10th Grade (Sophomore) |
| 16 - 17 | Year 12 / Lower 6th | 11th Grade (Junior) |
| 17 - 18 | Year 13 / Upper 6th | 12th Grade (Senior) |
In the USA, a 14-15-year-old is usually in 9th grade or their freshman year of high school, and a 15-16-year-old is in 10th grade or their sophomore year.
What grade is a 12 year old in? ›