Purley Boys – amazing place the internet!
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I always seem to get get horrified ‘gasps’ when I explain my schooling at Purley Boys, I remember Mr Akers standing up during one lunchtime and exclaiming: “What do you think this is some damn comprehensive!” Of course it was! Being at PB was an incredible experience some of which is highlighted in this article, and remember I only left in 1989! The cane had been abolished when I was there but there were many ‘incidences’ I had where I think Mr Akers would have like that option.
Purley High was certainly run along unusually traditional lines. Consider the school’s ‘Rules and Procedure for the Guidance of Parents and Boys’, 1978 edition. They don’t mention caning but they must have left the prospective parent and pupil in little doubt about the style of the place. Here are just a few extracts:
“Leave of absence is not given for attendance at holiday camps and treats arranged by outside organisations, or simply for amusement, shopping or domestic convenience …”"Disorderly or discourteous conduct of any kind during School hours and on the way to and from School is objectionable and, if serious, may be dealt with by very severe measures …”"Barter and money transactions among boys are forbidden …”"Eating in School, except at such times and in such places as are arranged for the purpose, and in the streets, is forbidden …”
“ALL boys, excepting prefects, must leave the School premises within five minutes of the end of lessons or other approved activity …”
“ALL boys must wear the school uniform, which consists of: School tie in maroon and gold; Maroon blazer (single-breasted) with badge on pocket; Maroon and gold scarf; Maroon and gold pull-over; Black shoes of a sensible shape; White shirt; Grey trousers.
“Boots, fancy pullovers, polo sweaters, black jackets, ankle length coats, fancy shoes, double-breasted blazers, large lapel badges, jeans, drainpipe and flared trousers, are considered unsuitable for school wear.”
“Hair must be kept short and tidy. Rings and other jewellery must not be worn.”
“Copying or the use of cribs are punishable as dishonesty.”
“Amusement and social engagements are not acceptable as an excuse for neglect of prep. Parents are asked to ensure that this is given first priority each evening.”
“Games are compulsory for all boys. Parents are asked to put pressure on their sons who try to avoid physical exercise without good reason.”
“All boys are subject to the authority of the prefects during School hours and during travelling to and from school, but they have a right of appeal to the Headmaster against an order of punishment. Appeal against an order must not lead to delay in carrying out the order. The right to appeal against punishment must be exercised, if desired, before the punishment is inflicted.”
