I, too, went to Stanmer between 1964-1968, though don't remember Vernon Page. Mr Kite (English) and Mr Boiling (Spanish) were new teachers in 1964 - Mr B left in 1966 as Spanish ceased because French had to be taught instead. I remember we (as a year group) were asked if we would like to do a couple of years of French or no language - the decision was no language, funny that! Who'd have guessed! Mr Gough was also an English teacher and was my form teacher in my first year. Mr (Bombhead) Brady was the maths teacher and very scarey. Both Messrs Gough and Brady and Miss Scutt (music) were at Stanmer when my brother went there in 1958. Then there was Mr Morrison, (geography), Miss Whitney (history), Mr Hurley (science), Miss Harvey (PE), Mrs Agate (also PE), Mrs Dodson (cookery), Miss Radford (art); Mrs Moorhead (needlework); Mr Rickard (RE); Mr Critchley (maths). Can't remember any of the other teachers though. My school days were not the happiest days of my life.

I attended Stanmer from 1959-1963. I remember Mr Gough, "Bombhead" Brady, "Ruby" Whitney (the heavy lipstick), Teresa Scutt, Mrs Agate, and most of the others mentioned. There were also Mr Umpleby(woodwork), Mr Louie (metalwork), Mr Lovell (pottery), "Digger" Davis (gardening), Mr Tuley (R.I.), Mr Davies (geography) - a short man but very strict, Mr Sims (Spanish), Mr "Fingers" McPhee (science) and Mr Fitch also science.  During those years we had "school houses" Trevelyan (blue), Britten (yellow), Fleming (red) and Hepworth (green) which made for good competition between each other (particularly on Sports Day) as we wanted to be in the top house at the end of the year. Every week we had 2 double periods of P.E. gym, cross-country runs, football, cricket, etc. A few years ago I visited the old school, now called Falmer High, sadly thanks to the nanny state today, anything to do with competition in schools has been stopped. I noticed the roll of honour board has gone, school sports are now a thing of the past and the whole place looks run down. I was very happy there and hope the academy materializes.

Blimey, I went to Stanmer in the early 70s for 2 years. The teachers, Pennells (mallett), Louis, and Willsy (I got caned by him) were still there then, others I remember are Mr Coles (RE), anfd Mr Silverman (Maths) I hated him such a nasty man, not the best memories of my life.

For any of you who attended Stanmer and who remember the Metalwork teacher, Mr Louis (the correct spelling is Loewy): he taught there from the early 1950s until 1983. He died on 4th October 2008. His funeral will be held on Friday 17th October 2008 at 1:30pm at the Downs crematorium. Any of his former pupils would be very welcome to attend. Dress code is informal.

Stanmer! Mr Hurly the science teacher, Mr Brady - Maths, Mr Morrison - Geography, Mr Gough - English, Ms Dobson and Ms Strange - Home Economics, Mr Mainwaring - English, Mr Cole - RE. Stanmer joins with Westlain! Mr Skull - Biology? Mr Roberts - Geography? Yo Titanic.

I went to Stanmer School 1959-63 and not only do I remember all the teachers mentioned by Robert Taylor, I am sure Bob and I were classmates. As well as those teachers already mentioned, do you remember Mrs Hughes (our form teacher), deputy head Mr Robinson (BK), Mr Yetman(woodwork & TD), Mrs McCloughlin (history), Miss Helmson (English I think), Mr Jones (Spanish, took over from Mr Sims)? Ah happy days!

I went to Stanmer between 1957 to 1961. When I was there Mr Williams was head master. I am trying to find anybody who has still any photographs of that time as mine were lost years ago.

I was at Stanmer 1953-1958 and Hobart and then Williams were headmasters; I was in Fleming (the best house). As for Tingey's in Lewes Road, I remember it well. It was next to Devesons, Frankie Toffs, Brookers and Twitchen's, opposite was Platts, Martin Harringtons then along was Wild's Pawn shop then Carter's along with Trotmans and Paynes. Bradshae's also had a shop in Lewes Road opposite the bottom of Elm Grove (where the trolley arms were always coming off!),. Remember the pie shop in St James's Street, Superb? What more could one ask for after a great night at the Regent.  I have plenty of memories if you want to know more.

I was at Stanmer from 1956 to 1961 and yes, I remember some of those teachers, especially Mr Yetman with his humongous T square that he used to hit your desk if you dare fall asleep. Also the rivalry between Westlain and Stanmer, especially with the snowball fights! Even the old bun shop brings back fond memories and the old Carter's at the bottom of Hartington Road. What sweet memories!

I was one of the first pupils to attend Stanmer in 1951 when Mr Hobart was the Headmaster. Everything was brand new and more than a bit daunting. I remember Mrs White - games, Miss Blairs Cox - music and choir mistress and Mr Needham and Mr Wills - boys PE. I stayed until 1955 having completed two years of the brand-new Pre Nursing course, spending two afternoons a week at Brighton General Hospital in Elm Grove. Have there been any reunions?

PLEASE!! There must be pupils out there who went to Stanmer School 1953-1957 so please write so as we can exchange memories!!  Before we pop off! RAY

Hi Ray Cook. When was the last time I saw you? In Upper Gardner Street one Saturday morning with some of the Nocker boys - that was a long time ago! Yes, I remember lots of the boys and a few of the girls from our school days at Stanmer, and up the Regent Thursday night. Half a crown to get in then a shilling for a pint of beer, having a chat with the boys then a walk round the Regent to see who was there that night. Like you say, that was a b****y good night out. Do you remember 'Joe's Place' at the top of St James's Street? It was a seafood bar, 2\6 for a nice plate full of all sorts of crab, prawns and other bits. And I remember the pie shop, I liked the Beano pies. Well, really I liked them all! Yes and I can remember lots of the shops in Lewes Road. Most of all me and a few other lads walking home used to nick a handful of the broken biscuits and the big dog biscuit, then run along to Saunders Park to eat them.

I just found this web site it's great. I was at Stanmer School between 1958-1962 do you remember me? I was in Fleming House, and was well into sports. I used to throw the javelin and was captain of the net-ball & hockey teams. I can remember Shirley Lemon, Doreen Ransom, Shirley Boxall, and Roger Evans.

I remember Barbara Squibb who used to spend time with a girl called Dorothy Langridge, and I also remember Roger Evans, Doreen Ransom, Roger Tranmere and Les Wiltshire. No one has mentioned the gardening teacher Miss Digger Davis.

I attended Stanmer School 1967-1972 and its great to look back at my school days. I went to Coldean before that and used to live at Ashurst Road at the end of the approach road to Stanmer School. I remember Kevin Wooley, Bob Phillips (school sweetheart), Boyd Humphreys, Gina Gower, Sandy Colby, Heather White, Anne Woodhart, Sue Wood and Susan Middleton who lived in Stanmer village. Anthony Baker seems to ring a bell. I think he went to school with my brother Stephen Leaney. Mr Hurly the science teacher, Mr Brady - Maths, Mr Morrison - Geography, Mr Gough - English, Ms Dobson and Ms Strange - Home Economics, Mr Mainwaring - English, Mr Cole - RE. These where the teachers when I was there. It would be really great to hear from any of you who knew me.

 Hi, I attended Stanmer school in the early 60s and remember a lot of these teacher’ names. Some of the pupils that come to mind are Robert Harguey (if that’s how you spell it), Raynor Gander, Lynne Stewart, Margret Blackwell, Jacky Jhonston, Mick Stanley (I think he played for B & H A for a time), Virginia Luff and many others.  I Live in Greece now but if anyone wants to get in touch please do so at russellsnr@hotmail.com

Peter Salvage, I remember you. I remember walking in the snow to see you at the Avenue. As for Dorothy Langridge I still keep in touch with her.

Further to my earlier comments when I was at Stanmer from 1957-1961. I can remember Mick Baldy, Ian Bowles, Roger Evans, Colin Haffenden, Philip Shaw, Ian Lamb, Peter Cook, David Campbell, John Ballard, Shirley Lemon, Susan Hedgecock, Doreen Ransom, Michael Glew. Mr Wills was one of my teachers. Digger Davies (Gardening), Mr Yetman (Woodwork), Mr Gough (English), Mr Davis (RI), Mr Lewey (Metalwork).

Having read the comments on this page, I have not read one from pupils from Westlain Grammar School which merged with Stanmer Secondary Modern, to become Stanmer High School. Are there any out there? I went to Westlain from 1960 - 1964, does anyone remember me?

I attended Stanmer from 1960-1964. Ray Ransom, Ian Curtis, Mervyn Blakey, Ben Green, John Connelly, Alex Brown, Stephen Turner,etc. where are you now? I became a gypsy and worked all over England, Germany and eventually settled in the US. Contact me at rugbeeref@yahoo.com if you see this message.

Hi, I went to Stanmer school between 1967 and 1970. Does anyone remember Mr Mathis the maths teacher, who everyone called Spitfire every time he spoke to you?

Hi, I went to Stanmer School between 1962 and 1966. Friends were Tony Lodge and Colin Finley -anyone know them, or myself?

I attended Stanmer Secondary from 1967-1972, also lived in Stanmer village,. Looking through the above messages a few names stand out, especially some of the teachers, Mr Cole, Mrs Agate Snr and Jnr, Miss Labinska, Mr Morrison, Mr Wills, to name but a few.

No one mentioned Mr Towner, he was a really lovely teacher who wore patches on the elbows of his jacket sleeves. I wonder if he is still around. I left school in 1967 at the age of 15 and remember almost all of the teachers from my time at Stanmer. It was a great school to be at, although I couldn't wait to leave.

My twin sister (Vanessa) and I went to Stanmer in 1970 after Elm Grove Girl's school closed. We were in the Pre-nursing class with Mrs Aziz as form teacher. I remember going to Stanmer village in lunch breaks and popping in to see Sue Middleton's family. There were great flour fights on the buses home. I think the girls used their left over cookery class ingredients to chuck at the Westlain lot!

I was at Stanmer 1955 onwards - best school I ever went to and how I cried when I left unexpectedly. The teachers I remember were Miss Christine Moore (PE), Miss Bowling (Cookery), Miss Chaplain (needlework and later form teacher), Miss Bellairs-Cox (Music), Mr Davie (Georgraphy), Mr Toogood (Spanish but only for one year), Mr Williams (Headmaster), Mrs Hodge (2nd Head), I also remember Mr Umpleby, Mr Rawsthorne (Art), Mr Gough and Mr Baldry (History). I was in Trevelyan House (blue) - we won most of the sports things for a couple of years. My best friend was Gwen Birch who emigrated to Australia later. I also remember Dorothy Cookson and Robert Scott and Peter Gregory.

Just found this site! I was at Stanmer from 1957 - 1962. I was in Fleming House and was Head Boy. The teachers' names mentioned bring back memories but there are no many stories. I can remember when they built a new staircase beside the main hall. It had slatted stairs and prefects had to be posted to stop the boys looking up the girls skirts. Also the gang fights with Moulscombe School. Got the strap once from Mr Lovell the pottery teacher. The snowball fights against Westlain and trying to hit the "softball" ball into the water board pumping stations chimney. R.I.P. Stanmer soon to become one of the Government's Academies.

I was at Stamner from 1958, I was in Trevelyan House. My friend at school was Jill Young and we are still in touch. I was also friendly with Diane Mitchell and I believe Mr Brice was my form teacher.

I went to Stanmer in Sept 1972, it changed after beng there for a year to Falmer High School. The teachers mentioned above were still there when we were here, Mr Skull, Mr Gough, Mr Wills, Mr Williams, then Mr Hockton, old Ma Berry, Ms Mathews, Mr Brand, Mr Morrison, Mr Smith, Mr Coles, Ms Dobson, Ms Lebinska, Ms Cooper, Ms Hudspith, Ms Oxford, Ms Proctor, Mr Cunliffe, Mr Loewy, Mr Lepper, I was glad the school went together with Westlain. I found Stanmer a hard school and hated the underground (Stanmer building) where we would go for a smoke, absolutely dreaded walking down the 'approach road' Lucraft Road there were some well hard people there that scared the living daylights out of me. I left in May 28th 1977. I couldnt wait to leave but now realsie those were some of the best days of my life and have some lovely friends from then. x

I went to Stanmer School, all the teachers mentioned were still there when I was being a bad girl lol. I hated the colour of the uniform,and those horrible school showers. I had the school's on strike in Brighton many year's ago.

Having recently read all the new additions I also think Len Foster and I were classmates. I seem to recall we used to debate the chart records, remember Nut Rocker, Good Timin' Saturday Nite at the Duck Pond? I also remember those slatted stairs that John Cobbett mentioned, a treat for the boys! With regard to Mr Yetman's T square, some teachers used to throw chalk and even the blackboard rubber which was solid wood, they would be prosecuted for doing that today! And I still remember the breaktime rush to those trays of penny buns (not when you were in the 4th year!) as the prefects selling them were our friends, you just walked to the front of the queue to howls of protests from the 1st and 2nd years. As to Liesa's comments things must have gone down quickly in 10 or 15 years as I don't recall that much trouble in the approach road in the 60s. Although I was happy there, I looked forward to starting work, but that last year seemed to fly by, and the very last day it suddenly hit you, after four years together we're all going our seperate ways, it really was all over. I agree with Liesa, looking back, yes, they really were some of the best days of my life as well.

Re: Phyllis Johnston's message. I know Diane Mitchell, she is a couple of years younger than me. Her sister Susan is my age, I still see her occasionally. She is a friend of Margaret Prior (nee Lunnon) who was the same age as me and in the same class. We all attended Brownies which was run by Diane and Sue's mum Mrs Mitchell.

Re: Chris Troak's message. Always wondered what had happened to you Chris - would love to hear from you.

Wow a real blast from the past Peter Gregory. Thanks for remembering me anyway. I knew that you became a policeman - I know in another lifetime! Do you see anyone else who was around then? I lived in Brighton at that time but many years ago when my son Robert came home from school with his new friend Robert - he turned out to be Robert Scott's son! Now that is a small world especially as this was in Worthing.

Hi Chris (Troak nee Morane) Forgot to give you my contact email - please email me on: oohaypg@yahoo.com Peter Gregory

I went to Stanmer only for the last two years, finished in 1964 I think (I was in the pre nursing course - Miss Whitney was our class teacher - I never took history with her - but she knew her subject well). It is funny how you can forget some things quite easily, until someone just pokes a memory. I can remember so many funny things that happened; like Paul Walker parking his motorbike in the prefects room. Mr Williams never coming to math class after lunch as I believe he had frequented 'The Swan' - I loved my biology and anatomy teacher whose name escapes me but lived in Kingston. I can remember the snack truck getting stuck under the bridge and the poor driver trying to fend off everyone trying to get into the back and take the treats. The school debates the year of an election and 'The Egalitarian Party' winning. Stephen Turner and Benny Green competing to see who could have the most adorned scooter with mirrors etc. sportsday with a pair on Long Johns flying from the flagpost. Anyone else remember any of this?

I went to Stanmer from 1959 - 1964 when I transfered to Westlain. Nice to see all the old teachers names. Nice to see Digger Davis mentioned. I never did gardening but can remember going on a school trip to Tarragona in Spain (by train) and she brought back a large wooden fork (about 6 foot long). I remember Anne Wankling, Erica Hedgecock, Stephen Gorringe, Gary Vallier and Tony Streeter from my year. I remember missing the Christmas film in the hall for throwing snowballs at Westlain kids and being made to clear snow all afternoon. I can also remember that they had a clampdown on something and the prefects put dozens of us in detention - we were lined up in all the corridors facing the wall. The open slat stairs also brought back happy memories.

Hello Ray. I have recenty acquired my first computer and have just found this website. What memories! I too was at Stanmer from 1953-1957. I was so upset to have failed my 11 plus as I wanted to go to Varndean. But looking back I am so glad I did or I wouldn't have such wonderful memories of Stanmer! I remember my first day very well. I was quite daunting trying to find my way around such a huge building. But how proud we all felt in our brand new uniforms of maroon and blue. I was in Trevelian House and loved my blue tassle on my beret! Believe it or not I still have most of my school excercise books and reports! The teachers I remember most are Mr. Hobart (headmaster) Mr. Wills (geography). Miss Bellairs Cox (music) Miss Dobson (housecraft and cookery). There were countless others - Mr. Neasham. Miss Dodds and lovely Mr.Whitehead who taught Spanish. I have such treasured memories and would love to share them with anyone who remembers me. (My unusual surname should jog a few memories!) I think the one thing that stands out for me and which I have carried with me till this day is the school's performance of THE MIDAKO I can't remember the exact year but I think I was about 13 or 14. My love of Gilbert and Sullivan has stayed with me ever since! I remember Alan Morgan playing Koko (I think he was my first boyfriend!). I am sorry I don't remember you but would still love to hear from you. My email address is barbararuthroberts@gmail.com Looking forward to some feedback.

Ray, is that Ray Cook, the same guy who once worked for coca-cola?

I went to Falmer High as it became in 1978-1982 and was taught by Miss Dobson, Mr Skull and Mr Gough - they were still there! In fact my mum (Margaret Hutchings) went to Stanmer and was one of the only 2 girls who took the 1st O levels available as a trial at Stanmer, and she was taught by Miss Dobson who was a friend of my grandma (Doris Hutchings) who was Lady Chichester's dressmaker (Stanmer House). Miss Dobson left around 1982 also.

Stanmer School: 1960-64. They were some of the best years of my life. The teachers were high intellects, for the most part. I remember Miss Moorhouse (needlework), my form teacher, speaking to me in my native German very well. My favourite teacher was Mr. MacDonald (English) a cultured, kindly gentleman, who took real pains to teach me proper English, spoken and written. He had a profound love of and ability in music too. Remember Mrs. Finn (science) - a beautiful Hebrew lady. Mr. Tomkinson (PE), Mr. Chris Thrower (RI), Mr. Alec Wills (geog. and PE). Mr. McPhee (science) would mumble and nod off. Miss Scutt gave me her love of music, that I have to this day. The tartar Mr. Brasher took over PE in 63. I later came to know his wife, who was sweet and I wondered what she was doing with such a man, whom she later divorced. W. W. Williams was Headmaster and a bit of a red-headed temper he had. Mr. B.E.B. Robbins came up from Somerset and was one of those very able all-rounders of English education - Maths, PE and Music (he made me sing a solo of "How Jolly Are We Beggars" from the balcony in the hall). Tall Mr. Davis (Maths) cut my wrist with a cane. Friends: Alan Thomas, David Griffin, Paul Walker, Danny Herriott, Peter Hall, Michael Fitzgerald, David Eke, David Solomon, David Simmonds and David Simmons (!), ? Tomlinson, Colin Eldridge and boys. Girls: Nancy Knight, Jean Smith and Denise Hayward were smart and good sports. David Sorrell was our soccer star. ? Pollard was my fellow prefect on DT duty - a good lad. I loved Trevelyan House and Mrs. Wooldridge, my dear history teacher, who was kindly. I liked cross country, rain or shine, but wasn't good at it. I really loved beautiful Stanmer Woods and the path through to Coldean shops, where school chums would nick pies from Eldridge's tuck shop. Where are you all now? I live in Arizona - been here since 1980. I've travelled every continent and many, many countries. Write pwstrub@hotmail.com if you like.

Hello Peter, sadly I am not in your list of those you can recall, but after so many years it is not surprising. My name is Ean Ross and I was in your class, finishing with 4 CSEs 1. I remember well all those in our class, especially David Griffin, Alan Thomas, and Chris Protas, who I used to sit next to. I still live and work in Brighton. They are going to demolish Stanmer School soon and Westlain school is now an academy. Brighton has changed such a lot since the '60s. I hope some of our class may read your letter and write in. Thanks for your comments.

Ean: How wonderful to hear from you - I certainly have not forgotten you or Chris Protas and the wonderful laughs we had together at Stanmer. You had a delightful sense of humour then and I'd like to hear more of what you've been doing throughout the years. I must admit that, although those times were long ago, my memory of them is incredibly fresh. Among other things we prepared three years for the "Black & Off-White Minstrel Show", and it was a smash hit. Please drop me a line at: pwstrub@hotmail.com

Hi Peter, I never made it to your list either! But can only vaguely remember Ean Ross. Dave Griffin and Alan Thomas were in my class all through junior and senior schools. You certainly remember a lot more about the staff than I do, I don't recall Mrs Finn at all, let alone her being Hebrew! Living in Canada now, where it's just starting to warm up!

Hello old classmates, good to hear a few of us still around! Re my name, my middle name is Sydney, so if I recall, most at school used to call me Syd. Sometimes we all got called different names, and they kind of stuck. I still have all my school reports so will get them out to refresh my memories of days at Stanmer. The only classmate I used to see often was Paul Walker, I was really surprised to see him when I needed an accountant, he turned out to be the man in charge. Sadly I think he moved to Cyprus to work, so we lost contact. Did any of you go on the trip to Burwash, it was like an outward bounds course, canoeing etc? Keep in touch. Syd

Hi all. I was at Stanmer in 1960 and remember a lot of these teachers. Miss Scutt who gave me my love of music and Mr Wills who was the only teacher ever to be able to teach me anything about maths. So sad to have heard he had passed away. I also remember Mr Davies who we used to call 'ISAIAH' because he had one eye higher than the other! I remember in my class, Suzanne Jakeman and Judy Corrigan, also Raymond Cheeseman and David Neville. Does anyone else remember them?