Roll of Headteachers – Coopers’ School, Coborn School, and The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School 1536 – 2018
To celebrate its 450th Anniversay the entire school community (students, staff, governing body), many parents and members of the Worshipful Company of Coopers, attended a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. It was impressive to see over 2500 people filling the Cathedral, enjoying the outstanding music provided by the school orchestra and choir.
The original design of the Anniversary Plate, one of which was given to all members of staff.
To mark its 450th Anniversary Princess Anne visited the school and opened the new Computer Science block, named after the Chair of Governors, Mr Len McEwen. The photo also shows the Anniversary Plate designed by student, Kelly Merritt.
The school has always prided itself on the quality and regularity of its productions. Gilbert and Sullivan was a popular choice.
Mr James Bell, the last Headmaster of Coopers’ School, wrote “This issue of ‘The Cooperian’ “ (the school magazine) “marks the end of an era; when the next magazine is produced, our school will have left the premises in Bow, the two stage amalgamation with the Coborn School will have been completed and the new Coopers’ Company and Coborn School will be in full session in Upminster”. The photo shows the new school in its early stages of development, with Mr John French becoming its first Headteacher.
Then, as now, Prizegiving was an important part of school life, celebrating the achievements of its pupils.
To mark Coborn School’s 250th Anniversary the school was honoured by a visit from Her Majesty. A Commemoration Service was held at St Dunstan’s Church and the Coborn Chronicle Play compiled by the staff was produced.
Gymnastic displays such as this were an important part of school life, demonstrating the physical prowess of the boys to parents and invited guests.
Miss Philpot, Headmistress, retired in 1956. Her 27 years of service to the school had seen vast changes. Under her successor, Miss Edwin, the school continued to forge ahead. The new Science wing was completed and with three splendid new laboratories the teaching of the sciences expanded throughout the school.
