Sunnymede Primary was Southport’s last standing independent school, and celebrated its 50th anniversary shortly before closing at the end of term in 2010.
The Head Teacher of the school, Simon Pattinson joined his father Alan (who was then Head Teacher) in 1960, and after 10 years of family management, Alan retired, handing over the reins to Simon, assisted by his wife Vicky.
Over the years there were many significant changes to the school, including becoming coeducational and educational and the development of a Kindergarden department. And as the school continued to progress, the curriculum adapted to include a range of modern, popular subjects such as computing and technology. Whilst music and drama were always at the forefront, and increasing range of sporting activities were considered an integral part of everyday life.
Whilst man similar schools of its type throughout the UK failed to survive the harsh reality of difficult economic climates ad dropping number of pupils, the strength of Sunnymede, with it's exacting standards and major focus on individual child development often outperformed larger schools in person achievement.
Simon once commented that “This family school has literally been my life’s work, and it is to the testament of pupils, past and present, our wonderful teachers and the constant support from many parents and friends that have allowed us to reach this fabulous milestone (50 year anniversary)”.
The reason for this sad demise is due, on one hand to a failing roll over it’s last 12 to 18 months, and on the other to an increase in expenditure created by the various regulations and legislations imposed by the government.
Access was easy enough, and the school is located away from the main road, but overlooked by residential to the left side.
The Head Teacher of the school, Simon Pattinson joined his father Alan (who was then Head Teacher) in 1960, and after 10 years of family management, Alan retired, handing over the reins to Simon, assisted by his wife Vicky.
Over the years there were many significant changes to the school, including becoming coeducational and educational and the development of a Kindergarden department. And as the school continued to progress, the curriculum adapted to include a range of modern, popular subjects such as computing and technology. Whilst music and drama were always at the forefront, and increasing range of sporting activities were considered an integral part of everyday life.
Whilst man similar schools of its type throughout the UK failed to survive the harsh reality of difficult economic climates ad dropping number of pupils, the strength of Sunnymede, with it's exacting standards and major focus on individual child development often outperformed larger schools in person achievement.
Simon once commented that “This family school has literally been my life’s work, and it is to the testament of pupils, past and present, our wonderful teachers and the constant support from many parents and friends that have allowed us to reach this fabulous milestone (50 year anniversary)”.
The reason for this sad demise is due, on one hand to a failing roll over it’s last 12 to 18 months, and on the other to an increase in expenditure created by the various regulations and legislations imposed by the government.
Access was easy enough, and the school is located away from the main road, but overlooked by residential to the left side.
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& yes that would be great if you could - I did add some more yesterday too!
it's in my hometown!
