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Trevor Edwards | all galleries >> Sheppey Pictures and Postcards >> Sheerness, Town > Tech School Sheerness
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Tech School Sheerness


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Gerry Skinner 17-Feb-2025 21:05
Whent to the Tech from about 1959 to 1967, then to University, two boring years in Industry and then joined Kent Police. Once stopped Mt Bryant- the woodwork master when i was on M/C patrol on the A2 just for the hell of it. No regrets about my time at the school. Some great characters on the staff.
Derek Coward 27-Jun-2022 20:10
My name is Derek Coward and I attended Sheerness tech between 1964 and 1968. I was young and skinny, big nose and ears and was desperately unhappy. I was bullied and beaten. I will never forget the boys involved. However, all these years on, they didn't succeed. Now nearing age 70 I have had a good life since. Have become well travelled, have a fantastic family and good health. I'm very happy. I wonder how many of the bullies who made my life hell ended up the same.
Bob Ditchburn 25-Oct-2021 18:08
I’m Bob Ditchburn and attended from 162 - 1968. I share the views about Mr Barnet and was caned many times and had detention in the hall even more.I think a lot of us could have coped quite well at Borstal after the Tech.
Barry Beames was a good friend for years - he was my best man and I was his. Over the years we lost touch and I tried to track him down so was sad to learn of his passing after discovering this site. Many memories - I remember Bob Waltz and the explosion and many more ‘life enhancing’ experiences.
Bob Ditchburn 25-Oct-2021 17:58
I attended
Stuart Gray 15-Oct-2021 02:45
I attended this school from 1961 to 1965. It was my sixth school - and the best! I met some good pals there: Doug Smith - Stuart Fullager - Martin (Jim) Boyce - Jack (Jim) Reid - Martin Swainson - John Frewin - and Leslie Clemow (a close friend, sadly missed, who died at an early age).
My favourite teacher was Joe Duddle (Mathematics) who was always 'Taking moments about A'. He got me through the A Levels - eventually! I must be some sort of record holder because in retaking the exams I had actually turned 20 when I left. The Principal, Mister Barnet - who wasn't that bad - told me I could stay on as long as I liked! At one time I was the only boy in the sixth form who wasn't a prefect! It might have been because he caught me trying to play the trumpet of one of the junior boys, which must have made a hell of a racket in the hall! I have a photo of some of the above boys at school. I now live in Dorchester, Dorset, aged 76. Stuart Gray.
Simon A 16-Mar-2021 23:48
Hi, wanting to know if anyone remembers my dad -Neil Andrews, who would have attended Sheerness Tech around 1947 to 1951 (age 11-15).

He joined the RAF age 15 and lived in James Street,,4 doors down from Thomas Cheyne school. He had an older brother Neville and two sisters Daph and Heather.

Would be great to hear from anyone who remembers him. He passed away in February this year.

I’m his youngest son Simon.
Gerald Law 13-Mar-2021 14:42
I was at the school from 1955-1960 when I left to join the RAF as an Apprentice. Interesting to read of L G Welland who was my Form master at one point. I recently did some family tree research and found out that we were actually cousins although we did not know it at the time. I too remember Mr Barnett with little affection bit Mr Kitkat was always very fair.
Mark "Tadpole" Sayer 27-Dec-2020 13:45
Paul McClure: yes, I do remember you.

Is there any way to get in touch ?
MICHAEL FIELD 26-Oct-2020 13:14
I went to the school from 1954 to 1957. I left to join the R.A.F. as an apprentice along with 4 others, Alan James, Bill Harris, Dave Bushell and Des Parker. I remember Mrs Byers, Mr. Kitkat and Mr. Ryder. Does anyone remember me Mike Field. I now live in Hampshire.
Guest 25-Aug-2020 16:17
I started in1958 and for some reason I can still recite the register for that year. It went: Briton, Brown , Budd, Findlay, Fitch, Fullager, Hibben, Hobbs , Holmes, Hudson, Lane, Langwothy, Martin , Mason, Mills, O'Rorke, Petty, Schmit, Seager, Shewan, Stickles, Swainson, Taylor D, Taylor S, Williamson, Grey. Apologies for any mis speling.
Guest 17-May-2020 21:59
I went to this school in 1954,I remember Barry Bodiam, and Colin Anderson.There was a small sweet shop opposite,I lived at Queenborough railway station,,I left in 1957 and moved to Southampton. John Mills.
brian Glass 29-Aug-2019 09:17
I went to "The Tech in 1958 and left in 1963. I remember 3 classmates. Peter Marchington, Barry Horsman and Michael Robinson. Anyone from my year remember me? Brian Glass. Retired since 1998 aged 50.
Dave Whiddett 25-Apr-2019 18:06
Interesting to find out if any of my old classmates are around.
Dave Whiddett 25-Apr-2019 18:03
On a plaque by the stairs the name Sir William Penney was listed. He eventulally beccame part of tbe GB atomic weapons developement team.2
Graham Bentley 24-Apr-2019 15:18
For Bill Wallace, you may have known my half brother Ron Bentley, as he was at the Tech around '49
Bill Wallace 31-Jan-2019 06:57
So many memories on this site that I thought i’d add a few of my own. Went to the tech late forties to early fifties.. Can’t be more precise, age doesn’t permit and bad memories don’t help either! I was too early for Barney who sounded a real charmer, but he came from a long line of sadistic bastards. One of the boys spoke highly of Mr Macathur who ran the metalwork class. They must have had him on one of his rare days when he hadn’t had an argument with his wife. I recall a favourite trick of his was to bend a boy over close by a bench, then grab him by his hair and secure it firmly in a vise. Unable to straighten up without scalping himself, the individual was then subjected to a boot up the backside from Macathur whenever he felt like it. I wanted todo the same to him for years later, long after I had left school. By then if course,what greasy hair he had would have been long gone
But can you imagine a teacher getting away with that today? We couldn’t complain if course, not even to our parents, Back then teachers, like doctors were looked upon as Gods by our parents and could do no wrong.
There were if course the good ones. Dear old Dudley who taught technical drawing, Charlie Chester was a fine teacher and a fair one. Owen Ryder strict, but fair. Headmaster Kitcatt was decent enough, but he knew how to threaten and intimidate with a leather strap. Someone mentioned Brindley the PE teacher.
He could be quite insane. If you liked PE, especially boxing you could do no wrong. However, if like my lifelong friend, the late Rod Hull of Emu fame you almost fainted at the thought of putting on a pair of running shorts, then woe betide you. I recall one day when Brindley was taking a geography class. Why he was, I will never know because he showed less interest in the subject than any of the boys. Anyway, Rod had upset him. Probablly because he didn’t know who the current World Champion Welter Weight was. Anyway his punishment was to call Rod out to the front and made him stand on his desk. Then each boy,all thirty plus, on the command of three was to hurl a heavy geography book at Hull in a conbiined attempt to knock him off the desk. I think Rod got away with just a few bad bruises on his arms in an attempt to shield his face. But it was total lunacy. It still came up as a talking point in the many years we worked together in television in Australia before he took Emu back to England.
And what happened to Mr Tulip? Another class act. I recall for no reason how he backed me against the blackboard, stood on my feet so that I couldn’t move, then punched me in the mouth with his fist his signet ring splitting my lip. How Rod loved that day.
I agree it was sad to see the old Tech pulled down. They should have turned it into an asylum for the many who taught there.
Cheers to any still around who remember me....
Bill Wallace Sydney Australia

By the way, has anyone ever found use for Mr Clenaghan’s algebra?
Tracy Hunt 07-Feb-2018 15:06
My late father went to the Tech early 50s - Ian Branchett- does anyone remember him... any memories good or bad lol 😊
Tracy Hunt 07-Feb-2018 15:04
My late father went to Sheppey Tech initially was at Westlands. Does anyone remember Ian Branchett. I'm his daughter Tracy. Be lovely to know if anyone knew him and any memories they may have.. good or bad lol.
Nigel Brown 03-Jan-2018 15:25
Can someone please confirm that the Technical School in the photo was on Broadway (which becomes Marine Parade). Is is now the site of Blackburn Lodge if I have it right. My grandparents moved to Sheerness in the mid 1930s and kept cafe at 26 High Street; grandad knew the Island very well from his many years in the Navy. My dad Daniel Ralph Brown (1922-1990 went to the Tech before going into the RAF in 1940 (and spent most of the War in a Japanese POW Camp). My cousin Bill Bishop lived in Marine Parade for many years before he died in 2008. I was a frequent visitor, starting with all my summer holidays in Sheerness during the 1950s. Thanks for this wonderful web site. Nigel Brown
Michael wickens 09-Sep-2017 14:16
Went to tech 47-49 best mate was Dennis W Smith known as tusker would be really interested in hearing from others who went at the same tim.
tony bell 16-May-2017 14:22
Anyone have a group class photo of year 1954 they could share
Graham Bentley 27-Mar-2017 00:29
Ronald Dawson, I remember all of the teachers that you mentioned. They were all good men. Also interested in your views on the late unlamented Mr Barnett. If you read down further you would see my experiences with said sadist.
Pat smith nee curd 01-Feb-2017 17:49
If anyone knew my brother frank curd who attended this school in the 1940s sorry to say he passed away in jan uary
Ronald Dawson 20-Jan-2017 00:51
I was at the Tech from 57 to early 60, having gone through the Central (Secondary Modern) route, leaving in March 60 to join the RN as an Artificer Apprentice. I was interviewed for entry to the school by the then Principal Mr Marriott, who seemed to me to be very competent and pleasant. To be fair, I enjoyed my time at the school and remember most of the teachers fondly and respectfully. Names that come to mind are Mr Deucy, Mr Hutley (Jim), Mr Welland, Mr Ryder, Mr Bailey, Mr Holt, Mr Clenaghan, Mr Kitkat (head teacher), Mr Macarthur, Mr Sayer and several others who I can visualise but not put a name to. Not wishing to shame the dead, but Mr Barnet the later Principal was totally out of of his head and depth, and ruined in time what I believe was a good school. My father attended the school 1916 to 1919 in the error of Mr (Dinger) Bell, and apparently from what he told me in much later years, he managed to do similar to Barnet. However, all said and done, it was tragic to see such a wonderful building that held so many memories for many people torn down, rather than up-dated for further use. Sir William Penny and James McCudden must have turned in their graves.
brian king 24-Nov-2016 20:49
I went to the tech between 47 and 49. I remember KitKat as the maths teacher but my longest serving memory was of a classmate named Michael Squibb -always in trouble, always good for a laugh. Can anyone remember anything about him. A Mr Cherry was the chemistry teacher and McNamara took us for Metalwork. On several occasions with these two Michael was in trouble. Like to find out more. I'm 82 so there still may be others around the same age who can restore more memories. Thanks
Stuart Ralph 28-Jul-2016 12:18
I was saddened to hear that Barry Beames has passed away. We were good friends up to 1965 when I moved to Clacton with my family. I have fond remembrances of some of the crazy things we got up to. I briefly went back to see Barry a couple of years later on my Norton Dominator, and we has a blast over to Sheerness with Barry on the pillion, holding on for dear life, as the single racing seat and coach bolts for pillion footrests offered little comfort or safety. Ha Ha, those were the days. I also had a small discussion on here with him after discovering this site. I hope that his life was rewarding and fulfilling, and my condolences to his family.
Stuart (Larry) Ralph.
david maconochie 03-Jun-2016 17:58
Barry Beames died on the 7th May 2016 here in Portugal - RIP - he was a good mate 4 10 years.
david maconochie 03-Jun-2016 17:56
Sorry to inform you that Barry Beames passed away suddenly in Portugal in early May 2016. He was a good mate to me for 10 years. RIP.
Paul McClure 17-Nov-2015 11:39
Mark Sayer, I remember you! I bet u don't remember me! Paul McClure. I remember your house in Queenborough Rd too. I did attend like Trevor,,the Tech for a while just before it was demolished. Played the piano in the hall there once, but it was a LONG time ago. Sweet shop opposite? I remember others too, like Melvin King, and the corridors in the wings that weren't used much then. English lessons in class just to left of main door...
gazon26-Jun-2015 15:42
You should continue, you have a talent.
Steve Kavanagh 21-Jun-2015 17:42
I was at the Tech from 1967 to the close in 1970. I have very many memories. I was also in the band. I played Trombone, not well. I remember the conductor "Drac" but I am sure his name was Bob. Mr Sayer was my French teacher and I was not very well behaved. He moved to Borden Grammar School and gave my younger brother a very hard time for just being my brother !!!)) I now speak French German Dutch and Russian.
For a short time I taught History and I always swore that I would NOT be like Biffo Jackson, who could make anything boring.

What happened to the tubular bells that announced teh end of lessons ?
Trevor Newman 17-May-2015 19:12
Trevor Newman.
I was at Sheerness Tech from 1956 until 1960. I remember WE Barnett the Head who had a dislike to what he called the Eastchurch contingent. I remember Ray Lane, Terry Spice, Malcolm Thompson (mad on motorcycles) lived at Eastchurch. Trevor ?? (lived at Warden Point), ??? Goodhew.
I lived at Pear Tree Farm, Bell Farm Lane, Minster.
email tn6545@gmail.com
phil town 22-Jan-2015 12:28
Yes..I was there 1960-65..certainly remember nasty Barnett, and the swimming pool experience. My main memory was going against all rules by walking along seafront and through the fairground in school uniform and being punished on more than one occasions..also trying to avoid the prefects who were on duty at the railway station to make sure you got the 4.16pm train and not the 4,36 which had the girls on it from the girls tech school. I made it through them a few times and ended up marrying one of the girls.
guest 28-Oct-2013 18:54
I went to this school from 1956 to 1961 . Not a bad time really , but I hated P E and games (Mr Holt ) . I was forever known as "foot -rot" after getting out of participating by acquiring athletes foot. (very conveniently)
Stuart (Larry) Ralph 06-Dec-2012 21:04
Great to hear from you Barry. Keeping it short for this site; I now live in Bedlington Northumberland with my wife of thirty three years and a lovely son of 18. Still biking! Hope life has been good to you.
Barry Beames 23-Nov-2012 13:42
Hi Larry, yes the same one that used to help you build your BSA in the back garden. and a few other things we got up too. Surprised we both lasted this long!
Stuart (Larry) Ralph 16-Oct-2012 08:05
Reading the comments on this site brought back all the memories for me. I too remember my time there with no fondness. I was there from 61-65 I think, when we moved to Clacton on Sea. I thought I had gone to heaven. I too was chosen for the band, enabling lunchtimes in the warm instead of huddled in some corner of the playground to avoid the biting wind. Barry Beames' name rings a bell for me. I wonder if you are the same Barry I remember. You might have known me as 'Larry' at that time. I came back to see you once on my Norton. If it is, it would be good to get in touch. So much time has passed.
Stuart Taylor 05-Feb-2012 14:03
I am Stuart Taylor and started at Sheerness Tech in 1958. On my first day Barnet was introduced to the school as the new Principal. He promised to put a stop to bullying but it become clear later that he was the biggest bully of all. In my fist year there was a master v. pupil cricket match and an end of year show put together by the pupils. The show included the auction of a wooden mallet, described as being used to bash the bench at the Old Bailey. The chemistry master "Basher" Bailey smiled benignly but both the cricket match and the Christmas show were discontinued thanks to Barnet. He once had the whole school working its way across the playground picking up pieces of conker and he banned the traditional conker contests from then on. I remember everyone removing a shoe in the toilet block so that it could be compared with a footprint left on the ceiling. On one occasion a bottle of ammonia was smashed or spilt above the main hall and the whole school had to be evacuated. Barnet apart I was proud to belong to the Tech and liked or respected (seldom both) those that taught me. Kiikatt would twist your sideburn hair as a minor punishment, it hurt a little but he was still very popular. All in all the school served me well.
Barry Beames 13-Oct-2011 02:30
Hey Tim I remember Bob Waltz blowing up the Chem lab as I was in the Darkroom at the time with Barnett and a load of school goveners! That was fun, They thought it was the band!!! I used to take Bob's mother to visit him in hospital on my Motor bike as she was crazy too.
Tim Oxley 07-Oct-2011 22:20
A quick correction to my last post, Biffo Jackson was of course know as Jake elsewhere and not Jack, & the leader of the school band during most of my time there was Derek (Drac) Hill, and not Hall.
Tim Oxley 06-Oct-2011 22:49
God I hated this place, although it did teach me the best way to stay out of trouble was to join the school brass band, which was "Bill" Barnets pride any joy!! Being a member of the band guarenteed lovely warm lunch breaks in the physics lab, and exclusion from many lessons preparing for various Christmas concerts. The fact that I was a pretty untalented musician never seemed to be a problem.
Fellow members at the time included Colin (Dumpy) Morris (now Dr) who did an excellent Benny Hill impression, Andy Simler, a really talented Euphonium player, John Moss, Terry (Rusty) Purvis, Mark Reader, Derek (Drac) Hall.
We also got to sit down during assemblies, and avoid the awful ritual of doing the morning reading. I remeber one fantastic morning when "Bill" Barnet marched into the hall, went to mount the stage, tripped and fell flat on his fat face, happy days.
Another happy memory one morning was when Colin Morris leading the band on cornet started to play a solo, only to find that someone had stuffed a football sock up the end.
Bill was a classic "old school" head master, and will never forget his face when on the very last day when the school closed forever, a world war II bomb appeared in the hall.
The teachers during my time were Owen "Jack" Ryder, Algie Wellend, Terry Spice, Jim Hutley, who I always enjoyed because he ran the school during Barnets many absences, and was firm, but had a great sarcastic sense of humour. Clonk Clenaghan, Ernie Millen, with his 3 wheel Messerschmitt car, Colin Penny, lovely man who expanded my interest in photography, and was always very easy to side track into recounting stories instead of teaching maths. Biffo Jackson, also known in other schools as Jack. He would write up pages and pages of stuff on economics and history, which we had to copy word for word. "Buller" Bryant, who although I hated metal work I always got on well with. I met him a few years ago and we had a long chat, which included a few interesting stories about Bill Barnet. Dr Bromham (Sproc) who set fire to his white jacket one lesson while explaining chemical formula and leaning back on his bunson burner.

I remember one parents evening. We, the school band were playing in room 7 at the top of the building. During a brief break, there was a loud explosion from the chemistry lab, where a boy (I think his name was Schultz ?) blew off the top of his finger. In true Titanic style, the band was quickly gathered to start playing again to calm the situation. (I'm sure it didn't help)

Trevor, I have some negatives somewhere taken inside of the school during the final weeks, I'll scan them for you if you would like them.

Graham 12-Aug-2011 20:37
Hi Tadpole - I remember your dad very well. He had an unenviable job trying to teach us guys French. You have proddeed my memory on other teacher's names that I had forgotten. Just move down the list of comments to find out what other people thought of the late and unlamented Mr Barnett.
Condolences on your Father's passing.
Mark "Tadpole" Sayer11-Aug-2011 10:36
Thank you, Brian, for your post mentioning Allan "Froggy" Sayer, French Teacher at the Sheerness Tech until it closed, from where he went to teach at Borden Grammar School in Sittingbourne until his retirement.

Sadly, I have to inform you that he died on 21 July 2011, aged 84.
[The funeral is on Saturday 13 August 2011 at the Medway Crematorium, Bluebell Hill at 10:00. If anyone has memories of "Froggy", you would be most welcome at the service and to the reception afterwards].
If anyone has any memories, I would very much appreciate any postings here, too.

I am Mark "Tadpole" Sayer, or "son of Froggy". Does anyone remember me ? I went to Delamark primary school, whose school day finished some minutes before the Tech school, and I was oft to be found wandering amongst the "giants" in the main foyer of the Tech at the end of the day, waiting for a lift home from my Dad. Occasionally, I was allowed to ascend the grand curving stairways to the upper floor.

I remember procuring lifts home from Mr. Welland, in his Morris van, and from Mr. Costin in his Triumph Herald.
I remember the names of Les Bryant and Owen Ryder, but I don't recall why.
Norman "Doc" Bromham went on to teach Chemistry at Borden Grammar.
Mr Barnett was a scary figure to me; perhaps to others too ?

The Tech closed before I was old enough, and my family moved from Queenborough Road and away from the Island onto the mainland to be closer to Borden Grammar, where "Froggy" went on to teach French and which I attended.

It was vandalism to destroy such an impressive building, and institution, and to level it to a car park.

BTW, I have found another thread about the school, with additional staf names here:http://www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=8130.15
J .EDWARDS 14-Jul-2011 14:38
WEGNT TO THIS SCHOOL FROM 1949 TO 1952. I WAS NOT A GOOD STUNENT. REMEMBER MRS BYERS. OWEN RYDER, MR KITCATT. MR BRINDLEY ( PT) AND CHARLIE CHESTER. IN MY OPINION THEY WERE ALL POOR TEACHERS WHICH MADE LIFE BORING.
colinhaggart05-Jul-2011 19:17
I remember Mr. Owen Ryder teaching at Sir Thomas Cheyney Middle School in the early 1970s. Rodd Hull was a pupil at the old Tech school.
Graham 19-Feb-2011 02:58
Hi Brian and Paul,
Paul I remember very well, we were in the same class. I must have been with Brian at Jefferson road, but that is another story. All the things that Brian remembered bought the memories flooding back. I remember the day that Mr Sears the chemistry teacher caught the sleeve of his jacket on fire. It is nice to know that that fat SOB Barnet was universally detested. I guessed he must be dead now, but I did not know that he died young. Was someone exacting their revenge? By the way, the Freinds Reunited website have a good section on Sheerness Tech and Delemark road, together with a lot of good pictures on the Sheerness Heritage Center website.
If you go on the Friends Reunited site, you can contact me by email if you so choose.
Paul Goodhew 13-Sep-2010 12:26
I was at the Tech from 1960 -65. It was a great school, spoiled by a fat despot, Barnet. He enjoyed caning boys, including me. He managed to expel me - for smoking, in civies, outside the school during a break from evening classes, where I was doing extra study in English to help my chances in GCE. Of course the expulsion did not stick, and Fat Barnet got into not inconsiderable trouble from the board of governers. However his last words to me were "I don' really hate you Goodhew" seems he was a liar too.
Having said all that, there were some great teachers, such a Messrs Wright, Ryder, Penney, Costin, and Clenegen...err thats about it.
Despite an apalling reference from Fatso, I got a toolmaking apprenticeship at Klippons, which set me up for 45 years in the plastics industry.
The sad Irony is that Fat Barnett died quite early, so I never had a chance to meet with him to have a little "chat!"
Brian 08-Sep-2010 15:10
By the way, Guest was me Brian.
I arrived at the Tech via the long route. I "failed" the 11 plus at Delemark road school the year they put in an "intellegence test" without giving us a clue what it was all about. I then did a year at Jefferson Road Secondary School, The Central, did well enough to earn an interview with Barnet, little knowing what lay ahead. On being accepted I then had to start again in th first year so I was always a year older than the rest of the class. I quckly learnt to keep my head down and keep my mouth shut - for me this was the best way to survive.
Other teachers I recall : Mr Wolfe (a short man who was often asked by cheeky pupils what he was going to be when he grew up). Alge Welland -art teacher. Arthur Cassel - English and History, I think he owned a book shop along Sheerness Broadway. Mr Sears - Chemistry. T Costin - Chemistry. Mr Sayer - French, this guy while writing on the chalkboard could see the reflection of the class in his glasses and then spin round and hurl the chalk at wayward pupils with fare accuracy, sometimes it was the board rubber. Les Bryant -Woodwork and Bookbinding - would thrive on adulation from the students. Colin Penny - Metalwork. Mr Kitcatt retired Summer 1963.
Anyone remember walking the two miles to the school sports ground in Seagar Road to play a 30/40 minute game of football, then getting changed back into uniform and walking all the way back?
The outside toilets at the back of the school - freezing in Winter.
The rows of hooks in the cloakroom.
The 1/3 pint of free school milk at morning breaktime. Milk moniters could leave class early to poke holes in the bottle tops and put a drinking straw through each one ready for the masses to pour out of the classrooms into the hall. The milk was great when it was cold ,but on a warm day ugh.
The upper 6th prefects standing on the stairs at the back of the hall during assembly.
Cross country runs along the rifle range up to the White House and back.
School dinners in the junior school building across the other side of the playground, which was where the gym was, ahh those ropes and beams.
Guest 08-Sep-2010 14:11
Graham, glad I didn't return back to school after recieving my GCE grades during the Summer holidays of 1966. I did the same as you, landed a marine engineering apprenticeship with the New Zealand Shipping Company and was off to NZ by October on their cadet training ship. What was Barnet thinking? Any head today would be pleased at our efforts. That experience must have scarred you for life.
Graham 12-Jan-2010 11:36
Ginny,
To get into this school you had to neither "pass" nor "fail" your eleven plus exam. A pass would have sent you to the grammar school, a fail would condemn you to the secondary modern. This school was set up to train "dockyard mateys" for the navy - hence the practical lessons like woodwork and metalwork and mech engineering. They had their own generators, and steam engines. However, this school also turned out pupils of a scientific leaning. Sir William Penny the nuclear physicist was one of the most famous old boys.
Ginny 15-Dec-2009 12:33
I would really appreciate an information on the Technical School, I am currently completing an assignment on technical education on the island, and I would like any furthur info. I would especially like information on the entry exam you had to take. Thanks!
Spike 01-Feb-2009 12:46
I was at this hell hole from 1963 to 69 and hated it.I remember the detestable Barnet with loathing.There were a few good teachers 'Biffo'Jackson[history]Terry Spice[sport]Algy[art]Brian Palmer[tech drawing]All these were involved in the school scouts which was the best skive in the place.I remember Jim Hutley as a pipe smoking bufoon who taught geography badly and the entertaining Beatty who tried to drum english[lit and language]into unreceptive,bored minds with very little sucess.On the plus point however looking through Friends Reunited at the jobs my fellow inmates ended up doing either the education wasn't to bad or I went to school with a naturally brainy bunch of dudes.
Barry Beames 28-Sep-2008 21:32
Hi Graham and yes I remember that occassion only too well thanking heaven it wasn't me! My only claim to fame was I was the one that Jim Hutley refused to shake hands with when I left as I had been given a job in the civil service that put me on a higher level than him! As to Barnett I always thought he would have made a brilliant vilain in a horror comic! Even down to the moustache I can see him in the Adams family today. Ok the education was one I've never regreted getting but the way was one I would never allow my ofspring to undergo! PS I failed my English course before anyone checks my spelling, definitely a science student.
Graham Bentley 28-Aug-2008 22:52
I could not let the Mr Barnet thing go, so I came back to the site. If my memory serves me, he was a little like Oliver Hardy from Hell!
Graham Bentley 28-Aug-2008 21:14
Mr Beames and Mr Skinner - your comments bought back my own memories. I attended this school up to 1966. I remember WE Barnett very well. He loved to punish people. And we did all live in fear. Even if we were caught mis-behaving outside school we would be beaten. I remember the rolled up sock balls very well. The geography teacher "Hitler" Hutley. Mr Kitkatt who taught maths and science. My brother Ronald Bentley also attended this school before I did. Finally, after my O levels, I got an interview for a technical college in London to train to be a merchant navy officer. I was forbidden to go by Mr Barnett. I went anyway. I got the college place. When Barnett found out he went ballistic. At the next assembly he got me up on stage, asked a boy to go to my desk and gather all my books and stuff. He then threw them onto the floor of the stage and got me to walk through the assembly and out of the front doors forever. I guesss that's called being expelled! I will forever feel anguish at not realizing that I was old enough to leave anyway. I should have just told him to stuff his school!
Linda May Rumble nee.LEIGHTON 31-Jul-2008 13:27
Does anyone know when this school opened?
I am wondering if my grandfather would have attended school at the Tech School Sheerness ... he was Thomas Ptolemy Frederick LEIGHTON formerly Hutchins (1894-1960).
In 1906 he would have been about 12 and his family lived at 67 Shrimp Terrace, Marine Parade, Sheerness.
I'm also wondering which school his sister May would have attended... she would have been about 10 in 1906 so may have changed schools.
I do not know when they moved to, or away from, the Isle of Sheppey, but they were certainly at 67 Shrimp Terrace between 1905-1907 which was the house of their step-father, FRED LEIGHTON who was manager of the Sheerness Hippodrome at the time.
Any information of that era would be greatfully appreciated.
j.s.fox 22-Jun-2007 11:01
I attended the Tech from 1946 to 1949 this being the beginning of my career in civil aviation.The school was well run despite austerity of the time and the teachers were very professional as was the school administration.I was appaled on return from a long overseas employment to find the school being demolished.This I considered to be a crime.I have a nice red brick salvaged from the ruins.
Barry Beames 27-Dec-2006 01:39
I concur with Brian Skinner completely! The name Barnet will be forever imprinted on my memmory as will his cane marks on my hand! But pity they could not have found a way to keep the building.
Brian J Skinner 05-Mar-2006 18:47
I attended this school from 1962 to 1966. A fine building yes, but this was education built on fear, fear of the cane, strap, belt or other various forms of punishment. Headed by a verbally and physically abusive principal, even the staff were scared to put a foot out of line. Memories? yes, having to attend Monday morning swimming class in Spring term at Sheerness open air pool when the water temperature was 46F (8C). Painfully having to listen to the school brass band in morning assembly. Having to sit on the studded floor tiles in the main hall for assemblies each morning. The main hall amplifying every booming bellow uttered by the pricipal. A creative art teacher who taught us to be expressive, an oasis in a desert of strict rules and punishment. Having to play football in the playground with a ball made from rolled up socks. Several old staff from a distant generation who seemed close to deaths door. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to see a picture of the building.
R Betts 14-Nov-2005 21:16
I got two inch wide leather strap across my rear end in the principals office in c1958 for not paying attention in a two hour maths class. I ran up the stairs one side of the hall and back down the other side but I didn't shed a tear. Think I swore though :-)
Graham 21-Dec-2004 05:33
This was my school from 1960 to 1966. I have many memories of the place, and it is amazing to see a photo again.
Trevor Edwards12-Sep-2004 18:43
I actualy went to the school for a year, just before it was knocked down and it was a rather stuffy place. But, yes, a wonderful building for all that.
R Betts 11-Sep-2004 19:23
Didn't like the school, but was very sad to see such a wonderful building torn down.
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