Thriving primary school celebrates half a century

A thriving school that has been extended over the years because of its popularity is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Children started to use Chuter Ede Primary School on Wolfit Avenue, Balderton, at the start of 1967, although it was not officially opened until the autumn.

The school cost £77,000 to build and was the first to be completed under a new design for Nottinghamshire primary schools. The design included a separate library and classrooms each with their own outside entrance, lobby, cloakroom, toilets and windowed alcove for special activities.

It was established in 1964 as Balderton Main Street Primary School. It used premises formerly used as a secondary school, now St Giles’ Community Hall, until the new building was ready.

The school was named after Lord Chuter Ede, who was secretary of the board of education at the time of the 1944 Education Act, which brought about full secondary education for all children.

The first head was Mr Frank Sperring, who still lives in Newark. He said the school was needed because of Balderton’s growing population and they were pleased when the new building was ready.

At first the intake was about 140 to 150 children but that soon increased.

“As more houses went up that quickly rose to 450,” Mr Sperring said.

“Our numbers grew to such a point that at one stage we had to return to Main Street and use that as an annexe.”

Mr Sperring said he had loved being a teacher and even when he was head always ensured that some of his time was allocated to being in the classroom.

He remained as head until retiring at 60 and said he enjoyed being at the school.

“The whole team of staff were wonderful,” he said. “Many of them have remained as friends.”

As well as core lessons of maths and English, Mr Sperring was keen to introduce other subjects such as basketmaking and woodwork. The school also had its own kiln.

“The new school gave us so much more room and some wonderful facilities,” he said.

Miss Glenda Shipman, of Balderton, taught at Chuter Ede for 18 years.

She had been teaching at another school in Newark when she heard about the new one in Balderton and was tempted by the thought of being able to work in a new building.

“I had always said I would never teach too close to home but I loved it,” she said.

“It was a delightful school and so spacious. There was lots more room and plenty of grounds.

“I have fond memories of my time at Chuter Ede. The staff were lovely and I still see some of the children.”

The school has been extended four times to provide extra classrooms.

It currently uses the school hall as a dining room. There is an ICT suite, a music room, a baking area and 14 classrooms.

The entrance, offices and staffroom have been extended over the years.

The school is full, with 419 pupils from foundation through to year six.

Four years ago the Fernwood annexe opened and is still being developed. It has 172 pupils from foundation to year five.

Mr Sperring returned for the school’s 25th anniversary and will be among those taking part in the 50th celebrations, being held during the week starting May 22.

The celebration week will include music and a range of performances from the pupils, who will have the opportunity to learn a song from one of the past five decades.

There will also be artwork celebrating the period of time the school has been open.

The current executive head, Mr Bob Hattersley, said he was proud and privileged to be at the helm of the school as it marked its 50th anniversary.

“Throughout this time the school has maintained an excellent reputation under the leadership of four head teachers — Mr Sperring, Mr John Noden, myself and now Mrs Bernadette Hunter as the new head of school,” he said.

“I am certain that Chuter Ede will continue to provide a first-rate education for all its pupils well into the next half century.”

Share your memories

As Chuter Ede Primary School celebrates its 50th anniversary, the school is looking for former pupils, parents and staff who have memories and photographs of their time there.

Anyone who can help should contact the school via Twitter or its Facebook page, email office@chuterede.notts.sch.uk or telephone 01636 683550.