Bishopston had been experiencing falling birth rates since the late 60s and this would have a dramatic effect on the organisation of our school. Mr H K W Pearce, who became head of the Senior School in the early 70s, had long been aware that the Senior school was very likely to close, and in December 1979, letters were sent out to parents and Governors explaining that the 3rd Years were going to be re-allocated to other schools. The Senior School closed in July 1981.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol paid us a visit in the 70s and Bishop Road excelled in football, even getting to visit Liverpool FC’s stadium. Classrooms were bright and colourful, school dinners only cost 10p and the cane was going out of fashion! Mrs Smith was Head of the Infants and Mr Corp was the Head of the Junior School, milk came in a small glass bottle with a blue straw and the blackboard dominated the front of the classroom.

“We didn’t have a uniform but we were very smart.”

Class sizes were relatively small at Bishop Road, with an average of 30 children in a class. Along with football, the school was successful with gymnastics. One year they even won the South West Schools’ Gymnastic final.

“My happiest memory is going on school camp to the Brecon Beacons even though it rained every night.”