"... To make your
children capable
of honesty is the
beginning of education,"

- John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Our School Song:
AGE QUOD AGIS
"When the light of truth is fading and the torch
of faith burns low.
And the creeping dusk of apathy has dimmed endeavour's glow."
>>full lyrics

This web site is the repository for various images from our days at John Ruskin Central, Grammar and High Schools, as well a place to share personal memories and recollections from that era.

Our school started life on the 12th of January, 1920, at Scarbrook Road, Croydon, as John Ruskin Boys' Central School, before moving in 1935 to Tamworth Road, where it achieved Grammar School status in April 1945. (Reportedly, the Scarbrook Road site was near a house in Market Street that was occupied by John Ruskin's Croydon relatives, The Richardsons.)

The first principal teacher was William Field MA, followed in 1934 by Arthur William McLeod MA. Mr. Field died in February 1938, and Mr. McLeod in July 1956, at the age of 71. The 36-year-old John Christopher Lowe MA, who took over as headmaster of the newly upgraded John Ruskin Grammar School from Mr. McLeod in 1946, spent 27 years at the school until his retirement in 1973, and was replaced by William Patterson. Mr. Lowe also built up a small collection of newspaper cuttings, photographs, books and pamphlets by and about John Ruskin.

In January 1955 John Ruskin Grammar School for Boys moved to a new site on Upper Shirley Road, Shirley, several miles south east of Croydon, which location featured an elegant windmill in the grounds between the main school buildings and a sports area.

During 1971 the school was renamed John Ruskin High School - instead of a three-form entry at 11, the school offered four forms for boys and girls aged 14, the latter transferring from Shirley High School - eventually to became a 14-18 Co-Educational Comprehensive School. Anne Smith, who had joined the school from Selhurst Grammar School for Girls in 1970, and was a long time English Teacher at JRHS, became principal in 1990.

Sadly, in 1991 the school was demolished to make way for a new housing development, the upper forms having been relocated to a Sixth Form College in Selsdon, the former home of John Newnham Secondary School. Jennifer Sims is the current principal.

Today John Ruskin College provides for 1,300 students studying A and AS levels, AVCE, GNVQ and GCSEs, plus 700 adult learners in the Continuing Education Programme.

Interestingly, as a tribute to Victorian Architecture, the building in Tamworth Road, West Croydon, remains beautifully intact. (Click on the graphic right to download a larger image of the 1938 school magazine's front cover; click here for contemporary images taken in November 2002.) The famous Windmill was retained as part of the redeveloped Shirley location.

John Ruskin is considered by many to be the greatest British art critic and social commentator of the Victorian Age. His ideas are said to have inspired the Arts and Crafts Movement and the founding of the National Trust, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Labour Movement. He attacked the worst aspects of industrialization, and actively promoted art education and museums for the working classes. Ruskin died on 20 January, 1900, at the age of 80. A Ruskin Library exists at the University of Lancaster.

>> LATEST NEWS/UPDATES ... More fond memories, recollections and images <<

Planned Reunion Meeting - 5th September. Everyone who was a pupil, teacher or helper at the school is welcome, together with partners. In addition to a buffet lunch at The Surprise pub, The Shirley Windmill will be open for conducted tours with former JRGS teacher Martin Nunn.

Charles E. Smith, JRGS Master 1943-78
A long career teaching PT & mathematics

Alan Murray, 1914-2005 - Rest in Peace
A popular teacher at the school for 25 years

Clive Whitehead investigates school origins
Research at Croydon Local Studies Library

From 89 Years ago: our first school mag ...
John Ruskin Central School July 1920 issue

From 86 Years ago: our second mag ...
John Ruskin Central School Feb 1923 issue

More from Mr. Lowe' s School Record ...
Various press clippings, letters and photos

Latest JRGS School Magazines:
March 1958, scanned by Paul Graham.
As he points out: "We now have copies of a large number of early issues, including July 1920, May 1943, June 1945 and Feb 1956 and May 1969; these are listed elsewhere.
  "Help in filling any of the gaps after 1971 would be very much appreciated." [email]

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Last revised: 25.03.09