There are many educational institutions with a rich history in Liverpool. Today we’re going to talk about one of the oldest grammar schools in the city and the country: The Liverpool Blue Coat School, which was founded in 1708. Read more about the history and development of this institution on our website, liverpool1.one.
History: Where It All Began
The Liverpool Blue Coat School was founded in 1708 by Bryan Blundell and Robert Styth. Initially, it was a charity school for the poor, where children from disadvantaged families were taught to read, write, and count. Just ten years later, the school expanded and a new building was opened, which today is known as the “Bluecoat Arts Centre.”
By 1756, the school was educating around a hundred children: 70 boys and 30 girls. When Blundell died, his sons took over the development of the school. Eventually, the institution was educating 200 children, and new facilities were built, including a workroom, a chapel, a dining hall, and a sickroom.
Relocation, Redevelopment, and Renovation
At the beginning of the 20th century, a decision was made to move the school from the city centre, as central Liverpool was quite dirty and unwelcoming at the time. Architects began designing a new building in Wavertree. The new building was completed in 1906, and was later complemented by a clock tower and the Fenwick Memorial Chapel.
In 2004, a redevelopment of the school was planned, for which nine million pounds sterling were allocated. The south wing of The Liverpool Blue Coat School underwent significant changes, as it was converted into private residences and sold off. The proceeds were used for the school’s development. The former school chapel, clock tower, board room, and former music room, along with administrative offices and the entrance to the original building, were also leased out.
New premises were built on the site of the swimming pool, gymnasium, and squash courts.
The north wing of the original school was also renovated and expanded.
The Alumni Association and the School Magazine
The school has a Friendly Society, which was founded in 1838. This society was created to provide support and advice to graduates for two years after they left The Liverpool Blue Coat School. After the Second World War, the focus of the Friendly Society shifted slightly, and they began directing their efforts towards the development of the school itself. For example, in 1938, the Society donated oak benches to the school chapel. They also provided a stained-glass window for the chapel and presented the Old Blues Memorial Library (the name for the school’s alumni).
The school publishes a magazine called “The Squirrel.” The magazine was first published in 1949 to showcase the results of the hard work of students and staff and to provide a glimpse into school life. It is published annually and is created by the students themselves.
For a long time, the institution was a boarding school for boys only. However, in 2002, both boys and girls began studying there again. The Liverpool Blue Coat School is one of the oldest schools in England. In 2015, the grammar school was named the best school by the “Sunday Times.” And a year later, it was recognised as the best in the UK based on “GCSE” results.
That’s the history of this remarkable Liverpool grammar school. We hope our article was interesting for you and that you learned more about your city.