A Morecambe primary school is on the look-out for memories from its 125-year history to help create a lasting 'family tree'.
Sandylands Primary School is celebrating 125 years this month and is calling for past pupils or staff with memories, photos and books to share or tales to tell, to get in touch.
First opening on a temporary site on Sefton Road while a dedicated facility was built, the school moved to its permanent Hampton Road home in 1904, with early years annexes added in the 1950s, 80s and 90s.
To celebrate the 125th birthday, pupils have been experiencing lessons 1901-style, including dressing up, as well as receiving their own commemorative satchel complete with their own slate and chalk!
Sandylands staff in 1911
“The school was much smaller then, with just over 100 children compared to over 400 today,” said Penny Lupton, head teacher.
“But our pupils have the benefit of 63 staff, many times what they had then!"
Penny was working as a teaching assistant at the school 25 years ago when, to mark its centenary, she decided to delve into its history and co-write a book.
Now, as the school approaches its 125th anniversary, she is looking to expand on that history and is calling on anyone with past connections to the school to get in touch.
Sandylands pupils and staff in 2026
“Sadly, we can’t talk directly to people like Mr McGregor, our head for the first 18 years, or Miss Marshall, who is listed as being in charge of standards.
“But we know there are generations who have come through our wonderful school, with mementoes including end of year photos and exercise books, as well as lots of memories. So, we’re drawing up a ‘family tree’ of the school and looking for names and stories to fill it.”
The school aims to celebrate the oldest people who remember attending Sandylands, the longest linked generations of pupils, and those now living furthest afield.
Current contenders include South Africa and New Zealand.
One famous past pupil is legendary Morecambe motorcycle racer John McGuinness (below).
“It’s about human connection down the years,” said Penny, whose own mother taught at the school.
“Our year six teacher, Angela Cokell, was a pupil here, so the children have been interviewing her about what school life was like in the ‘olden times’!
"Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could trace a local family right back to 1901?”
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