"Eltham Green still has some way to go before a good reputation is firmly established once and for all."

 

 I came across a 1977 letter from Peter Dawson, Headmaster of Eltham Green Comprehensive School, to the parents of prospective Sixth Form pupils.

 Dawson was a high profile public figure of his day. Celebrated by the Daily Express as "Britain's toughest headmaster", he can be seem as a precursor to the 'superheads' who supposedly turn around failing schools of subsequent generations. He also was a founder and General Secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers. A notoriously strict disciplinarian and strong believer in rules and systems, he was famously the model for Brian Stimpson, the Headmaster played by John Cleese in the Michael Frayn film Clockwise. He even wrote a memoir about his experience at Eltham Green, Making A Comprehensive Work: The Road From Bomb Alley.

 Its a rather forbidding letter:

"ELTHAM GREEN SCHOOL

Headmaster

Peter Dawson BSc (Econ)

 

August 1977

 

Dear Parent,

 This letter is going to the parents of all those who were in the Fifth or Sixth last school year and who might therefore be thinking about joining (or rejoining) the Sixth Form when we reopen on September 5. If your son or daughter has no intention of coming back then there is no need to read any further.

 The first thing I want to say is that there is no point in anyone being in the Sixth Form unless they are really prepared to work. Sixth Form examinations are difficult; GCE Advanced Level work in particular requires great ability and immense effort. It is our experience that some people (although less than used to be the case) come into the Sixth Form too casually. Anyone who does that in September will soon be asked to leave.

 The second thing I want to say has to do with the general appearance of people in the Sixth Form. While school uniform is not required there are a few simple principles which we like observed. Firstly, a few words about the boys. They are expected to wear a collar and tie: T shirts are not acceptable. An ordinary jacket should be worn, which is to say not a leather one or a jerkin. Jeans should not be worn to school, nor any of the current fashions in denim wear. While hair may be worn quite long, there is a limit which is the top of the collar. If it extends beyond that then the young man concerned will be sent for a haircut at once. There are just two things which need to be said about girls entering the Sixth Form. Firstly – as for the boys – jeans and denim wear are not acceptable. Secondly, girls should not come in platform shoes: they are positively dangerous on our staircases.

 Of course, I realise that setting down principles as to what young people should or should not wear or how long they may have their hair raises some hackles. I must be frank and say that I am not at all disturbed by that. I believe that parents in general appreciate the need for moderation in the way young people present themselves at school. Eltham Green still has some way to go before a good reputation is firmly established once and for all. Meanwhile we have to guard carefully the picture we present to those outside the school. For this reason it is my intention to send out of school anyone in the Sixth Form whose appearance falls short of the standard described above.

 The third thing I want to say is that there are some excellent young people who want to follow Sixth Form type courses but who find the regulated life of school more than they can face. I perfectly understand their predicament and have advice to offer: go to college instead. There are many colleges in this area where your son or daughter may study for examinations in the more relaxed and adult atmosphere which it is not possible to provide at school. We will be glad to offer advice about this if you contact the school.

 When you have read this letter, please discuss its contents with your son or daughter. Will you also pass on the enclosed information from the Director of Studies about courses available here next school year. The new term begins on Monday 5 September and those wanting to enter or reenter the Sixth should report to the Main Hall at 11.00 am on that day. You will wish to note that the structure of the school day at Eltham Green is being altered so that morning school next year will normally begin at 8.50 am instead of 9 o’clock. I hope no one will find that prospect so appalling that it prevents them from coming back. The lunch hour next year will be from 1 o’clock until 2 o’clock. There will be no change in our 3.30 pm finishing time.

 During the week before next term begins, Mr J R Parsons, Head of Sixth Form, will be here to offer advice to anyone not sure about coming back to school. He will be in attendance from Wednesday 31 August to Friday 2 September from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm each day. Those who have not been in the Sixth Form before – and their parents – are particularly invited to take advantage of this opportunity for discussion.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dawson

PS A reminder of something I said in a newsletter to parents at the end of May. Entry to the Sixth should only be considered by those who have a definite mind to study. It should not be regarded as an alternative just because someone cannot find employment."

 My sister did not return to Eltham Green for the Sixth Form.

 

 Eltham Green's two most celebrated seventies pupils were both expelled for hair infringements - Boy George for dying his orange and Glen Tilbrook of Squeeze for growing his too long.

 

The school opened in 1956, closed in 2012 and was demolished in 2015. It has been replaced by an academy.