The Bipolar Lock keeper

I had the opportunity to visit my old school this week.

Let’s get this out of the way first, I went to a private “fee paying” selective all boys grammar school.

Before I get lambasted as a privileged stuck up Tory prick, both my parents were BGS alumni. I passed an entrance exam (2 papers – Maths & English) that I took in what would now be Year 6 and got a scholarship/free place after smashing the 11+

At my junior school, I would be top or near top of the class but BGS I wasn’t. A fair few of my year group – class of ‘84 – went on Oxbridge universities. Instead I went on to study Engineering Maths at The University.

Has attending a private school shaped me as a human being? No, I don‘t think so. I did OK academically – 4 A Levels & 8 O Levels (all C or higher) and it afforded me the opportunity to go on to university. At Uni, I was less interested in the academic side and enjoyed “Party central”. I loved the 3 years’ in Nottingham and met some of the most amazing friends, with whom I’ll celebrate a 40 year anniversary with in September.

I did come out with an Bsc Hons degree at the end but could have got a higher grade if I’d worked harder.

Do I regret it – absolutely not. Infamously I travelled from Nottingham to Manchester to attend a Run DMC & Beastie Boys gig the night before one of my final year exams. Don’t remember the exam but do remember the gig. Of these things, legends are made.

School taught me to work hard, Newton’s 3 Laws of motion – which was enough to get me through my Uni interview 😎 and also that it’s not always a competition. There were cleverer people in my classes – FACT. On the whole, I enjoyed my time at school.

Quite a few things have changed since I was there. The boys & girls schools have been merged into one school with one Principal. Interestingly some year groups are still taught in gender classes.

I was interviewed for a possible role of the board of governors. 6 person panel for a voluntary role – tough gig. I was asked what I felt about mixed versus boys/girls only and I answered I’m in favour of mixed environment as it gives a better world perspective.

In summary, your school does not make you who you are. It can help shape your life journey but you choose what is important for you, the people you want as friends & partners and what you value in life.