Life at The Portsmouth Grammar School in 1926

The year 1926 marked an important moment in the history of Portsmouth as it proudly took on its new status as a city. At The Portsmouth Grammar School, this sense of change and civic pride was reflected in a vibrant and energetic community, where academic life, co-curricular activities, and school spirit flourished. 

At this time, the school had not yet expanded beyond its original site: the whole school was still housed in the former Upper Junior School (known to some of you as the Lower School) building on Cambridge Junction, as the barrack buildings in the High Street had not yet been purchased. Despite these more limited surroundings, the school was full of energy and activity. 

A significant development in 1926 was the arrival of a new Headmaster, Canon W J Barton, whose leadership signalled a period of renewed purpose and enthusiasm. One of his early priorities was the reinvigoration of the House system, recognising its importance in encouraging unity, pride, and healthy competition. This renewed focus quickly strengthened school spirit, with boys taking greater pride in representing their houses. 

The emphasis on house identity extended to younger pupils as well. In the Junior School, two houses - Jerrard and Nicol - were introduced, ensuring that even the youngest members of the school could take part in this growing sense of belonging and friendly rivalry. 

Sport and Competition 

Sport played a central role in school life. The football teams enjoyed a busy fixture list, competing against a range of opponents including teams from Bedales, and Taunton School as well as teams made up of Old Portmuthians. During the summer term attention turned to cricket, with matches played against Southampton Grammar School, the Portsmouth Municipal College, the Royal Yacht, the Royal Marines, as well as the ever-popular contest of Masters versus Boys. 

Swimming was also an established part of the sporting programme, contributing to the all-round physical development of the pupils. 

A highlight of the sporting year was Sports Day, held on 15 June, which in 1926 was organised according to a new system based on houses. This innovation reinforced the Headmaster’s efforts to strengthen house spirit, turning athletics into a lively and closely contested inter-house event. On this occasion, Grant House emerged victorious, securing the highest number of points. 

Outdoor Training and Adventure 

Beyond traditional sports, the Officer Training Corps (OTC) was particularly strong and active. It provided opportunities for discipline, leadership, and adventure, with regular camps held at the Isle of Wight, Mychett near Aldershot, and Chilcomb. The Corps also underwent an annual inspection by the War Office, reflecting its high standards and importance.  

Music, Drama and Culture 

The cultural life of the school was equally rich. The annual concert, held in February at the St Peter’s Institute, was a major highlight. It featured performances by the school’s Glee Club and Orchestra, showcasing musical talent across the school. The programme also included a musical play, The Fools and Fairies, based on episodes from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, delighting audiences with its blend of humour, drama, and music. 

Debate and Intellectual Life 

The Debating Society was thriving, providing a lively forum for discussion and public speaking. Among the topics debated that year, the motion “The theatre is better than cinema” was ultimately rejected, perhaps reflecting the growing popularity of film. Meanwhile, the motion “That emigration is desirable” was carried unanimously, demonstrating the pupils’ engagement with wider social and economic issues while “This House would prefer a char-a-banc trip to Horndean to a motor-boat trip to Seaview" and “Prefects should wear red and yellow berets with blue tassels” both lost.  

Community and Old Portmuthians 

Strong links were maintained with the Old Portmuthians (OPs), who were an active and valued part of school life. They not only took part in sporting fixtures, but also contributed to the wider community by running a boys’ club although an appeal was ongoing for more OPs to become involved to ensure it could continue. The connection remained lively and intellectual as well, with regular correspondence from Old Portmuthians at Oxford, Cambridge and King’s College London published in the school magazine, keeping current pupils informed of university life and achievements beyond the school. 

Curiosity and Collections 

Meanwhile, the Museum Committee continued to nurture the school’s spirit of curiosity. In 1926, the mineral collection was carefully rearranged to improve its display. New and intriguing additions were reported, including a stalactite, a tomahawk head, a mute swan’s egg, and a cocoa bean. 

A School Full of Life 

In 1926, the annual prizegiving took place on 18 November and was held at the Theatre Royal with prizes being distributed by The Rev ATP Williams, Head of Winchester College. Prizes were presented for Greek, Latin, French, English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, History, Cricket, the OTC and athletics. Seven pupils winning scholarships for university were also celebrated. A programme for this event is still held in the School’s archive. 

Altogether, life at The Portsmouth Grammar School in 1926 was characterised by energy, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. Housed entirely in the building on Cambridge Junction, yet expanding in spirit and ambition, the school embraced new leadership, strengthened traditions, and offered a rich variety of opportunities. As Portsmouth itself entered its new chapter as a city, the school stood as a lively and forward-looking institution, preparing its pupils for the wider world.