First Days

Everyone has a first day: a first day of school, of university, of work, and of Marylebone. Often, these are the memories that stick with us most.

 

Do you remember your first impressions of Marylebone?

 

The Old Philologians Association is the former pupils’ association of the St Marylebone Grammar School, which was founded in 1792 and was closed in 1981. Omar, Ray, and Gerald joined us for a group oral history interview in which they shared fond memories of their school days.

 

We also interviewed two teachers, Peter and Susan, who joined the St Marylebone CE Girls School on the same day, 24 years ago.

 

Among our interviewees was also Marjorie, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music during the 1950s/60s. After studying at the Academy, she played piano and clarinet across the world before returning to Marylebone, where she still lives today.

The Old Philologians

The Old Philologians Association is the former pupils' association of St Marylebone Grammar School. The school, which was founded in 1792 and was closed in 1981, resided on Marylebone Road and admitted male students for their secondary education. Though the school was closed in 1981, the Association continues to facilitate the reunion of old school friends and holds social events throughout the year. Today, it is formed of approximately 350 members of former staff and students. 

We interviewed Omar, Gerald, and Ray, all of whom were admitted to St Marylebone Grammar School in different years and have connected through the Association. They shared fond memories and the collective welcoming and inclusive ethos of the school.

Omar joined St Marylebone Grammar School in the 1970s. In his interview, he recounted his first memories of the school, looking back to his very first encounter with the school and reflecting on the diverse and inclusive environment.

 

Gerald joined the St Marylebone Grammar School in 1960.

 

Each student was required to interview before being admitted to St Marylebone Grammar School. Ray recalls the details of this interview and the breadth of knowledge he was questioned on.

St Marylebone CE School

Peter and Susan are both teachers at the St Marylebone CE School in art and chemistry, respectively. They both joined the school on the very same day in 1995! In their interviews, they reflect on what has kept them with the school - namely, the positive culture - and how young women's education has changed in the 28 years since they've been teaching.

 

While today CVs and cover letters can be sent off in an instant, this was not always the case. Peter looks back on the day he handed in his application to become an art teacher at the school and his first encounter with the school secretary – with whom he still works today!

St Marylebone CE School is a secondary school for girls, with boys admitted in the sixth form. Peter and Susan look at the way that young women’s education has changed over time and the sense of empowerment and confidence that the students possess.

Royal Academy of Music

The Royal Academy of Music, founded in 1822, is one of the oldest music school in the UK. Having educated the likes of Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Sir Elton John, and Annie Lennox, the Academy is renowned for its musical training.


Marjorie was first learned of the Academy from one of her music teachers in County Durham who had studied there and encouraged her to apply. It was the Royal Academy of Music that first brought Marjorie to London, who still lives in Marylebone decades on.


Royal Academy of Music, c.1980. Image reproduced with permission from the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Marjorie, born and raised in County Durham, shares her experiences of gaining admission to the Royal Academy of Music and coming to London.

School Days

Ray's final day at St Marylebone Grammar School
Royal Academy of Music, c.1980. Image reproduced with permission from the Royal Academy of Music, London.
Marjorie, a long-term resident of Marylebone who first came to London to attend the Royal Academy of Music.
St Marylebone CE School directly neighbours the parish church