Ex-pupils of closed down Wolverhampton school share their memories as talks start to reopen it

The 110-year-old Edward the Elder Primary School in Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, has been almost forgotten since last closing its doors in 2007.

However, things are looking up for the historic building after Wolverhampton council bosses revealed this week that they are in talks with an interested party with a view to reopening it.

Chiefs have said they cannot yet reveal any further details about the project.

Ex-pupils have shared what they remember – and what they loved – about their old school, and hope it might reopen for future generations to attend.

Aruna Paul, 53, who now works as a housing officer and still lives in Wednesfield said: “It was a very friendly school – really lovely, and I had a happy time there in the late 1970s. At the time it was known as Neachells Junior School.

“Back then everyone walked to school and there was very much a community feeling. My younger sister went there after me and she also had a very happy time."

Another former pupil, Trudy Jane Sanderson said: “I went to that school 50 years ago. It was Neachells Junior then and later Chadsway Junior School.

“A lot of Wednesfield people were taught there. I went to Wards Bridge High School later, but we still have reunion events and I see some of the pupils who attended the junior school. Mr Thompson was the head teacher, followed by Mrs Kinchin. They’re lovely memories.”

Kulwant Singh, 47, who still lives in Wednesfield, attended the school from 1981-84, and still has fond memories.

“It was Chadsway Junior when I went there. I can’t say I was a model pupil, but I had a great time there. I had a lot of friends,” he said.

“It was very different back in the 80s to schools nowadays. When the bell rang at break time everyone had to stand still before going in. And if we weren’t paying attention in class we might get a rap over the knuckles with a ruler.

“One of the most interesting things I can remember is that when you went through the main entrance, past the head’s office on the right, there was a cloakroom with a tank that had a salamander in it.

“There was a separate wing from the main building which would be used if a class needed to watch a TV programme, and this also doubled as a music room and had lots of instruments in.”

Now working as a driving instructor, Kulwant added: “Every time I drive past the school I point it out to my children to show them where I went. It was very sad when it closed down.”

Caitlin Clarke, 17, was one of the last pupils to attend Edward the Elder Primary school before it last closed in 2007.

“I started there in 2005 and then moved to the new Edward the Elder school in Moat House Lane, Wednesfield, when it closed. I did enjoy my time there and my favourite subject was art.

“When we were moving there was a teacher called Mr Grove who used to come and collect us from the old school in a minibus. One other teacher I remember was Miss Lloyd,” she said.

A council spokesman said: “At the moment negotiations are still ongoing, so we cannot go into any further details at this stage.”