From Brian Gumm (1940-44)
After reading Mike Brogden’s cynical reminiscences of COHS in 1952-59 I found it hard to reconcile his views with those of mine. Could this be the same school? Admittedly, I was there 1940-44 and the headmaster was J.E.Badham but could it have changed that much in ten years?
There was certainly no evidence of class distinction in my day and I can speak as someone who made the transition from a B form to an A.
I started in 3b in 1940 and in the following year transferred to 4a. It appeared to me then that the division was purely on academic ability.
There was a considerable jump in ability from b to a and differences in the curriculum which I found difficult to overcome, but no class distinction.
My only criticism of the teaching was that the teachers tended to direct their teaching at the class elite, and there were quite a few of them, while us lesser mortals struggled on our own. It is an understandable fault and I expect that it still exists today.
So, if Mike is right, when did the rot set in? More input obviously required.