BLACKBIRD Leys Primary School in Oxford opened 50 years ago today.

A total of 94 pupils walked through the school gates in Wesley Close to be met by five teachers.

Deputy head David Munday, who has supplied the pictures published here, recalls: “The children and staff had a feeling they were embarking on a new adventure and that an exciting challenge lay ahead.”

The school was fortunate to be led by an enlightened headmaster, Cyril Jacobs, fondly known as ‘Jake’.

Mr Munday tells me: “He brought with him many of the good things both he and I had learned at New Marston County Primary School.”

The first challenge was to get the children to realise that they were forming a new school.

The 94 pupils had come from at least 15 schools across the city.

Mr Munday writes: “Before the end of the first term, they had formed a closely-knit unit and were proud to be members of Blackbird Leys School.”

The second challenge was to conduct school work while workmen continued building.

Teacher Gordon Peel later wrote: “The school buildings were far from ready. Only five classrooms were in use, three infant and two junior.

“There was no staff room, hall, canteen (a classroom was used) or headmaster’s room.

“Little did we realise at the time that it was to be nearly four and a half years before all the builders would be gone.“ Taking a maths lesson with 40 children, with heavy drills and hammers at work nearby, proved to be an ordeal, but, according to Mr Munday, “the children were marvellous“.

The third challenge was to absorb the massive growth in the child population, as more families moved on to the estate.

By 1968, the school roll had increased to 1,200 children, in 42 classes.

Mr Munday says: “The infants were by then led by Miss Drury, but we were still under one roof. Again, the children took all it in their stride.“ Any memories of Blackbird Leys Primary School? And where are the children pictured here, now? Look out for more pictures from the school soon.