Remember that chilly October day in 1905? Longlands Primary School wasn’t always the welcoming building you see today. It began life as a temporary iron school. Seventy-seven children shivered inside. Two teachers struggled to be heard above the drumming rain on the metal roof. This was the “Tin School”. It was a far cry from the permanent structure that would eventually replace it.
Longlands Primary School stands proudly in Woodside Road. Its name hints at its surroundings. It was nestled beside Priestlands Wood. The school’s site was once Stebbings Field. A local builder Mr Stebbings owned it. Before the school it was a cricket ground. It even served as a fire brigade practice ground.
The early years were chaotic. The staff weren’t permanent. Head teachers seemed to vanish as quickly as they appeared. In 1906 attendance exceeded the capacity. The two stoves were dangerously hot. An inspector complained about poor ventilation in 1907. He suggested removing a window pane or fixing the sliding partition.
The permanent building finally arrived in 1908. Mr HG Morgan became the headmaster. He oversaw the school’s growth. Mr Morgan stayed until 1926. He was followed by Mr HA Hill who received an MBE. Mr Hill left for Blackfen Central School. Several headteachers followed Mr Hill each making their own mark. Mr S T Hayes’ time coincided with wartime disruption. Miss Watson a beloved teacher tragically died during enemy action.
Miss Doris Poulton’s tenure from 1960 to 1977 brought mixed memories. Pupils remembered her strictness and her sense of humor. Mr Lawrence followed Miss Poulton and served until 2000. Mrs Dear took over. She retired in 2013. Miss Owen served until 2024. Mr Baines is the current headteacher.
Longlands Primary School is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to generations of learning. It’s a place where children from Foots Cray have learned and grown for over a century. Step inside and feel the echoes of history. The “Tin School” may be gone. But the spirit of Longlands Primary School remains strong.