Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
Steve Walmsley is Director of Sport and started at Hymers College in the year it became co-ed More...
Andrew Penny taught music at Hymers College from 1977 until 2022, before and after the school became fully co-educational More...
Dr Wilson, Head of Modern Languages, started at Hymers College just before the first girls were admitted into the Sixth Form More...
Laura French
OH 1994-2004
I loved my time at Hymers. As well as an incredible academic education, it also allowed me to develop and explore my passions for music and performing, something which I am grateful for to this day as a keen amateur musician. Many of my happiest memories involve the incredible friends that I made during my time there, most of whom I am still in touch with and who form an important and much loved part of my life.
Dr Geoff Wilson
OH Staff 1970-2006
The arrival of girls at Hymers caused quite a stir among the younger boys but the girls had a wonderful civilising influence on Hymers. The boys even started using first names when speaking with each other! Just to show you how much things have changed over the years, I remember that the very few ladies on the staff were said to have been informed they might wear trousers - but only when there was snow on the ground. Can you believe it?
Alison Hopper (née Bingham)
OH 1984-87
Ann Collier, OH 1984-86, and I were consulted on the uniform for girls which came in as we moved into the upper sixth. Red jumpers didn't make it! A new running stride was born to stop the wrap-around skirt unwrapping on swift crossing of the quad.
Chris Fitzpatrick
OH Staff 1980-2016
Word has it that there were one or two dissenting voices in the late 1980s when the topic of co-education was first raised. As well as the ‘odd’ governor and several old boys, those other ‘voices’ seemed to be mainly in the PE and Games Department. The thinking behind this from the department view was that with the numbers of boys at the school being reduced, it would have an impact on the quality and standard of the boys’ major games. How wrong we were!!
Su Harper-Clarke
OH 1991-96
As one of the first Head Girls, I was keen to gain the equal acknowledgment of our role in the school whilst also being offered the same opportunities as the boys. On Speech Day, as part of Head Girl speech, I asked Mr Morris directly (who was sat next to us on the stage) if a sport's tour for the girls was being planned, similar to the boys' rugby tour. This was met with rather a stony silence. Needless to say I don't think I got my answer but carried on regardless. As I left the stage, I remember seeing Fitzy and Billy Exley roll their eyes at me. I then walked past Mrs Chorlton who gave me a wry smile and a wink. This was all I needed. We had been heard.
Julian Ray
OH 1979-88
I recall that one sports afternoon we went to Beverley swimming and I tried to impress the Sixth Form girls with my skills on the diving board - that I didn't have. So I attempted a forward somersault which I achieved...but landed on my face. I'm not sure if it was the embarrassment or the impact that caused my face to be so red on the bus back to Hymers!
Rob Kaye
OH 1968-74
I don’t think we had been forewarned about the girl’s arrival in 1972. It was a surprise to arrive at school for my first day in Sixth Form and to meet someone in the class not wearing a grey suit with hair much longer than the regulations.
Emily Pennack (née Wilkinson)
OH 1989-95
I remember the first day at Hymers in 1989 as ten girls lined up in over sized blazers by 100 boys. Having been at an all-girls school for the first nine years of my life, there were some changes ahead for myself and my family. My time at Hymers took me to amazing places across the world, on sports and education trips. I made friends for life here and my children’s godparents are all friends from my school days! I feel extremely lucky to now be working at the heart of the school reconnecting our community.
Steve Walmsley
Sports Teacher, 1989 - Current
Over time, the girls have had an incredibly positive effect on the school. It became a less harsh environment and the examination results improved immeasurably.
Girls sport throughout my time in the school has been more successful than the boys in terms of reaching National Finals and winning competitions. There is still a competitive edge between the sexes, but the girls more than hold their own.
Greg Bone
OH 1986-96
When I started Senior School, although it was the first year of co-ed, it wasn't a huge change for me, as I was in an all-boys class, just like in the Junior School. Until we took options, I didn't have any classes with the girls, but it was daunting at first as I wasn't used to being in an environment with them. It did eventually become the norm to have the girls there and we, the boys, became good friends with the girls, and have continued to have strong friendships ever since.
John Morris
OH Staff 1980-2006
Headmaster from 1990
A lot of planning went into the introduction of girls, and I think we got most things right. We got used to using first names for boys and girls, and the girls did not seem to be oppressed by initially being outnumbered. Nearly all of us believed the move to co-education was the best thing that had happened to the College for a long time. The results were all positive – attitudes became less macho, a more natural environment, a more relaxed and, I think, friendly atmosphere, fewer disciplinary problems, improved academic results.
Andrew Penny
OH Staff 1977-2022
I was always one of those who thought co-education was good for Hymers. It was the civilising influence the place needed. I had been educated at a co-educational school and attended a Music College where it did not occur to anyone that the achievements of both sexes were not equally important.
Jenny Guyat (née Babington)
OH 1989-95
I have quite a funny memory of the masters calling all the boys by their surnames when doing the register but then switching to first names when they got to a girl, slightly confused as to what to call us!
I do remember it being quite an experience with so many boys compared to girls at school. I can't quite believe that was 35 years ago, feeling properly old now.....!!
Victoria Bastiman
OH 1989-96
Being one of the first girls in the Senior School meant that we had a unique experience. There were 21 girls in our year, with about 80 boys. For me, I felt that the girls all got along better, as we were in the minority, and looked out for each other. The boys also looked after us and were protective. In Year 13, I was the only girl to study IT. It meant I was subjected, in fun, to teasing from the boys in the class, however, I also knew they would be the first to defend me if anyone else said anything. I made friends, both female and male, for life at Hymers.
Laura French
OH 1994-2004
I loved my time at Hymers. As well as an incredible academic education, it also allowed me to develop and explore my passions for music and performing, something which I am grateful for to this day as a keen amateur musician. Many of my happiest memories involve the incredible friends that I made during my time there, most of whom I am still in touch with and who form an important and much loved part of my life.
Dr Geoff Wilson
OH Staff 1970-2006
The arrival of girls at Hymers caused quite a stir among the younger boys but the girls had a wonderful civilising influence on Hymers. The boys even started using first names when speaking with each other! Just to show you how much things have changed over the years, I remember that the very few ladies on the staff were said to have been informed they might wear trousers - but only when there was snow on the ground. Can you believe it?
Alison Hopper (née Bingham)
OH 1984-87
Ann Collier, OH 1984-86, and I were consulted on the uniform for girls which came in as we moved into the upper sixth. Red jumpers didn't make it! A new running stride was born to stop the wrap-around skirt unwrapping on swift crossing of the quad.
Chris Fitzpatrick
OH Staff 1980-2016
Word has it that there were one or two dissenting voices in the late 1980s when the topic of co-education was first raised. As well as the ‘odd’ governor and several old boys, those other ‘voices’ seemed to be mainly in the PE and Games Department. The thinking behind this from the department view was that with the numbers of boys at the school being reduced, it would have an impact on the quality and standard of the boys’ major games. How wrong we were!!
Su Harper-Clarke
OH 1991-96
As one of the first Head Girls, I was keen to gain the equal acknowledgment of our role in the school whilst also being offered the same opportunities as the boys. On Speech Day, as part of Head Girl speech, I asked Mr Morris directly (who was sat next to us on the stage) if a sport's tour for the girls was being planned, similar to the boys' rugby tour. This was met with rather a stony silence. Needless to say I don't think I got my answer but carried on regardless. As I left the stage, I remember seeing Fitzy and Billy Exley roll their eyes at me. I then walked past Mrs Chorlton who gave me a wry smile and a wink. This was all I needed. We had been heard.
Julian Ray
OH 1979-88
I recall that one sports afternoon we went to Beverley swimming and I tried to impress the Sixth Form girls with my skills on the diving board - that I didn't have. So I attempted a forward somersault which I achieved...but landed on my face. I'm not sure if it was the embarrassment or the impact that caused my face to be so red on the bus back to Hymers!
Rob Kaye
OH 1968-74
I don’t think we had been forewarned about the girl’s arrival in 1972. It was a surprise to arrive at school for my first day in Sixth Form and to meet someone in the class not wearing a grey suit with hair much longer than the regulations.
Emily Pennack (née Wilkinson)
OH 1989-95
I remember the first day at Hymers in 1989 as ten girls lined up in over sized blazers by 100 boys. Having been at an all-girls school for the first nine years of my life, there were some changes ahead for myself and my family. My time at Hymers took me to amazing places across the world, on sports and education trips. I made friends for life here and my children’s godparents are all friends from my school days! I feel extremely lucky to now be working at the heart of the school reconnecting our community.
Steve Walmsley
Sports Teacher, 1989 - Current
Over time, the girls have had an incredibly positive effect on the school. It became a less harsh environment and the examination results improved immeasurably.
Girls sport throughout my time in the school has been more successful than the boys in terms of reaching National Finals and winning competitions. There is still a competitive edge between the sexes, but the girls more than hold their own.
Greg Bone
OH 1986-96
When I started Senior School, although it was the first year of co-ed, it wasn't a huge change for me, as I was in an all-boys class, just like in the Junior School. Until we took options, I didn't have any classes with the girls, but it was daunting at first as I wasn't used to being in an environment with them. It did eventually become the norm to have the girls there and we, the boys, became good friends with the girls, and have continued to have strong friendships ever since.
John Morris
OH Staff 1980-2006
Headmaster from 1990
A lot of planning went into the introduction of girls, and I think we got most things right. We got used to using first names for boys and girls, and the girls did not seem to be oppressed by initially being outnumbered. Nearly all of us believed the move to co-education was the best thing that had happened to the College for a long time. The results were all positive – attitudes became less macho, a more natural environment, a more relaxed and, I think, friendly atmosphere, fewer disciplinary problems, improved academic results.
Andrew Penny
OH Staff 1977-2022
I was always one of those who thought co-education was good for Hymers. It was the civilising influence the place needed. I had been educated at a co-educational school and attended a Music College where it did not occur to anyone that the achievements of both sexes were not equally important.
Jenny Guyat (née Babington)
OH 1989-95
I have quite a funny memory of the masters calling all the boys by their surnames when doing the register but then switching to first names when they got to a girl, slightly confused as to what to call us!
I do remember it being quite an experience with so many boys compared to girls at school. I can't quite believe that was 35 years ago, feeling properly old now.....!!
Victoria Bastiman
OH 1989-96
Being one of the first girls in the Senior School meant that we had a unique experience. There were 21 girls in our year, with about 80 boys. For me, I felt that the girls all got along better, as we were in the minority, and looked out for each other. The boys also looked after us and were protective. In Year 13, I was the only girl to study IT. It meant I was subjected, in fun, to teasing from the boys in the class, however, I also knew they would be the first to defend me if anyone else said anything. I made friends, both female and male, for life at Hymers.
Chris Fitzpatrick was Head of Physical Education and started at Hymers College in 1980 More...
Jenny started in the Senior School in Year 8 when the school had become co-educational More...
Dr Wilson, Head of Modern Languages, started at Hymers College just before the first girls were admitted into the Sixth … More...
John Morris started teaching at Hymers College in 1980 and was Deputy Headmaster at the time the school became co-educat… More...
Laura, OH 1994-04, joined the Junior School five years after girls were admitted to study there More...
Kaie Bosworth, OH 2015-22 has been cast as the lead actor for the Newcastle Musical Theatr More...
End of tenure message from Helen-Mary Saunders, OH 1990-2000 More...
Chris Fitzpatrick was Head of Physical Education and started at Hymers College in 1980 More...
Jenny started in the Senior School in Year 8 when the school had become co-educational More...
Dr Wilson, Head of Modern Languages, started at Hymers College just before the first girls More...
Kaie Bosworth, OH 2015-22 has been cast as the lead actor for the Newcastle Musical Theatre Company's performance More...
End of tenure message from Helen-Mary Saunders, OH 1990-2000 More...
Artin Hamzehpour, OH 2017-23, is currently completing a degree apprenticeship More...
Ben Josse, OH 2003-11, is training to become a secondary school mathematics teacher More...
Charlotte Hutchinson (née Parker) was a student at Hymers before returning to work in the Biology Department in 2021 More...
Claire Charman (née Robinson), OH 1990-95 is Head of Commercial Division at Stamp Jackson & Procter More...
Phil Almond, OH 1997-2001, remembers singing for the late Queen as she distributed Royal Maundy Money back in 2014 at Bl… More...
Celebrated on 8 March, the global day recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, whi… More...
Finlay Ulrick, OH 2008-16, left Hymers College to establish a successful ice-hockey career More...
Oliver Cook, OH 1990-99, played for England Rugby 7s in 2009 More...
Chris Fitzpatrick was Head of Physical Education and started at Hymers College in 1980 More...
Jenny started in the Senior School in Year 8 when the school had become co-educational More...
Dr Wilson, Head of Modern Languages, started at Hymers College just before the first girls were admitted into the Sixth Form More...
Chris Fitzpatrick was Head of Physical Education and started at Hymers College in 1980 More...
John Morris started teaching at Hymers College in 1980 and was Deputy Headmaster at the time the school became co-educat… More...
Andrew Penny taught music at Hymers College from 1977 until 2022, before and after the school became fully co-educationa… More...
Steve Walmsley is Director of Sport and started at Hymers College in the year it became co-ed More...
Greg studied at Hymers College from 1986 until 1996 before he returned to work at Hymers College in 2022 as a sports coach More...
Alumni gathered at The Castle Inn in the city centre on 6 March 2024 More...
The event was organised by alumna, Charlotte Hutchinson (née Parker), who in 2021 returne More...
Sam Hairsine, OH 1994-97, is the Director of Music in the Royal Marines Band Service and came to school to speak in an assembly and conduct the Senior… More...
Natasha Mulla spoke about her journey from Hymers College to Software Engineering More...
Will Hairsine (OH 1992-97) attended school to deliver an assembly to our Senior School students More...
It was great to welcome OH James Aldred back and hear about his career post Hymers. James attended Hymers with his elder brother Guy, More...
Lena spoke to our students in assembly on the topic of well-being and mindfulness More...
Howard returned to talk about his life after Hymers More...
Andrew Plaistowe attended school from 1985 to 1995 More...
Thank you Antony for delivering an uplifting assembly to our current students. It was a pleasure to welcome Antony back 25 years More...
Amitava kindly returned to Hymers virtually to deliver our school assembly and share with us his school memories and post Hymers career. More...
Will, OH 1997-2007, spoke about his memories from Hymers College and his working life in the British Army More...
Keith attended Hymers College from 1964 to 1974 More...
Damian Johnson, OH 1972-76, spoke during the school assembly during Black History Month 2023 More...
Detective Inspector James Oxley is working hard to dismantle organised crime groups More...
Sophie Middleton, OH 2015-21 spoke to the Sixth Form at Hymers College More...
An evening discussing careers in the engineering sector More...
Natalia Gryskowska, OH 2009-11 spoke online to the students More...
Richard Dunning, OH 1995-2002 spoke to our Sixth Form students More...
Raj Shah, OH 1984-94, returned to talk to our Sixth Form Business and Economics Society More...
Nick Williams, OH 1985-95, spoke to the Sixth Form students More...