To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Hymers College becoming Co-educational, Dr Geoff Wilson shared his memories of when the girls started to be admitted into the Sixth Form in the 1970s.

I do recall how the arrival of girls at Hymers caused quite a stir among the younger boys, who were in awe of the new arrivals to the Sixth Form.  In fact, the girls had a wonderful civilising influence on Hymers.  The boys even started using first names when speaking with each other!

I know that some associated with the school thought the girls would mean the end of Hymers.  How wrong could they be! 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?

Geoff Wilson, OH Staff 1970-2006
Head of Modern Languages