Introduction

This website, which has been developed by former pupils of the Southern Grammar School for Boys, Portsmouth (Old Secundrians), records the history of the school from its inception in 1888 until 1975 when, under UK government reforms, it became a comprehensive school.

Our aim is to develop the site using contributions from many former pupils and staff - not just one or two individuals - and we seek your active involvement in this respect; there is more about that in the Old Secundrians and Contributors sections. Having found your way to the site we very much hope that you will now take the next step by getting involved and let us have your contribution.

This site is an updated version from that previously produced by Hector McNeil ( the Association is extremely grateful for the time, effort and advice that Hector has given and also the server space that he provides). We hope that visitors to the site will enjoy it and provide us with feedback on your likes and dislikes as well as advising where any errors appear.

Notices and Recent/Forthcoming Events
 
· Annual dinner 2009. At the beginning of May 2009 about 120 former pupils and staff gathered for dinner at the Brookfield Hotel Emsworth. This was, again, one of the highest attendances in modern times. Jim Riordan, Professor of Russian, former Moscow Spartak soccer player, author, Portsmouth FC fanatic (!!) and former pupil of the school, gave a hugely entertaining speech (how do we follow that next year?).  Former staff Ian Watson, John Carrick, Adrian Bolge and Brian Naysmith attended. Another highly successful event - and thanks, again, to the Brookfield Hotel for looking after us so well. Images will appear on the Old Secundrians page very soon (May 2009).

* Annual dinner 2010. Now confirmed as Friday 7th May. So, note your diary now .

* See Old Secundrians dinner etc page to listen to a recording of Aileen Mills' speech at the 2006 dinner (NB Temporarily off line April 2009 - we expect that it will be back very soon).

· Baffins school building. As announced at the 2008 dinner, the school buildings at Baffins (currently used by Portsmouth College) were due to be significantly redeveloped in the next couple of years. We  had a preliminary invitation from the College Principal to visit and tour the building in advance of the redevelopment and, perhaps, to have a meal there; thank you for all of those who expressed an interest in taking up the offer. However, we have recently been advised (January 2009) that this redevelopment has been delayed; your Committee has therefore decided that the intended visit should be put back until closer to the time that the redevelopment actually takes place. We shall keep members advised.

· Website.  We are keen to develop the alumni part of the site (see "Where are they now?" in the People Section) where Old Secundrians can record their own details. We also want to receive anecdotes (which will be censored!!) of memories of staff, pupils and events from the past.  Remember, the success of the site is dependent upon participation from the many rather than the few providing their details. We are eager to receive new material for inclusion on the site now that most of our current material has been included - see "Become a contributor" below

* Year groups. Various year groups will be organizing their own ad hoc get-togethers during the course of the year.

* Notices. If any Old Secundrian wishes to include a suitable notice on the Message Board please contact Peter Higgins (see Contacts)

Ongoing work

This site remains "work in progress" with further material being added as and when it is contributed. So keep a regular eye open for new material.

Become a contributor

In order to improve the content of this site we rely upon information supplied by former staff and pupils of the school. We warmly welcome contributions in the form of written material, documentation and photographs for use on this site. We particularly welcome details of the names of pupils and staff appearing in images, feedback calling attention to missing details on any section as well as pointing out any inaccuracies. If you are able to contribute something (see Contributors) please contact Peter Higgins - see Contacts . Remember, the site is only as good as the contributions that are made to it.  Please remember, this is your site. We hope you will enjoy it - and ensure that others who may be interested are made aware of it.