The first school in Overton stood on the Blue Potts site (now the bus terminal) over three centuries ago. It is referred to in the Manor Court Record of 1673.
In 1871, a new school, Overton Parochial School, was built on the same site and is now a private residence.
The present building was opened in 1964 and was named Overton St Helen’s Church of England Primary School. At that time, there were 85 children on roll but due to an increase in numbers, the extension was added in 1977. A further two classrooms were added in 1992 resulting in the present building today.
We are fortunate to have retained some of our old school record books and headteachers logs, which provide fascinating insight into what the school used to be like. When the winds and tides were high, Sunderland Point pupils were excused from attending and when the new building opened, teachers carried the old furniture over during the weekend before! During WWII, refugee children came from Manchester to attend the school whilst living with our farming families but on the day news came of the war ending, lessons carried on as normal!
Some traditions remain; our annual Rose Queen Festival (now a Rose King and Queen Festival) is held every year welcoming back past pupils from all ages to join in the celebration and our school bursar still enters new pupils by had into the old school admissions books (in addition to our online records systems!). Parents, grandparents and great-grandparents are always fascinated to look up their names when they were pupils here too!
It is a privilege to know that we too are adding to the story of our wonderful school.
