Headmaster Seaborne's imprint was to found in all the school's activities but nowhere more than here in the school hall. During daily prayers the pupils were assembled in height order; first year small fry (fuzzers) at the front, bigger six formers at the back. Masters stood down the sides and I well remember some fuzzers fainting with fear and apprehension as the Head approached and I had to carry them out; but like the guards on parade no one else was allowed to move.

Seaborne's footsteps could be heard down the hallway; then he entered dramatically through the curtain at the back of the stage; walked to the lectern; placed his tasselled cap; surveyed the assembled throng then nodded to the organist who struck the first note of the hymn.

Seaborne's pride in his Master's degree in English from Oxford was reflected in the ranking of the staff whose universities were noted in the order of their perceived status. 'Lesser' non-academics like me and the physical education master, who had no degree or diploma, were placed at the bottom of the staff list and he ungowned in photographs. (See 1956 Prospectus below)

Masters wore their gowns all the time and hoods on special days. I had a gown, hood (superimposed on black and white photo)and mortar board from Loughborough College. Though only for a diploma not a degree it fooled some, but not Seaborne.

On Speech Days rented chairs were placed in serried ranks and the house masters sat among the pupils. Flowers were placed at the front edge of the platform to soften the image but the entry was no less dramatic. I am grateful to Tony Cox for some excellent pictures of special assembly in '56 and '57 and particularly for the fact that I am to be seen below as the seated, stern master in 1956, left, six rows back. Four rows back on the right is gowned and hooded Mr.Robinson.
The right hand side of the assembly shows the pupils again with that cowed look, not a smile to be seen, that suggests that Seaborne is on stage. At the end of the third row is Mr.Aldridge the Physical Education and Sports master. Four rows back and three in is Tony Cox and to his left is Geoff Elliot.
A year later and judging from the happy countenances Mr. Seaborne had not arrived. It's 1958 and Tony Cox is in 3L, in the seventh row, fourth from the left and again next to Geoff Elliot.
3 L is seen below and Tony Cox writes
Charles The picture of the report card brought back some memories as did your statement about boys fainting. I remember a boy behind me in assembly passing out and we could do nothing until the prefects carried him out! Another memory is of my first day sitting in the hall waiting for the head to address us, during which some poor unfortunate amongst us scratched his nose. I can still hear the bellow of "Boy, take your nose outside!" Once again many thanks. Tony Cox

Some universities were deemed not worthy enough to be named. Possibly London made it because Seaborne had taught at the London University College School but how Birmingham made it will never be known.

Head Master Seaborne gets four lines. His demyship, (scholarship) at Oxford puts him in the company of Oscar Wilde but I somehow doubt an affinity even though doubtless, he would have studied his works.
 
 
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