At St Helens Comprehensive School in Barnsley, one former pupil remembered Mrs Amos as a vigilant teacher who frequently discovered girls smoking in the lavatories reserved for senior pupils. Students would often appoint one girl to stand watch at the door and warn the others of approaching staff. Mrs Amos was regarded with considerable apprehension. The same pupil also recalled warming her hands on the classroom radiator before receiving punishment with the slipper.
At St James Norland School in Notting Hill, memories included yoga lessons and the sombre atmosphere on the day news broke of the shooting of John Lennon. One former pupil also remembered receiving corporal punishment from Miss Simms.
Former pupils of St John Fisher Catholic High School in Dewsbury spoke of Mrs Grafton and the use of the cane. Another recalled that, in earlier years during the 1960s, the headmistress, Miss Lee, had also administered corporal punishment.
At St John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School in Chelmsford, one former student remembered the deputy headmistress as a severe disciplinarian responsible for caning girls. Others recalled Mrs Linge, formerly Miss White, as both an effective mathematics teacher and a strict authority figure who frequently used the cane and, on occasion, excluded troublesome pupils from her classes.
At St John Vianney School in Blackpool, Mr Ellam was remembered by many as a kindly teacher, although one former pupil recalled an occasion when he lost patience with a girl for persistent talking during a science lesson and punished her in front of the class.
Former pupils from St Julian’s Comprehensive School in Newport recalled receiving the cane from Mr Shurmer for misbehaviour during sewing lessons.
At St Malachy’s High School in Antrim, memories centred on the use of the strap for relatively minor offences, such as walking on the incorrect side of the staircase. One former pupil particularly remembered Mrs Mulgrew as a feared teacher who frequently resorted to corporal punishment.
Former students of St Michael’s Roman Catholic School in Barnsley described Mrs Fensome as an intimidating figure during childhood, while Mrs Stubbs was remembered for using the cane across pupils’ fingertips in attempts to maintain discipline. Reflecting on those times, one former pupil remarked upon how greatly attitudes toward corporal punishment in schools have changed.
At St Nicholas and St Mary’s Grammar School in Northwood, Mrs Hoare, the headmistress, was remembered as a formidable presence despite her small stature. She was often accompanied by her miniature schnauzer, which some pupils were occasionally permitted to walk. Nevertheless, such privileges did not exempt them from disciplinary measures.
Former pupils of St Peter’s School in Blackburn recalled Mr Conway as a strict disciplinarian. One former student remembered being caught running through the corridors with a friend before being punished with the cane.
At St Theresa’s Roman Catholic School in Lewisham, Sister Dolores was remembered as an exceptionally strict headmistress. One former pupil recalled receiving “six of the best” from her on two separate occasions, describing the punishment as extremely painful.
Finally, at St Thomas More Roman Catholic School in Derby, one former pupil recalled frequently being sent to Miss Ashmole’s office to receive the cane.
