Aymestrey School Prospectus

We have six versions (1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s) of the Aymestrey School Prospectus which can be downloaded by clicking on the links lower down this page. 

It is not possible to be sure of the date of publication of any of them, so the dates are 'best guesses'.

~ 1930

The earliest was printed in the late 1920s or early 1930s. It was
printed with MNAsterley’s name, which makes it pre 1933, although it mentions that rugger is played, which makes it after 1927.  
 
This one has both Mildmay’s and DAN  Asterley's names written in, so it was still in use after 1935.

It contained two lists of references, some loose photos, and a clothes list.
 
 (Thanks to Jim Page 1939-45 and John Page 1934-39)

The aim of the school is to combine the atmosphere of a good home with the discipline of a school, and to instil into the boys habits of industry and self-reliance. Much trouble is taken in trying to develop their interests and general knowledge.  They are encouraged in their hobbies and there is a good
library.

There are three resident assistant masters and a governess.

Optional extras included:
Piano or Violin
Dancing 
Carpentering (sic)
Swimming or Boxing

~1950

This has DAN Asterley's name only on it, so it is after 1947.  The fees were originally printed as £60 - in this they have been amended to £70 per term.

(Thanks to John Chandler 1956-61)

There is no separate private part of the house ; the best rooms are used by the boys and care is taken to avoid any institutional atmosphere and appearance.

The aim of the School is to prepare boys … not only for Public Schools but for life as a whole.  There is an Old Boys’ Association and the great majority of its members keep in touch with the School by visits and letters from all parts of the world, not only for a year or two, but always.

~1960

By this time the fees are £95

Our task is conceived to be the development of a boy’s entire personality, and the training of character is taken to be the first consideration of all.  By the time he leaves us, we hope that a boy will have a sincere religion, suited to his age and directly related to his life; and he is encouraged to think for himself and so allow his ideas to develop as he matures.  We aim that he shall be absolutely honest, truthful, and reliable, and that he shall have learned beyond doubt that this is more important than his own immediate comfort and advantage.  

Late 1970s

The first one with DH Griffith as Headmaster.
It mentions the Assault Course, which was started in 1976.

We aim that by the time he leaves here a boy shall be honest, truthful and reliable, and that he shall have
learned beyond doubt that this is more important than his own immediate comfort and advange.  All boys are
encouraged to think for themselves, to take some responsibility and to be of service to their community

~ mid 1980s

This is the first time photos (B&W) were used in the prospectus; and it is a slightly larger format.

It was in use until 1992, when the fees were £1500 per term for boarders and £1130 for day boys.

The Headmaster and his wife do not have a separate flat or house, but their own rooms are scattered around the school, so that they are about and in charge at all times.

we are trying to bring up the boys to be healthy, tough and self reliant; to be kind, considerate, honest and unselfish; to enjoy
and take pride in any work or job they do, and to take responsibility and be of service to their community.

We are fighting against the modern dependence on material things and because we deliberately stay small there is a chance to do something about it.  We hope to preserve the best of the old fashioned values while taking advantage of 20th century progress.

Early 1990s

This is much the largest format (A4); and is in colour.

Every child at Aymestrey has
the chance to excel at something, either in the classroom or in other activities and once he does achieve success in one field it spills over into work and behaviour, and he becomes confident and happy.  The staff are all fully aware of this and know how important their encouragement is.

The ethos of the school is difficult to put into words but we are trying to bring up the boys to be healthy, tough, self-reliant and confident but at the same time to be kind, considerate, honest and unselfish; to use their talents to the full, to enjoy and take pride in any work or job they do, to take responsibility, lead by example and be of service to their community.

 We feel we have an opportunity here to let the boys have a proper childhood, not dependent on material pleasures, but that we also have a duty to prepare them for the real world and the dangers and hazards that they may meet later on.

Downloads - please note these are large files, so may take a while to download

1930s prospectus (over 3,500 KB)
1950s prospectus (over 1,500 KB)
1960s prospectus (over 2,000 KB)
1970s prospectus (over 1,500 KB)
1980s prospectus (over 7,000 KB
1990s prospectus  (over10,000 KB)