A class which left school 50 years ago were treated to a tour of the grounds as they meet for a reunion last week.

Former pupils were given the tour by headteacher Andrew Beaumont on Friday (April 24) afternoon at Woodbridge High School, St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green.

The group left the school in 1965 when it was named Woodford St Barnabas County Secondary School and the sexes were separated.

Tony Cullen, 65, now lives in Bowes Drive, Ongar, and he remembers that school discipline was slightly different back in the 60s.

He said: “The school looks very different now. I think the main thing is the fields have all been built on.

“Discipline was very harsh back in the 60s and you would get the cane for any misdemeanour, pretty much every boy got the cane at some point.

“I will always remember one lad being petrified, he was shaking.”

Susan Smith now lives in Grange Hill, Chigwell, and she said the visit brought back memories.   

The 66-year-old said: “It is very similar inside, walking down the corridors I instantly recognised it and even remembered where the head’s office was.

“It is interesting to walk around.

“One of the main differences I think is the security at the school, it was non-existent in the 60s.”

Head Andrew Beaumont led the tour.

He said: “The time you spend in school is part of your history so it is great that they come back and reminisce.

“The school years are the best of your life so I am glad we can reconnect them to the school though as they can see, things have certainly moved on.”