In assembly we celebrated 151 years of Lady Barn tradition. We reflected upon everyone who has contributed to the development of our wonderful school.  Mr Slade treated the Prep 2 to 6 pupils to a whistle stop tour of the school’s history - starting with our founder, William Henry Herford. He was a pioneer in education, and he founded a school where boys and girls were taught together in kindly way which inspired a genuine love their learning. 

Herford is remembered as a kind and generous man. He was a magical storyteller, and he would have children hanging on his every word and in fits of laughter!  

He believed that happy children are ready to learn. He encouraged free thinking, academia, handiwork, physical activity and fresh air. He insisted upon the highest standards of behaviour – courtesy and trust were essential in both word and deed. 

Following his retirement, in 1886, his daughter Caroline Herford took up the reigns of headship and in her time, she relocated the school from Wimlslow Road to Lady Barn House, in the Lady Barn district of South Manchester. And in doing so, the school's name changed from The School for Boys and Girls to Lady Barn House School. During her time games fields were purchased, and team sports were encouraged, such as cricket, lacrosse and rugby. Notably the LBHS rugby rules were agreed before the RFU had even published theirs! 

On 21st October 1908, the first Founders’ Day was organised by Miss Beard, the third LBHS head. This was in recognition of W.H.Herford who had recently died, at the age of 88.  

A child who was present wrote, 

“ The sun was shining, the school flag was flying and there was a happy troop of children who assembled in the hall for school service....the headmistress reminded us, one and all, who had made the school and that we must ensure we do good work or we should be dragging down the standard. Long live LBH!  

Herford is well known for quoting Geoffrey Chaucer, his favourite was, “And gladly wolde he learne, and gladly he teche”.

This quote beautifully sums up his approach to education and it is something that rings true to our school to this day. 

To end our special assembly, we reflected upon our school’s past, and to some it may give the impression that the school’s best days are in the past. However, Mr Slade was keen to underline that our best days are right now! He encouraged the pupils to never let a single day slip away without learning something new. We should always question, enquire, and be fascinated! Discover new things, take opportunities and do your very best to succeed!