Largs High School had previously taught pupils up to fourth year, with children having to go to Ardrossan Academy to sit their Highers until the mid-70s.
A report in the ‘News’ in 1953 gave an indication of schooling in Largs and highlighted some of the historic difficulties.
The opening of the annexe in 1934-35 alleviated the overcrowding problem, but one week in 1939, the whole character of the school changed.The roll of the school more than doubled and half-time education was introduced. Evacuees had to be met, registered, billeted, and headteacher Harry Melville then showed his real passion and energy.
It has been said that Largs escaped the ravages of war, but Largs Higher Grade certainly didn’t. Evacuees came, evacuees went, staffs changed week by week, and Mr Melville could never tell what his position on a Monday would be by the Friday. Countless problems had to be overcome including regular massive clean-up operations.
Twice more serious problems arose at the Clydebank blitz when the school turned into a feeding-centre and a dormitory; and secondly at the Greenock blitz, when the school was made not only a feeding centre and a dormitory but well nigh everything else!
Mr Melville reflected: “I hope no successor of mine has to handle a roll of 1760. No school in the country carried a heavier load then, and no teaching staff showed higher powers of loyalty, co-operation and hard work than did the staff of Largs H.G School.”
One wonders what he would make of the new Largs Campus!
1960 was a year of change as Largs High School became a reality. This was announced at a closing ceremony for Largs Junior Secondary School (or Largs Higher Grade school was it was locally known) at Barrfields Pavilion on Wednesday June 29.
The coat of arms for the school badge was created by art teacher Miss Moir in the form of a shield. On the left side is the Burgh of Largs coat-of-arms, showing the Viking longship, surmounted by thistles.
The right hand side has a book of learning and a pen. Above these is the heraldic star of inspiration. Across the bottom of the shield is motto in Latin ‘Labora et Disce’ - Work and Learn.
However, plans for a new building in the early 60s were delayed - the situation regarding the state of the old high school and its suitability was reported upon in 1964.
We reported: “The news that Largs High School’s extension was not to be included in the Ayrshire Education’s building programme for 1965-66 brought renewed protest from Largs Town Council. Provost Herbert Acheson described it as ‘a scandalous state of affairs’. He said that a rain water had poured into one of the huts and there had been an infant intake of 64 this term with one more teacher, but no extra accommodation. If there was no more accommodation by February 65 it might not be possible to have an intake of infants, he warned.
The secondary school building was completed in 1970, and William Inglis took over from Hugh McGhee as head teacher in 1972 to oversee the school becoming a full six year comprehensive which became Largs Academy.
Taking over in the mid-1990s as head teacher was the late George Maxwell, and following his retirement, Arthur Jones stepped up from depute principal to head teacher.
The current incumbent is Heather Burns, and in recent years, the school has had great sporting success with Largs Academy winning the Scottish Schoolboy Shield at Hampden Park, and last year, pupil Abby Kane won silver in swimming at the Rio Paralympics.
The Academy has also become highly respected for its music and theatrical work thanks to principal teacher Craig Smith and staff. The end of year school school is eagerly anticipated with shows now moving to Barrfields Theatre to meet demand.
* A special open evening is happening at Largs Academy to mark the forthcoming closure of the school.
This event will take place on Wednesday November 15 at 7pm.
It is open to anyone who has been a previous pupil of Largs Academy from when it opened till now, and there will be a closing ceremony to say goodbye before moving to the new school in March.
Mr Smith will be running a choir for two 20 minute performances on the evening. This will be songs from the shows such as: Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and others. This choir is open for anyone to take part in that is/ used to be in the Largs academy school choir. If this sounds like something you want to do, there will be a rehearsal in the school on Wednesday 8th of November from 7pm till 9pm to run through the songs.
If singing isn’t your thing but you still want to be at the ceremony then come along at 7pm on the 15th to see the ceremony and then you can walk round the school at your leisure. There will be lots going on in the school such as, performances in the music department and people talking about the history of the school.
The new Largs Campus opens in March.
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