Pinner Grammar School opened in September 1937 to 150 first- and second-year pupils. When it closed its doors for the final time in 1982 around 6,400 pupils and staff had passed through its doors. In its 45-year history the school and college situated in Beaulieu Drive saw many changes – not just in name. Any establishment that spanned a period from 1937 to 1982 undoubtedly would and Pinner, in its evolution from pre-war grammar school to sixth form college 40 years later saw many.

The school had three headmasters during its life: Percy Rayner, Jack Westgate Smith and John Davies. Each was a very different personality and managed the school during very different times. After what he recalled as two tranquil years, Percy Rayner saw the outbreak of World War II and took in an extra 90 pupils swelling the school population by almost 30 per cent. Five years of wartime schooling must have added much to the headmaster's work. When Percy Rayner retired in 1951 he was replaced by Jack Westgate Smith, who had taught at the school during the war. His headship lasted nearly 20 years. In an article published in the magazine produced for the closure of the school he remembered much from his time at Pinner. He made particular mention of the school society STAG, school plays, trips abroad and the involvement of parents in many extra-curricula activities. From 1970-73 John Davies took over as headmaster then became principal of the sixth form college until its closure in 1982. His memories pay tribute to the friendliness of the school, the Pinner spirit, trips abroad, school clubs, academic success, the Parents Association, the transition from school to college and much more.

Like any school or college, Pinner has different memories for different people. Some remember an easy-going informal establishment, others a strict academic environment. To some pupils it was school, to others a significant era never to be forgotten. Many remember a nice place where they made some great friends. The majority of pupils seem to have come through happy and well-rounded individuals. Some have gone on to fame and fortune. Elton John (1958-65) wins the prize for most famous ex-pupil but many, many illustrious alumni litter the school history. An early pupil, Lord Harris, became a Secretary of State. The world is littered with doctors and scientists who lit their first Bunsen burners in the science labs of Pinner; thespians galore who trod their first stage steps on the boards of the school stage and athletes in abundance who honed their skills and built their strength on the sometimes lush, often muddy, fields surrounding the school. Engineers, artists, civil servants, racing drivers, pilots, project managers, MBEs, CBEs, missionaries, millionaires, you name it Pinner has at least one. One former pupil has a dinosaur named after him, another scored a winning goal at Wembley, Pinner has produced a Scotland rugby captain, two England basketball players and a member of the England swimming team. There are knighthoods, decorations and honours across the board. We've got artists and anaesthetists, bakers and bankers, chemists and cleaners.

Pinner was a busy place. A full and varied timetable covered arts, science, languages, sport. An equally full extra-curricular calendar involved clubs, societies and school trips. And then there were the school plays, house competitions and sporting events. The formative years between 11 to 18 can never be insignificant and Pinner left its mark on all its students and staff.

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