By 1958 more classrooms had been built than is shown in this earlier picture.

 

 

Jos Reayer (who signed the certificate opposite) was headmaster from the beginning. 

Ashburton Secondary School, originally a boarding house for the Grammar School,* came into existence in 1958. Until that time pupils stayed at the Elementary School until they either left to go to a Grammar School (Totnes or Newton Abbot once the Ashburton Grammar School had closed), or left to start work.

School leaving ages: 1918 Fisher Act - standard leaving age of 14

1947 - raised to 15

1972 - raised to 16

(http://www.historyextra.com/) 

*opened 1928 - Guide to Ashburton, undated but between 1930 and 1935

Thanks to Sue Pengilley for the above item 

Staff mid 1970s. The school had become a Comprehensive by this time