Book tells history of school’s foundation in 1930 to its evolution into a sixth form college in 1978

The Old Godhelmian Association, the alumni group of Godalming County Grammar School, is delighted to announce the publication of Godalming Country Grammar School – The School on the Hill – a 274 page history from its foundation in 1930 to its evolution into a Sixth Form College in 1978.

Comedian, actor and writer, Ben Elton, a pupil at the school in the 70s, and Louis De Bernières, author of the best-selling novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, have contributed to the book.

The book’s wide subject matter with history, anecdotes, photos and illustrations is of interest not only to past pupils of the School and present students of the College, but also to the general public. Fascinating personal stories and memories have been included and the chapters draw on information in newspapers, School magazines and documents in history archives and museums.

A chapter on the years of the Second World War details the journey of more than 400 pupils from Sir Walter St John’s Grammar School, Battersea – the Sinjuns – who were billeted in various places around Godalming and shared school facilities with GCGS and the Charterhouse School. Rod Weale has written a piece about the GCGS alumni who were killed in the Second World War.

The book (ISBN: 978-1-3999-4732-9) will be available from September 2023, price £20 plus postage and packing £5. The book is a complement to the website of the Old Godhelmian Association: The Old Godhelmian Association. The Biennial Reunion of the Old Godhelmian Association will take place on 14th October 2023 at Godalming College, Tuesley Lane, Godalming GU7 1RS from 11.00 to 4.00.