Fairlight Primary and Nursery School: A Rotten History!
Terrible Teachers and Fierce Fights (1873)
Once upon a time (well, 1873), Brighton’s tiniest tots were crammed into a room in Lewes Road Congregational Chapel. Headmistress Miss Weekley ruled the roost—probably with a chalk stick of doom!
The Great Land Grab (1876)
Locals went bonkers when the council snatched land at Fairlight Place to build a proper school. After much moaning, the new school opened in January 1876 for girls and infants. Boys had to wait until March—because apparently, they were troublemakers!
Big, Bigger, Biggest! (1883–1901)
The school kept growing like a monster—extensions in 1883 and 1901. By 1932, it was rebuilt completely. Fancy!
Boys Out, Girls In (1928)
In a shocking twist, the boys’ department was shut down and the lads were shipped off to Central Schools. Girls stayed put—probably enjoying the peace and quiet.
War Comes to Brighton!
During World War I, Brighton was buzzing with soldiers and seaside propaganda. Fairlight pupils saw troops marching down Lewes Road and posters shouting “Your Country Needs You!”. Brighton even hosted wounded soldiers in local hospitals.
In World War II, life got scarier. Brighton was bombed during the Blitz, and children were evacuated inland. Some Fairlight families waved goodbye to their homes while others huddled in air raid shelters under the school. The nearby York Place Schools were nearly destroyed by bombing in 1940—so Fairlight kids were lucky their classrooms stayed standing
Secondary Shenanigans (1947–1962)
The girls’ department became Fairlight County Secondary School in 1947. But by 1962, it was game over—they merged with Elm Grove Secondary. Bye-bye, Fairlight Secondary!
The Big Merge (1992)
Fast forward to 1992: Fairlight Infants and Fairlight Junior joined forces like superhero sidekicks to become the mighty Fairlight Primary School we know today- still standing proud after nearly 150 years of chalk, chaos and change.
Fun Fact:
Fairlight started life as a Board School designed by Thomas Simpson—so it’s got serious Victorian vibes. And guess what? It’s still standing strong after nearly 150 years!
Famous Faces
Fairlight has had its share of stars! Former pupils include Glynis Underhill (née Herring) and others who shared memories from the 1950s. And in modern times? The school was visited by Ed Sheeran—how’s that for fame?
Modern Marvels
Fast forward to today:
- Outstanding Ofsted Praise (2024) – Inspectors said Fairlight might be outstanding under the new framework.
- Opal Platinum Award – For play, presented at the House of Commons!
- Platinum Healthy Choice Award – For its breakfast club.
- Community Pride – Fairlight leads the Brighton Children’s Parade and champions inclusion, diversity, and SEND support
