Thomas Delarue School
Thomas Delarue was a co-educational special secondary boarding school in Tonbridge, Kent, England that was established in 1955 and closed in 1989. It was run by The Spastics Society and catered for pupils with cerebral palsy.
| Thomas Delarue | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| |
Starvecrow Hill Tonbridge , Kent , TN11 9NP United Kingdom | |
| Information | |
| Type | Special Secondary Boarding School |
| Motto | There is no failure other than ceasing to try |
| Opened | 1955 |
| Closed | 1989 |
| Local authority | Kent County Council |
| Specialist | Children with cerebral palsy |
| Age | 11 to 16 |
| Enrollment | 87 (1966) |
History
Thomas Delarue School was established by The National Spastics Society in Tonbridge, Kent in 1955. It initially occupied an old house,[1] located in Dene Park (TQ 597 504).[2] The school was a boarding school.[3] The first headmaster was a Mr Davies,[4] A purpose-built school located on Starvecrow Hill (TQ 599 498) was opened on 19 September 1963.[1] On 9 June 1964, The Duke of Edinburgh visited the school to perform the official opening ceremony.[5] Mr Davies retired in July 1964.[6] In 1966, the school had 87 pupils. The next head teacher retired at the end of the Spring Term, 1967.[3] His name was Mr Tudor.
In 1979, a film was made about the school by members of Sevenoaks School. It was made to show the work of the Sevenoaks Voluntary Service and to give an insight into working with people with disabilities.[7] Thomas Delarue School closed in 1989.[1]
References
- "TDS The School". TDS. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
- "Public Appointments". The Times (54181). London. 19 June 1958. col B, p. 2.
- "Public Appointments". The Times (56723). London. 30 August 1966. col E, p. 2.
- "1950's and 1960's". TDS. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
- "Court Circular". The Times (56034). London. 10 June 1964. col B, p. 14.
- "Public Appointments". The Times (55738). London. 27 June 1963. col C, p. 3.
- "Newspaper Cutting circa 1979 (local rag)". TDS. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
