First All Hallows headteacher has passed away

We are saddened to report that Mr William (Bill) Blackledge, who was the very first headmaster of All Hallows School, has passed away.

Mr Blackedge was 92 years of age.

He joined All Hallows’ in 1962 and worked until 1986 before retiring.

Mr Blackledge was interviewed by members of the All Hallows College Council in February 2011:

“I had always wanted to be a head teacher as I had been enthused by teaching. I taught Chemistry up to Sixth Form level. I applied for 6 posts and the All Hallows interview came first. The interview was in spring. The interview lasted just 20 minutes and was conducted by 20 Counsellors/ Governors. I was offered the job and accepted. I immediately knew the school had potential as the town was expanding. I never thought of another job after being head teacher.“

“I started on the 28 August 1962. The school had 197 students.
I recall we had a log book. This was filled in by the Head teacher when a member of staff was absent.
I also had a punishment book to complete. This was shown to the Governors at their meetings. At the time one of the punishments was the cane. The Chair of governors wanted more students to be caned. We stopped caning in 1975. In my opinion it had little effect.
There was no Sixth Form when I began. Students left at Easter in their 4th Year – what is now Year 10.
I also remember that the students were on their own at break and lunch and not supervised by teachers.
I appointed all staff so I knew everyone well. My first appointment was Mr Hall, the caretaker.
We also had a school Boardman – Fred Cotterill. He would work with school to reduce truancy. We had an attendance rate of around 97%. He would go round to the students’ homes if they were not in school.“

His funeral will take place at Holy Trinity and St George, Kendal, Cumbria on Monday 4th November 2pm. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation are asked to donate to the hospice at home service which cared for him in his final few days: https://stjohnstributes.everydayhero.com/uk/bill-blackledge