On 3rd October, 1964, the first boys being received two days later on the 5th., the third establishment on the Kingswood Estate opened, this was the Special Unit. Set up for a maximum of twenty boys who were persistant absconders or indulged in behaviour which was difficult to manage in open schools, the new accommodation had to be physically secure.
1970s the Special Unit has been extended to incorporate a non-secure wing, this having accommodation for ten boys. The Special Unit also being based on the Kingswood premise that in each person who arrives at the Schools there is the possibility of development.
'August 17th, 1971. A great day in the history of Kingswood Training School. After countless years of ceaseless endeavour, followed by disappointments, delays and frustrations, rewarded at last by this beautiful Classroom Building. A fascinating and novel structure, full of surprises and altogether admirable. We can be very grateful to those Managers and members of staff who have been concerned in the venture, as it has meant a multitude of extra work for them and our thanks must include all those who have freely given their time, energy and encouragement to this project.
I would also like to add a word of praise to our teachers who have put up with discomfort and poor facilities for a very long time with unfailing patience and good humour. They now have a place worthy of their talents, a pleasure to work in, and it is hoped a stimulus for learning, Finally, it has given a tremendous face lift to the Training School itself. Somehow, quite suddenly, it has become less old and shabby'!
1977 - The boys are still there, at the time of writing about 170 in total on the whole Estate, 70 in the actual Training School, for now besides the resident boys a number attend the Training School daily for education only.
The staff are there, the present day Training School Headmaster is Sandor Lerant, the Assessment Centre Headmaster is Graham Temple-man, having just replaced the recently retired Tom Collinson, who gave many years to the Schools, while Bill Gregory heads the Special Unit. The Principal, in overall charge of the Kingswood campus is John Burns.
Education varies with modern day approaches, tailored to fit each boys' needs, but even in 1977 a boy can be trained in Painting and Decorating, Building, Carpentry, Gardening or Maintenance work.
Regular contact is kept with the local community and use made of local facilities. There is a Boys Club, affiliated to the National Association of Boys Clubs and activities, such as camping and canoeing are undertaken by groups of boys within their House groups. There are now three Houses, appropriately named Byron, Carpenter and Wesley, the boys, now aged between 13 and 15 on admission, being placed in the House best suited to their needs.
The future ? What will have become of Kingswood Training School in the year 2052, two hundred years after its founding? The answer, perhaps fortunately, is that no one can tell and perhaps it is appropriate looking to the future, one should quote the words of a former Chairman of the School Managers, John M. Meighan, when in 1953 he wrote —
'It may be that our founder, the saintly Mary Carpenter, from somewhere in the Spirit world, has noted with thankfulness that the old School goes on; the boys still come and go, and that her highest hopes have been fulfilled in starting our School, namely that her lads should have a fair chance to acquire knowledge of craftmanship that will enable them to take their places as good citizens with those who were not handicapped in their early years'.
Kingswood Reformatory 2006
This served young offenders until 1984 - By which time none of Wesley's buildings were left - The site was built on by John Cabot City Technology College opened in 1993. John Cabot is one of only 15 independent schools specialising in a science and technology rich curriculum. Whilst the college is independent of local authorities, it works with them for many aspects of college life.
Kingswood Foundation
The Kingswood Foundation offers performance, rehearsal and studio spaces, housed in a wonderfully restored Victorian building. Used by a variety of youth groups and performance organisations, if runs a wide variety of workshops, classes and schools for children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 19.
Classes cover circus skills and dance, with a yearly summer school taking place during the school holidays. Designed for 11-14 year-olds, it offers the chance to learn aerial and trapeze skills with expert instructors.
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Memories of Bristol over the past 100 years including 3000 photographs on-line
This non commercial 'hobby' site, has been evolving and expanding on line since 2001 and is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.
