The Parkstone Sea Training School

In 1937 it was recorded that the RCNS had enjoyed a year of considerable development and progress. A new dining-hall (Jellicoe Hall) and an additional house (Arranmore House) were opened this year by the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury in June, and these extensions have made it possible to increase the number of boys in training from 115 to 136, and this number will gradually rise to the total accommodation of 154. These extensions (both the result of generous gifts which came to us through the kindly interest of Mr. W. H. Kendall) and the permanent chapel presented by Sir Leonard and Lady Lyle and opened last year, have made it possible for the old temporary buildings to be converted for use as handicraft, science, and classrooms, and the school is now recognized by the Board of Education and Board of Trade as a senior school of a special nautical nature.

The school's drum, and bugle band has been trained to a useful standard of efficiency, and is in considerable demand at civic and charitable functions in the district. The school also secured our Inter-Homes Athletic Sports Cup for the second year in succession. Then In 1938 The Russell-Cotes Nautical School, Parkstone, Dorset, an establishment for the training of boys for the Merchant Navy, has developed steadily during recent years, it was recorded 154 boys for training were received, this being an increase of eighteen on the previous year's figure.

The boys range in age from 10 years old to the age of 15years. There is a steady demand for their services when their training is complete. During the year twenty-nine boys left the school to pass into the Merchant Navy, and two more entered Royal Naval bands.

Recent extensions in the school curriculum have made it possible for this school to be classified as a Grade 2 Senior Elementary School, and it has been granted temporary recognition by the Board of Trade and Board of Education as an Efficient Nautical School a status which, we hope, will in the near future by fully confirmed.

Special attention has been attracted to the school this year, by the wide display of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, "The Boy from Barnardo’s", which features life at this branch of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. We would like to place on record our appreciation of the fairness and accuracy with which the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation (who produced the film entirely on their own initiative and at their own expense) represented life at this school and the spirit in which our work is conducted.

In 1955 On 25th April, from a sunlit sky a Royal Navy helicopter flew in low over the playing field at our sea training school, Parks tone, Dorset, and landed in front of a white-washed letter 'H' marked on the ground. H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh had come to inspect divisions on the parade ground, take the salute at the march past, and visit the entire premises-dining-hall, galley, chapel, boys houses, classrooms, and sick bay.

It was a day that will live long in the memory of each of the 130 boys privileged to take part in it.

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