SDLutonSFC1

Index cards to student files

c. 1935-1966

Please note: the names’ index to the files and the actual files are stored off-site (in different locations) and are subject to restricted access (see notes below). Indexes The Archives Service holds a card index of the files in alphabetical order by surname. The series includes many cards for school numbers under 2800, so they may have some research value even though the corresponding files do not survive. Where it is known that an original file was returned to an ex-student by the College in July 2007 this is noted on the card, together with the last known contact details • Surname and initials and school number of the pupil (for common names knowledge of the school number helps to determine the correct file) • Initials, surname and address (with subsequent changes) of the nearest next-of-kin, usually the father of the pupil. • Occasional notes on circumstances, e.g. notes on fees, whether an evacuee The cards only cover admissions to Luton Grammar School, not Luton Sixth Form College, even though the Archives Service has some College student files and these can be ordered if the file number is known. The College maintains a separate index of College admissions. Coverage The files are arranged in numerical order by school number, and start at 2800 in July 1935 and go up to about 7100 in 1966. Not all files survive: there is nothing before number 2800 and there is another significant gap between 2850 and 2949 inclusive. This seems to be the only major gap, but occasionally the odd file is found to be missing without explanation. After about file 6700 – during the change-over from Luton Grammar School to Luton Sixth Form College - quite a number of files are missing although it transpires that some were re-numbered according to a new system starting again at number one. The Archives Service does not have access to the index which converts the old numbers to the new ones: that is retained by the College. About another 90 original files were returned to ex-students by Luton Sixth Form College in July 2007 before the Archives Service intervened to retain all original files and send out photocopies instead (to a further c190 ex-students). The loss of these original files is noted on the index cards File contents Most files contain some or most of the following papers (their contents does vary over time): • Snapshot head and shoulders portrait photographs, commencing from May 1946 only, with subsequent photographs taken every year or two. Some files contain several photographs • Pro-forma preliminary application for admission which includes date of birth of pupil and name of previous school attended with dates • Pro-forma application for admission which includes father’s name, address and occupation • Pro-forma report on the pupil by previous school • Pro-forma medical examination form • Absence notes from parents • Correspondence between headmaster and parents concerning academic progress, aspects of discipline, and job prospects of pupil • Final school report • Pro-forma confidential school record, including examination results, participation and attainments in other school activities, responsible offices held in the school, agreed estimates of noteworthy qualities and abilities, special comments on truthfulness and honesty &c, likely objective • Occasional letters from ex-students once they have left, usually informing headmaster of progress at work or requesting a reference. Access The files contain confidential data to which access is restricted under Data Protection legisltion for 100 years from date of birth, and information can only be released to the following: • The ex-student concerned: ID such as a birth certificate or photocopied driving licence must be provided • Nearest next-of-kin if the student is deceased. Again, some kind of proof must be provided. Boxes containing the files can then be ordered via the Records Management Service and usually take 24-48 hours to arrive on site. For any other enquiries contact the Senior Student Administrator, Luton Sixth Form College or its successor.

Access restricted under Data Protection legislation.

sub-fonds

LUTON, Luton Modern School, Luton Grammar School, Luton 6th Form College