During the Second World War (1939 - 1945) all pupils at Spring Hill School had to practice getting into air raid shelters in the top yards.  This was in case the enemy attacked with bombs.

Current day picture showing location of World War II air raid shelter.
The entrance to the air raid shelter was near where the steps are now.

Fortunately no bombs ever fell near the school.

Air raid practices were like fire practices we have today.  Mr. Spencer, the head teacher, wrote in the school logbook:

1939

September 4th “Yesterday, Sunday, the Prime Minister declared that Britain was now at war with Germany…School closed until further notice…”
October 25th “Erection of air raid shelters in the school garden commenced…”

1940

April 9th “…Air raid shelter practice …”