Remember school days in the 1980s? From big smiles and creative projects to fundraising triumphs, special visitors and proud award winners, these photographs capture the fun, friendships and memorable moments of school life across Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country.
There are classroom activities, history days, community events and plenty of familiar faces among this collection from the decade.
Take a look through the gallery and see who you can spot. Do you recognise a former classmate, teacher - or even yourself? Don’t forget to share your memories in the comments.
- Did you see our gallery capturing businesses and working life in the 1990s? Take a look back through all 45 pictures here.
- You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
13. Buffing up for the big unveiling as pupils shine new school wheels
Pupils Mark Terry and Elizabeth Lloyd give thumbs up to the camera as they polish the headlights of the brand-new school minibus in February 1982. Joined by a keen group of classmates waving duster cloths in the background, the youngsters were putting the finishing touches to the shiny Ford Transit at Bishop Milner Roman Catholic School in Dudley. Did you travel in this shiny new minibus at Bishop Milner Roman Catholic School back in 1982? | Express & Star archive
14. Seeing double at the easel: Nursery newcomer paints twin sister on first day
Wearing matching protective aprons, young Karen Smith (left) carefully paints a portrait of her twin sister, Emma, on her very first day at nursery school in September 1983. Emma watches on with a smile as Karen adds the finishing touches to the easel artwork during an engaging creative session in the classroom. Do you remember your first day at nursery or painting portraits of family members back in September 1983? | Express & Star archive
15. Royal visitor shares a joke with comprehensive pupils
Smiling pupils from Darlaston Comprehensive School enjoy an unforgettable moment as they chat with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in March 1980. The royal visitor gestured warmly to the group of youngsters during his trip to the area, taking time out of his busy schedule to hear about their studies and school life. Were you one of the lucky Darlaston Comprehensive pupils who got to chat with Prince Philip during his March 1980 visit? | Express & Star archive
16. Infant pupils step back in time with vintage millinery display
Youngsters from Grove Infants School show off a stylish selection of old-time headwear in July 1985. Sitting together on the school grass are Darren Tunstall (left), tipping his bowler hat, Deepa Patel in a wide-brimmed bonnet, Adrian Mould wearing a top hat, and Jane Cooper in a feathered hat with a veil. The charming dress-up session was staged as part of a millennium millinery display, giving the children a hands-on look at fashions from days gone by. Do you remember taking part in the millinery display or dressing up at Grove Infants School in July 1985? | Express & Star archive