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.
17. Pupils power up fundraising for a brand-new set of wheels
Staff and pupils at Pendeford High School pose proudly with their newly acquired minibus following a series of successful fundraising efforts. Tom Stroud sits at the wheel of the vehicle while students in school uniforms gather alongside to celebrate their achievement. The minibus was purchased through money raised by the school community during various sponsored activities to help transport teams and groups to trips and events. Do you remember taking part in the sponsored activities to help Pendeford High School get its minibus? | Express & Star archive
18. Leaping for joy as sponsored walk steps up fundraising drive for new wheels
High spirits and energetic leaps are on full display as staff and pupils power through a sponsored walk in November 1983. The lively crowd gathered at Hingley's playing fields in Bluebell Road, Old Hill, to clock up the miles for a brilliant cause. The community effort was organized by Heathfield High School in Cradley Heath to raise vital funds towards purchasing a new school minibus. Did you take part in the sponsored walk at Hingley's playing fields back in November 1983? | Express & Star archive
19. Creatures of the stage crack the case in colourful musical detective mystery
Young actors transform into an array of woodland creatures, insects, and birds as they strike dramatic poses during a school play in March 1985. Complete with antennae, wings, and elaborate costumes, the talented pupils from Bhylls Acre First School in Wolverhampton took their audience on a wild ride as they performed a musical detective mystery set entirely in the animal kingdom. Did you dress up as an animal or help solve the mystery in the Bhylls Acre First School play back in March 1985? | Express & Star archive
20. Excitement builds as pupils wave hello to brand-new purpose-built campus
Around 200 excited third-year students gather outside their impressive new school building at Cromer Gardens in 1980. The move marked the opening of the middle and upper school sections at Valley Park School in Wolverhampton, situated right on the edge of Dunstall Park racecourse. Despite opening a term and a half behind schedule, headmaster Mr Brian Lee was delighted to welcome the youngsters to the modern, specialist facilities - the first step in a major expansion project planned to house 800 pupils by 1984. Were you among the very first intake of pupils to walk through the doors of the new Valley Park campus in 1980? | Express & Star archive