MORE than 40 former pupils of Lord Williams’s School, in Thame, have contributed to a new book about 1950s boys’ grammar school education.

Author David Green said the book, called The11+ Adventure, was inspired partly by the desire to record history before it is forgotten, and partly because “many critics of current educational standards look back to 11+ grammar school days (1947-1973) as the golden age of English education more from nostalgia, one feels, than an in-depth understanding”.

The book also describes the everyday life of 1950s families in Risinghurst, where children who passed the 11+ entrance exam were bussed to the Thame school.

Mr Green spent most of his career teaching in New Zealand before returning to Lord Williams’s in 1993 to teach sixth form economics. The book includes examples of 11+ exam questions, as well as those of O-Levels.

The book costs £15 plus £4 for postage and package. Cheques should be sent to Dr Cliff Nixey, Weetwood Farm, Willington, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0NQ.