Homepage

Record

Entry TypePerson
SurnameDawes
ForenamesWilfred
TitleMr
Dates1909-1986
BiographyWilfred Dawes was born 26 April 1909 in Somercotes, the son of a William Henry and Mabel Dawes. He was educated at Somercotes Boys School 1913-1922, Heanor Secondary School, Nottinghamshire 1922-1927, and St. Luke’s College, Exeter, Devon 1927-1929. On completing his education at St. Luke’s, in 1929 Wilfred became a teacher at Ripley Council Senior Boys School, Derbyshire.

On 12 August 1933 Wilfred married Hilda Eileen Walker, who was also a schoolteacher, and couple would have two daughters and a son.

In 1939 Wilfred was appointed headmaster of the newly built Alfreton Secondary Boys' School; at the age of 29, he became the youngest headmaster in the country, successfully keeping the school open during the Second World War. Between 1939-1967 Wilfred would have a second job, as a Leader and teacher at the Alfreton Evening Institute, frequently working double shifts. Also, between 1940-1954 he was the President of the Alfreton Old Boys Club, who he would be a member of until his death. In 1959, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to education.

Throughout his teaching career, Wilfred was an active opponent of the 11 plus selection scheme and he set about proving its weakness by building up a modern curriculum for the pupils at the secondary modern school he was Head at. In the 1960s, the school received national acclaim for being the first secondary modern school in the country to send batches of young people to university. Wilfred Dawes spent the rest of his career at what became Mortimer Wilson Comprehensive School, retiring as headmaster in 1974 after 35 years.

Wilfred died on 17 July 1986.
Authorised Form of NameDawes; Wilfred (1909-1986); Mr

Show related Catalog records.

Add to My Items
    Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier

    Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier

    Useful Links

    See more Collection highlights

    Bryan Donkin Company Ltd of Chesterfield, engineering firm
    Bryan Donkin Company Ltd of Chesterfield, engineering firm
    Strutt family of Belper
    Strutt family of Belper
    Local Studies Periodicals
    Local Studies Periodicals
    Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier
    Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier
    Collection Highlights