Mavis Parris

Mavis was born in 1940 in Fulham, London. She attended a local special school from age five to age sixteen and from there went on to a job with the Gas Board.

Having a Satchel

Here Mavis describes her sense of missing out.

Grammar School

Here Mavis talks about being denied entry to her local grammar school.

Charabancs

Here Mavis describes her journey to school.

Housewifery

Here Mavis describes learning how to iron and starch.

Never the Twain Shall Meet

Here Mavis talks about being separated from the ‘ordinary children’s side of the school.

Oranges for Christmas

Here Mavis describes her school being sent oranges for Christmas.