on the morning of the 18th September a fantastic addition was unveiled at the Liverpool Beatles Museum, as items from John Lennon’s old school days went on public display for the very first time.
The story began when teacher Tom Barry applied for a post at Calderstones High School – formerly known as Quarry Bank High School, where John Lennon studied between 1952 and 1957. During his interview, Tom explained his love of The Beatles and his particular admiration for John Lennon. His enthusiasm prompted the interviewer to reveal a hidden treasure: the school still had John Lennon’s old desk.
Tom was offered the job and, once in post, he began to uncover even more. He was shown the original admission register, listing John Winston Lennon alongside several of his Quarrymen bandmates. He soon discovered that John’s headteacher, Mr Pobjoy, had hoarded items connected to John’s school days and locked them away in an attic. So far, Tom has only searched around 10% of the collection—meaning there could be many more surprises to come.
Thanks to Tom’s detective work, Calderstones High School has decided to put itself on the Beatles tourist trail. A collaboration was formed and today some of these remarkable artefacts went on display for the first time at the museum.
Visitors can now see:
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The original Quarry Bank High School sign
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John Lennon’s school desk
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The admissions register recording John’s enrolment (alongside other Quarrymen members)
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Original sheet music of the school song, The Song of the Quarry
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School magazines from 1956 and 1957, including a poem (The Tale of Hermit Fred) and a drawing by J.W.L. (John Winston Lennon)
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School ties and uniforms from John’s era
These historic objects offer a unique glimpse into John Lennon’s teenage years—before the world knew him as a Beatle.
Our Friends of the Museum were the first to see this new addition in an exclusive reveal this morning, and the items are now on display for the general public to visit here at the Liverpool Beatles Museum, Mathew Street.
With so much of the attic still unexplored, who knows what else might emerge in the future?