The school was considered progressive partly because from day one in the dormitory we were taught to respect each other’s differences, including that of our bodies.

Nudity wasn’t especially encouraged as we had separate showers and toilets, but it wasn’t frowned upon and no attempt made to prevent it.

Cleanliness and hygiene were considered far more important.

 

At that age, we had little or no inhibitions and as a result, we simply accepted each other and got on remarkably well – so there was no sniggering by a boy if he caught sight of a girl’s knickers, or shock from a girl if a boy walked around the dormitory wearing only his underpants.

Besides the normal lessons, we also had a healthy dose of outdoor nature activities.

Attached to the estate was a working farm, a section of river and landscaped gardens.