With children now back at school we have taken a look back at vintage school photos from Romford and Hornchurch's past.

Many of these schools, such as Harold Court Primary School and The Royal Liberty School, are still open today - and some do not look that different.

Harold Court Primary School, Harold Wood - 1965

Harold Court Primary School in 1965Harold Court Primary School, Church Road, in 1965 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Harold Court Primary School, originally known as Harold Wood Church Road Council School, was established in 1929 with 191 students, according to Havering Libraries.

The school faced significant challenges, including poor road conditions affecting attendance and overcrowded classrooms, leading to a reorganisation into junior and infant sections by 1934.

During World War II, the school was damaged by bombing, but it continued to operate, with students even collecting shrapnel as keepsakes, added Havering Libraries.

Park Lane Schools, Hornchurch - 1895

Pupils outside Park Lane School, Park Lane, in 1895Pupils outside Park Lane School, Park Lane, in 1895 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Park Lane Schools in Hornchurch opened on September 4 1893, with Mr WA Palmer as headmaster, according to Havering Libraries. 

The schools expanded in 1907, and were expanded once again in 1935 and renamed Edwin Lambert School in honour of a local councillor.

Havering Libraries added that later, Raphael Independent School moved into the school buildings, which operated from 1994 until closing in 2021.

The Royal Liberty School, Gidea Park - 1921

The Royal Liberty School opened at Hare Hall in 1921The Royal Liberty School opened at Hare Hall in 1921 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

The Royal Liberty School opened in September 1921, initially with space for 121 boys, according to Havering Libraries.

Over the years, the school expanded, adding new facilities in 1930 and becoming the first to install a computer in 1967, Havering Libraries added.

Pupils at the Royal Liberty School using the first computer in a school in 1967Pupils at the Royal Liberty School using the first computer in a school in 1967 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

It transitioned to a comprehensive school in 1973, became a science college in 2006, and joined the Success For All Education Trust as an academy in 2017.

Mawney Road Schools, Romford - 1896

Mawney Road School (now ) in 1896Mawney Road School (now The Mawney Foundation School) in 1896 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Mawney Road Schools opened in 1896 to replace Albion Street School, according to Havering Libraries.

It initially provided 740 places, but later expanded in 1907.

Havering Libraries added that the school was reorganised into a mixed junior and infants school in 1936, and in 2009 became The Mawney Foundation School.