This headline from May 1978 depicts the tension at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn which was forced to go independent the following September.

Headmaster Philip Johnston, expressed his anger at the end of an era for the school. He said: "Nothing makes me more angry than when people cheerfully pass comment on our 'snob school,' on our separate identity and upon the necessity of having an entirely fee-paying entry for 1978.

"We did not seek separation from the local community, and we did not wish to divorce ourselves from Lancashire County Council and I hope, nor did they."

The direct grant system was scrapped, which meant more parents with more money would ensure places at the school rather than children with outstanding academic attributes.

Chairman of the governors, William Hare, said: "We have devised a scheme whereby if a boy shows outstanding ability and wishes to come to this school, and an examination of the family's income shows they are unable to provide the full fees, then we will give some assistance by the way of a bursary."

32 bursaries had been given out.