EDUCATION establishments for all ages joined in the national outpouring of grief and admiration for Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
Staff and students at Ashton Sixth Form College, on Darnton Road, signed a book of condolence after it was set up in a dedicated area of the complex.
While Andrew Owens, headteacher of Stalybridge’s West Hill School paid his own tribute.
He said: “We have a long history here at school, but such events have not been that frequent.
“I did look back through the headteacher’s logbook, to February 1952, when the last such occasion occurred.
“This is an historical event, the first such experience for the majority of us.
“I have heard, ‘Thank you Ma’am,’ on so many occasions this first week back, with boys showing respect and appreciation to our female staff.
“I know not many schools use that address, but it is a fitting phrase that is also extended from West Hill to acknowledge the lifetime’s work of her Majesty.”
Hyde primary school Gee Cross Holy Trinity also paid its respects by leaving a tribute among thousands of others in London – with knitted corgi dogs.
Teacher Katrina Cole travelled to the capital with her family carrying the creations along with a book of condolence written by the Higham Lane school’s children.
And at Mossley’s Milton St John’s Primary, children have been writing prayers and their memories as part of a display that pays homage to Her Majesty.
Messages included: “The Queen showed us how to be clever, brave people,” and “I hope we never forget how nice and kind she was.”