The prefect system was introduced to the school in 1921, and was extended to the Elementary department the following year (“with excellent results”, according to the school magazine).

Initially the prefects performed various routine duties including “supervis[ing] the behaviour of scholars in the playground and the vicinity of the school”. Later they would be seen as a ‘liaison’ between the staff and pupils, called on to assist in the library etc. and carry out other duties such as enforcing the one-way system around the school.

The system was not without its detractors and in March 1970 the school newspaper, Scope, printed for/against views on it (Scope was never afraid to cover the important topics of the day, such as “Which is best?: Blue Peter v Magpie” in December 1972).