Revoe School and its Football Heritage Become Revoe Learning Academy

Revoe Learning Academy, previously known as Revoe Primary School, has a rich history that reflects both the development of Blackpool as a town and the evolution of education within the community. The school’s roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Revoe area began transitioning from rural farmland to a more urban environment, especially as Blackpool’s popularity as a seaside resort grew. Revoe Primary School was established to meet the needs of the expanding population in this part of Blackpool, providing local children with access to education as the area became more residential. Over the years, Revoe Primary School has undergone various transformations, both in terms of its infrastructure and its educational approach. Like many schools in the UK, it has adapted to changes in educational policy and the needs of the local community. The school was originally part of the local education authority, and over time, it became known for its strong focus on providing a well-rounded education. Revoe Library is less than a minute’s walk from the school.

In 2014, the school transitioned to become Revoe Learning Academy as part of The Sea View Trust, which is a multi-academy trust that includes several schools in the Blackpool area. The conversion to an academy was part of a broader effort to provide more autonomy in decision-making and curriculum development while ensuring that students received high-quality education.

Throughout its history, Revoe Learning Academy has maintained a strong connection to its local community, with a focus on inclusivity, respect, and academic achievement. The academy is dedicated to ensuring that every child receives a high standard of education, regardless of their background or circumstances. It also places significant emphasis on supporting children’s social and emotional development. Today, the school continues to serve the children of Blackpool, providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The school’s history is a testament to its resilience and its commitment to evolving to meet the needs of its students and the broader community.

Jimmy Armfield  © Alamy

‘Yaggie’ Harry Read

Revoe’s Footballing Heritage

By Gerry Wolstenholme
Sport historian Gerry Wolstenholme celebrates the contribution Revoe boys made to Blackpool Football Club and beyond…from the Eastham brothers to Jimmy Armfield!

Arguably the most iconic building in the South Shore area is Blackpool Football Club’s Bloomfield Road ground, which nestles on the outermost edges of Revoe. It has played an important part in the residents’ lives since Blackpool first played an occasional game at the ground in 1899 and moved there on a permanent basis in 1901. Since then the cheers of huge crowds, particularly in the heyday of the 1950s, have rung around the area on match days.And there are a number of Revoe boys who have performed well for the Seasiders beginning with Yaggie Harry Read who resided at 45 Ibbison Street and who scored on his League debut in a 2-2 draw with Grimsby Town on 26 October 1907. He went on to play 31 League and Cup games and score three goals in his two seasons at Blackpool.

Twenty years after Read first appeared came another Ibbison Street boy in the guise of Fred Swift, the goalkeeping brother of Frank of Manchester City fame. Fred first played for the club in August 1927 as an amateur but had to wait until April 1929 before he made his League debut in a 2-1 defeat at Millwall. Fred signed as a professional for the 1929/30 season but he remained just one year before moving on to Chorley, Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.

Then there was the famous footballing Eastham family who hailed from Revoe. Three brothers, Billy, Harry and George, all played for Blackpool with the latter, the father of George junior who went on to play for Arsenal and to represent England, being the most famous although he originally joined Bolton Wanderers and only returned to Blackpool in 1938 after he had played his international football. One player who made his mark in a brief spell at Bloomfield Road in the 1930s was Bill Parr who began his football with Grasmere Road Methodists. He was an amateur, being employed at the Town Hall, and therefore only played occasional games in the Seasiders’ first team. But he was good enough to catch the eye of the national selectors and went on to win eight amateur international caps. He had played 18 League games and almost 100 League games for Blackpool when his work commitments took him down to London where he played for Dulwich Hamlet and made one wartime appearance for Arsenal. Sadly he was killed in a night flying accident in March 1942.

Another Revoe boy who starred for Blackpool was David ‘Legs’ Durie who spent 13 seasons with the club. A gangly inside forward or half back he was a regular goalscorer and, in over 300 games, he scored almost 100 goals. David is still seen around town and always has a friendly word for those who recognise him. Finally Blackpool’s record appearance holder and most capped England international, former captain Jimmy Armfield, went to school at Revoe before moving on to Arnold. Jimmy, who played 627 games for Blackpool and won 43 England caps, was voted the best right back in the world at the 1962 World Cup finals. Blackpool Football Club has always been at the heart of the Revoe people and the chants of ‘Up the ‘Pool’ and ‘Revoe Forever’ will always echo around the close knit community that lies in the centre of Blackpool.