OUR SITE
Our School's Story: The Rich History of Roscoe Primary
Roscoe Primary School is more than just a building; it's a place rich with history and stories. Our journey began almost a century ago, shaped by community, resilience, and the inspiring legacy of a true Liverpudlian hero.
From Lisburn Lane to Roscoe Primary: Our Site's Evolution
Opened in 1924 as Lisburn Lane School, our educational roots quickly deepened. By 1925, we were under the dedicated leadership of headmistress Blanche Pearce. Just three years later, in 1928, the school was proudly renamed in honour of William Roscoe, a remarkable Liverpool-born figure renowned for his pivotal role in the abolition of slavery.
Roscoe Infant and Junior Schools have continuously occupied this very building since that time. A significant milestone occurred in September 2007 when the schools formed a federation, officially amalgamating in September 2008 to become the Roscoe Primary School we know today.
Our beloved building itself bears witness to a fascinating past. It underwent unplanned remodelling during World War Two, a consequence of Ballantyne Road being hit by a bomb during the conflict. We are grateful to the families living in the area at the time who generously shared their 1941 photos of the site, offering a poignant glimpse into our resilience.
More recently, our school has benefited from thoughtful and intentional remodelling, featuring new entrances, enhanced security, and improved accessibility. Yet, despite these modernisations, the building remains fondly recognisable from its historic photographs, blending tradition with progress.
Interested in seeing more? [Click here to download historical documents and photos from our current website.]
William Roscoe: A Champion of Freedom and Culture
Our school is named after William Roscoe, an extraordinary man whose life embodied the very principles of freedom, learning, and cultural enrichment that we champion.
Born in Liverpool on 8 March 1753, near what is now Hope Street, William Roscoe was a remarkable self-made polymath. He was a champion of freedom for all, a gifted poet, writer, scholar, and patron of the Arts. His talents extended to law, banking, and botany, and he was a passionate bibliophile.
In an era when much of Liverpool's wealth was tragically built on the trans-Atlantic slave trade, William Roscoe stood out as a courageous voice for justice. While the city was deeply involved in this abhorrent practice, it also produced some of its most forceful and prominent campaigners for abolition – and Roscoe was at the forefront. He was an outspoken critic, publishing powerful poems and pamphlets against the slave trade. During his brief but impactful period as the Member of Parliament for Liverpool in 1807, he used his position to vote decisively in favour of its successful abolition, demonstrating immense personal courage.
Beyond his fight for human rights, Roscoe profoundly transformed the cultural life of Liverpool. Described as 'Liverpool’s greatest citizen,' he played a pivotal role in the city's 'Renaissance' during the early 19th century. He was a visionary founding member of key institutions that still enrich the city today, including the Literary and Philosophical Society of Liverpool, the Liverpool Royal Institution, and the Athenaeum Library.
William Roscoe also held a deep love for the natural world, dedicating himself to learning about flowers and insects. He penned the famous poem, 'The Butterfly’s Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast,' which we celebrate with a special mural in our school. This connection to nature is further symbolised by our school badge, featuring a beautiful butterfly, and our very own serene butterfly forest area.
William Roscoe was, without doubt, a man ahead of his time – an enduring inspiration for all of us at Roscoe Primary.
