School song

The School Song was created by Horace Blackburn and Harry Gledhill for the King James's Grammar School Festival in 1936. The original arrangement was for piano (see right).  

In 2026, a new arrangement was recorded by the Hepworth Band.


THE OLD SCHOOL SONG

Some Almondburians will remember with affection the previous School Song, the words of which were:

Hark boys hark, the early bell is calling,
Sweet and fresh, the morning air blows in.
Rise at once, the laggard is the loser
All the work is moulded by the way that you begin.

Onward, upward that's the golden rule;
Careful for the honour of the dear old school:
Upward, onward ne'er let ardour cool
Ever strive for glory of the dear old school.

Press boys press, the goal is hard to come by -
Dodge or wait, be ready for a run.
Pace needs breath, and breath will come by training,
Never take a beating 'til the day is fully won.

Onward, upward . . .
 

Play up boys! and never heed the dogger
Field or bowl as if you meant to win:
Play for side and not for self advantage
Selfishness in cricket as in real life is sin.

Onward, upward . . .

On! boys on! from Primer on to Caesar,
‘Tout fin fait’ be this your motto still
‘Tout fin fait!’ with noble aims before you,
Do the work that’s nearest boys,and do it with a will.

Upward, onward . . .

On boys on, when school is past and over
Strive 'til death for God and for the right.
Slow or quick, continue ever upwards,
Truth and honour leading to the day of perfect light.

Onward, upward . . .ool:
Upward, onward . . .