Newchurch Grammar School, was opened at Boothfold in 1701. John Kershaw of Boothfold left in his will instructions  to his executors that they were to build a school and use the income from his lands in Heald, Bacup to pay the master. The school was in use until 1787 when it was converted into cottages. The school being transferred to the top of Bridleway and was rebuilt in 1830. Becoming known has Newchurch Grammar School. It was rebuilt again in 1890 later moving to Miller Barn Lane. Blackthorn School was opened in 1939.Although Fearns County Secondary School had been in use by the pupils since the end of the Summer holidays it wasn't officially opened until Monday 2nd November1959 by Lord Derby. Previous to this pupils had been taught at Western School.At the time of its opening it could accommodate 450 pupils. In April 1973 the school was added to with the opening of the new two storey RSLA block. The cricket pavilion which is also missing from the picture was opened in July 1967.