David Bowie begins junior school

The young David Jones began at Burnt Ash Junior School in London on Monday 20 June 1955, having left Raglan Infants School in Bromley.

Earlier that month the Jones family had moved to 4 Plaistow Grove in Bromley. The new school is around a mile from their house.

David’s new teacher was Edith Baldry, known to pupils as The Bulldozer. The headteacher was George Lloyd.

David did well at the school, and was soon placed in the A stream for high-achieving pupils.

His closest friend at the time was Dudley Chapman. He also formed a friendship with Geoffrey MacCormack which would last throughout David’s life – MacCormack sang on a number of Bowie’s tours and albums, from Aladdin Sane to Station To Station.

In 1957 he also met George Underwood, who became David’s closest friend throughout childhood.

David remained at Burnt Ash Juniors until 24 June 1958, and in September joined Bromley Technical High School, known as Bromley Tech.