'Because there was a group of us, I think we felt safe - invincible almost'
Allie, bullied about sexuality, 1980s Brighton Ourstory Project, 2001.

Schools are one of the first places where people experience belonging or rejection. Many remain loyal or loathe their schools for the rest of their lives. Whether through academic success, sporting achievement or even school 'punch-ups', a sense of identity prevails within and between schools.

	School uniform badge for Moulsecoomb Junior Mixed School, Brighton, circa 1931.

'School Town' was the nickname for Brighton in Victorian times. As a health resort, it had attracted dozens of small private boarding schools for gentlemen and ladies. Groups of pupils promenaded the seafront in their Sunday best, shepherded by tutors, on the way to church.

'Free-scooles', or charity-run schools, were first recorded over 300 years ago. Many were funded by donations from the public. Others were set up by the Church. Gradually, the state took over education. By 1900, school was compulsory and free for children under thirteen.

In 2000, Brighton and Hove Council ran 48 schools in Brighton. The tradition of private seafront schools still flourishes, but nowadays for foreign students learning English.

See objects on display in the School section of Exploring Brighton gallery