History of LHA
Due to building delays, Lostock Hall Community High School first opened its doors on 21st September 1966, to 127 pupils, the Headmaster Mr Penketh, 7 full time and 1 part time teacher and a part time school clerk. Major parts of the building were still under construction at this time, including the dining room, so school meals were brought in and served on paper plates.
The first year of school saw residential trips to Keswick and Slaidburn and local days out to the Harris Museum, Milk Marketing Board, Longridge Fell, Preston Docks and local mills.
Whilst the resources were sparse and some not ready at all, the students managed to put on a Christmas carol service to parents, together with a tableaux depicting the Christmas Carol. In Physical Education, with no indoor facilities until the March and no outside facilities at all during the first year, they still managed to take part in many sporting activities, including swimming at Brinscall Baths.
The school was only officially opened on 18th September 1967 by Lord Pilkington, introduced by the Chair of Governors Councillor Worgan. Lord Pilkington was presented with a silver gilt and a wooden fruit bowl.
In 2011 Lostock Hall Community High School became Lostock Hall Academy and in 2017 celebrated 50 years of educating the young people of Lostock Hall.
In 2019 the refurbishment of the old ROSLA block was completed offering modern teaching spaces as well as a well-resourced library and conference space. The building has been named after Mr Penketh and in his memory the building was officially opened by his son and daughter.
Since the beginning, the school has always sought to equip its learners with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to achieve their full potential in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment and to positively connect to the community within which it sits. These aims are valid to this day and all who journey through the academy can be sure of this continued intent for many years to come.