The chairman welcomes guests. The Bishop of Burnley is on his left, and others on the platform include Mrs D. M. Walker, Mr and Mrs Boyce, Mr Priestley, Councillor Halsted, Councillor Mrs Fletcher, Miss Woods, Dr P. G. Holt, Mr Fox, Mr A. N. Naylor, Mr Haythornthwaite, County Councillor H. Eastwood, Mr V. Short and other guests.

"The history of a church is very often the history of a school, and there is still a place for a link between the two." This was said by Mr J. S. Boyce, chief education officer of Lancashire, when he opened Higham C. of E. School on Saturday 8th May 1971. He was welcomed by the chairman, the Rev. L. A. Cragg, vicar of St Leonard's Church Padiham and chairman of the school managers who said: "Mr Boyce has devoted a great deal of time and concern to Higham and it is largely due to his efforts that plans for the school were completed so quickly."

The new building in the first phase of development was opened in the presence of a large number of distinguished guests. It provides places for 80 juniors and infants and is designed as a nucleus of a plan which will enable the premises to be enlarged if the need arises. The teaching areas are open-plan and accommodation includes an assembly hall, two class bases, a library space and a quiet room. School meals are still taken in the old school where there are satisfactory kitchen and dining facilities. After an opening hymn, the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt. Rev. R. C. C. Watson dedicated the school.