It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

From the publisher

The book ‘Against the Odds’ tells the story of the school's struggles, through times of religious upheaval, wars, recessions and massive social and economic changes. It chronicles the good times and the bad times, charting the school’s progress from a few small classrooms in a convent house to a purpose built school that was demolished less than thirty years after it was built. This story, drawing heavily on every Inspection report, is of as much interest to the sons and daughters of Old Hollies’ Girls as it is to the school community that waited for it for over a decade. 

2002 was a special year for past pupils and staff of the Hollies. It was the 150th anniversary of the FCJs' arrival in Manchester to begin their mission to the Catholic youth of the city. It is fitting that the story of the Hollies was told to mark  that anniversary.

Amazon Review

"Against The Odds" is an exploration of women's education through the history of one school in Manchester, The Hollies.

The book charts the movement for women's education from 19th century through the rise of the grammar schools and their eventual demise when comprehensive education swaggered into the ring. The author, Pat Harris, an exciting new historian, has successfully interwoven the history of the school from the 1840's to the 1990s with the ideas and philosophies that have directed women's education. She has used original documents and unseen, until now, archive materials to trace the often-turbulent history of the school and education.

An interesting and diverting history which will be of interest to historians with a special interest in women's history.

Update  June 2016 For more details of how to purchase one of the few remaining copies of the paperback edition, please contact the Author .

Postage costs to Australia and the USA now exceed the price of the book.