St Leonard's

Austin Flynn was born in Murton, County Durham in 1940. His father was a coalminer and his mother was a teacher. Austin attended St Joseph’s Primary School in Murton, then passed the 11 plus and went to St Aidan’s Grammar School in Sunderland. He studied at St Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill in London where he trained to be a teacher, starting his teaching career at St Hilda’s in Sunderland in 1962. In 1963 Austin moved to St Leonard’s School where he taught until he left in 1971, joining St Bede’s School in Peterlee where he eventually served as Deputy Headmaster. He retired in 1999 after 37 happy years of teaching English.

Austin and his wife Theresa had three children, all of whom were born in Durham and attended St Leonard’s School themselves.

Austin Flynn Prizes

Each year students at St Leonard’s are awarded Austin Flynn prizes by the school for a variety of achievements. Austin Flynn was an English teacher at St Leonard’s from 1963 to 1971.

Whilst he was here he taught a pupil called John McArdle who was in the B stream and due to leave school at 16 years of age. Despite an average academic record there was promise that Austin Flynn spotted in his young student so he organised a job interview for John with a local firm of Solicitors and enrolled John on an A level course at a local college by way of further education.

John went on to qualify as a Solicitor and set up his own law firm when he was 25, as well as setting up a number of other businesses. John never forgot Austin Flynn or the huge part he played in his career.

As a show of gratitude, John sponsors the Austin Flynn prize-giving in the name of his inspirational teacher.

Whether or not you receive a prize, the important point to remember is the chance you have to inspire someone else or be inspired yourself to reach your potential. The only hurdles are those we impose upon ourselves. Anything is possible. Do not let fear of failure prevent you from trying to succeed.

Austin Flynn Bursary

The school also has Austin Flynn bursaries which can be used to support a range of activities across the school. Examples of how this bursary has been used in the past includes supporting pupils to go on residential trips, supporting pupils with equipment for the DofE expeditions, support with musical lessons and supporting families at home. The Austin Flynn Bursary is managed by Mrs Curry, and please do not hesitate to contact if you would like to talk to her about the bursaries.

St Leonard’s Comprehensive School, Staff Photo 1971

Austin is pictured on the back row, fourth from the left.