Close Up Special: Timeline Of Past Changes

Grange Hill is about to undergo the most radical changes in its 25-year history, with production moving from London to Liverpool. But surprisingly, the series is no stranger to changes. In the past several different schools were used as "Grange Hill" itself and the move to Elstree studios was set in concrete by the merger of Grange Hill with rival schools. On this page we look at off-screen changes over the years and what this meant for the viewer.

DATE OFF-SCREEN ON-SCREEN

1978 Production of Grange Hill begins at Willesden High School, North London. First episode of Grange Hill broadcast 8th February 1978.

1980
Series 3 is produced at a new school. The move is caused by fans disrupting filming
On-screen changes not explained in the storyline. The school interior sets are largely the same with some new classrooms, corridors etc.

1981
(Xmas
Special) Grange Hill moves again. The new school appears much smaller than the previous two and is set in a more run-down area of London. The interior set looks completely different. Again, no explenation of changes in the script but Mrs McClusky explains her office has moved "from the other building".

1984 The BBC decides to move production of Grange Hill to a closed studio set. Negotiations begin to purchase Elstree studios from Central Television. The start of an elaborate storyline in which it's announced Grange Hill is to merge with rivals Rodney Bennett and Brookdale. Pupils and parents are worried about the change and want answers.

1985 Production moves to Elstree but some shooting continues at Hammersmith. The Elstree set becomes Grange Hill's "lower school" and the former Rodney Bennett building. The old school is the new Upper School building. Several characters from Series 7 disappear, to be replaced by new ones such as Mr Bronson and Gonch and Hollo.

1986 All of Grange Hill now shot at Elstree. The Upper School (old Grange Hill building) is gutted by an asbestos fire; temporary classrooms at the Lower School (Elstree) replace those destroyed. Grange Hill has a new rival, St Joseph's Comprehensive.

1989 Building of a new school frontage begins at Elstree - previously the entrance to Neptune House (a large glass-fronted building at Elstree) doubled as the school. Playground scenes filmed at a nearby school. The storylines made no mention of any building work at the school. Occasionally you could see the builders at work in the background!

1990
The new purpose-built school frontage is unveiled. The current school interior is seen for the first time also. A panning shot of the new playground opens Series 12. Viewer's aren't supposed to notice the radical new insides though. When Calley tries opening the door of a science lab she comments the handles "haven't been fixed from last year"!

1991 Builders move into Mrs McClusky's office, giving it the current look.

1994 Modifications made to the playground set, including the addition of direction signs and a walkway between the two buildings.

2001 The school is painted with pastel colours inside. A bigger school set is unveiled with more corridors and a new assembly hall. Frankie Abbott and his bungling builders are renovating the school. A series of disasters hits them including drilling through a water main!

2002
The grey panels on the school exterior are painted jade green.

Bulldozers move in to demolish the exterior set in November.

An explosion destroys the school at the end of the series. No indication of who lives or who dies.

The information in this table comes entirely from the Webmaster's observation and knowledge. If we've got it wrong or don't know the full story, please let us know!

Meanwhile, we're all wondering what additions we'll be making to the table in the future...

CLOSE-UP SPECIAL
What next for Grange Hill?
Grange Hill timeline
Cast News
Your Shout
OTHER CLOSE UPS

DATE	OFF-SCREEN	ON-SCREEN
1978	Production of Grange Hill begins at Willesden High School, North London.	First episode of Grange Hill broadcast 8th February 1978.
1980	Series 3 is produced at a new school. The move is caused by fans disrupting filming	On-screen changes not explained in the storyline. The school interior sets are largely the same with some new classrooms, corridors etc.
1981 (Xmas Special)	Grange Hill moves again. The new school appears much smaller than the previous two and is set in a more run-down area of London. The interior set looks completely different.	Again, no explenation of changes in the script but Mrs McClusky explains her office has moved "from the other building".
1984	The BBC decides to move production of Grange Hill to a closed studio set. Negotiations begin to purchase Elstree studios from Central Television.	The start of an elaborate storyline in which it's announced Grange Hill is to merge with rivals Rodney Bennett and Brookdale. Pupils and parents are worried about the change and want answers.
1985	Production moves to Elstree but some shooting continues at Hammersmith.	The Elstree set becomes Grange Hill's "lower school" and the former Rodney Bennett building. The old school is the new Upper School building. Several characters from Series 7 disappear, to be replaced by new ones such as Mr Bronson and Gonch and Hollo.
1986	All of Grange Hill now shot at Elstree.	The Upper School (old Grange Hill building) is gutted by an asbestos fire; temporary classrooms at the Lower School (Elstree) replace those destroyed. Grange Hill has a new rival, St Joseph's Comprehensive.
1989	Building of a new school frontage begins at Elstree - previously the entrance to Neptune House (a large glass-fronted building at Elstree) doubled as the school. Playground scenes filmed at a nearby school.	The storylines made no mention of any building work at the school. Occasionally you could see the builders at work in the background!
1990	The new purpose-built school frontage is unveiled. The current school interior is seen for the first time also.	A panning shot of the new playground opens Series 12. Viewer's aren't supposed to notice the radical new insides though. When Calley tries opening the door of a science lab she comments the handles "haven't been fixed from last year"!
1991		Builders move into Mrs McClusky's office, giving it the current look.
1994	Modifications made to the playground set, including the addition of direction signs and a walkway between the two buildings.
2001	The school is painted with pastel colours inside. A bigger school set is unveiled with more corridors and a new assembly hall.	Frankie Abbott and his bungling builders are renovating the school. A series of disasters hits them including drilling through a water main!
2002	The grey panels on the school exterior are painted jade green. Bulldozers move in to demolish the exterior set in November.	An explosion destroys the school at the end of the series. No indication of who lives or who dies.