Rykneld Secondary Modern School

The single-storey brick building had a prominent clock tower, and was set in grounds that included tennis courts and football field at the rear.

Attendees at the original Rykneld school had failed the 11-plus examination then in operation, and would leave without GCE or other qualifications, unless they passed the 13-plus examination entitling them to attend a Grammar School.

The Firs Estate belonged originally to Canon Edward Abney along with a Regency house in which he lived on Burton Road.

Canon Edward Abney, a friend of William Fox Talbot, was a pioneer of photography, and his son Sir William Abney became one of the most important figures in Victorian photography.

[3][4] While students who were unsuccessful in the 11+ exams attended Rykneld Secondary School, a few have achieved great success: Many people came to know Rykneld School as the site of the Derby Amateur Radio Rally, with Radio Amateurs traveling from afar for a day of entertainments including model planes, stalls selling electronic components, and an auction, as well as demonstrations by licensed radio amateurs.