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Southport Municipal Secondary School for Boys was founded in September 1920 and occupied a building named ‘The Woodlands’, along with some disused Army huts, at the north end of Lord Street where the Law Courts now stand. There were 110 boys in the School and the Headmaster was George Millward M.A.

During the 1990s KGV College became a corporation, making it independent from the local authority since when full time student numbers have risen from around 700 to almost 1200, necessitating larger premises. In 1996, an exciting building project was commenced, and the new Millennium Centre at King George V College was formally opened in the summer of 1997 by Lord Derby.

To mark the centenary celebrations The Old Georgians Association have pulled together objects and ephemera from the Schools history.

The exhibition can be found in the Foyer of The Atkinson and will run from the 9th of October – 13th November

Latest News

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21 January 2026

The Atkinson Awarded Museum Accreditation

The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation scheme.

19 January 2026

Chase the Rainbow: Southport Lights Up February Half Term

Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street.

16 January 2026

Blue Monday: How Comedy Can Beat the Blues

Discover why Blue Monday is called the most depressing day of the year and how laughter can turn it around.

16 December 2025

Christmas Gift Guide

A festive Gift Guide inspired by the unforgettable characters of our Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, with thoughtful gift ideas and experiences available right here at The Atkinson.

10 December 2025

Iconic Crosby Beach Images Land at The Atkinson

Stunning photographs of Crosby beach’s Iron Men, taken over two decades by Crosby photographer Ron Davies, goes on display on Saturday.

28 November 2025

Beauty and the Beast: Final Cast Announcement

The Atkinson in Southport is inviting audiences to “be their guest” this Christmas as it unveils the full cast for its 2025 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

15 November 2025

12 Days of Christmas Trail

Explore the town centre this Christmas and discover twelve handmade crochet displays, made by local group Southport Hookers

10 November 2025

Captioning Awareness Week 2025

We're proud to support this year's Captioning Awareness Week, led by Stagetext, a deaf-led charity bringing text-based deaf access to arts and culture through captions and subtitles. 

27 October 2025

Winners Announced!

Inspirations: Poetry & Creative Writing Competition

24 October 2025

A crochet Spitfire has landed outside The Atkinson!

The tribute is dedicated to the Polish Airmen who flew from RAF Woodvale during World War II and marks 80 years since the end the war.

18 October 2025

Harry Fletcher: A Review of the 150th Anniversary Exhibition

Portrait painter and art lecturer, Harry Fletcher, shares his experience of the 150th Anniversary Exhibition.

18 October 2025

New Exhibition -
Linny Venables: Sweet Factory

A major new exhibition celebrating the rich, shared histories of sweet making, working-class food traditions, and seaside culture.

17 October 2025

October Half Term

Looking for a day out that’s packed with creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages this Half Term? The Atkinson is the place to be!

15 October 2025

Exhibition Postponed

Etching Between The Lines: Lucian Freud and the Art of Studio Prints

6 October 2025

Annabel Croft:
I was lucky enough to see my childhood dreams come true

Annabel Croft lifts the lid on new touring show ‘Annabel Croft: From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls’.

17 September 2025

Pick of Edinburgh Fringe at The Atkinson

Couldn’t make it to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year? Don’t worry we’re bringing the laughter to Southport.

10 September 2025

A Beast of a Panto Awaits as First Cast Members are Announced!

With Christmas on the horizon, The Atkinson in Southport is inviting families to step into a tale as old as time with this year’s spectacular pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

21 August 2025

Coastal Jam

Southport Set for Two-Day Music and Family Festival This September

18 August 2025

Join our team!

If you are interested in connecting communities, we want to hear from you.

15 August 2025

Commemorating VJ Day

A Japanese sword is part of our history collection.