They show pupils, teachers and parents at schools around Leeds during those two decades.
For many people, school was the best time of your life, when you forged new friendships and learned more about the world, but for others it was a struggle.
These photos capture happy days at schools in Leeds, some of which have since been lost for good.
But they also show some of the difficulties facing schools back then, from an arson attack to cramped classrooms and protests over teacher pay and planned closures.
This retro photo gallery also proves how some things never change, with school uniform rows raging back then just as they are today.
A visit by a sporting legend and cricket in the playground on the last day of school are among the other atmospheric photos taking you back up to half a century.
Do these photos bring back any memories of your school days in the 1970s or 1980s? Let us know in the comments section.
7. Headteacher
June Brelsford, headmistress of Whingate Road Primary School, Leeds, walks across the children's playground with pupils Simon Allan, Sally Nelson, Carolyn Dawson and Philip Snelson, all aged five, in May 1970 | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Football legend
England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson at Harehills Middle School, Leeds, in May 1987. He presented the school football team with a complete strip donated by Wembley Sportsmaster Ltd, and a soccer ball which he is seen handing to team captain Donovan Daniel. | YPN Photo: YPN
9. Save our school
Protesters in November 1986 opposing plans to close Scott Hall Middle School, Leeds, one of 27 schools listed for closure at the time | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Swimming ban
Mike Beardsall, 14, (left) and Phil Johnson, 15, all togged up with nowhere to swim in July 1973. Pupils at Temple Moor High School, in Leeds, had been banned from using the pool, which was litered with floating debris. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Walkout
Stainbeck High School, on Carr Manor Road, Leeds, in October 1976, following a walkout that day | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Where do the children play?
Clive Lockwood looks out into the playground at Victoria Middle School, York Road, Leeds, which is gradually being reduced, in March 1974. On the left is the new annexe, in the centre are the foundations of another annexe and in the background is the new York Road Motorway. | YPN Photo: YPN