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.
5. In the playground
Pupils in the playground at St Stephen's Church of England Primary School, Morris Lane, Kirkstall, in May 1979 | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Home time
Pupils heading home from Matthew Murray High School, Leeds, in February 1984 | YPN Photo: YPN
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