School re-opened today when there was a very fair attendance. Five girls were sent up from Moor Road Infant School, but they are very backward. Several new girls were admitted. Margaret Neil was admitted in Standard VI. Her mother wishes her to become a teacher. Louisa Shelford & Ellen Moore have left. They have gone to live in Wellingborough. Annie Elstow was absent today.

Took Standard IV & 1^st class together for a grammar lesson.

Took from Standard IV upwards for a Geography lesson on “Canada”

The average attendance for the week is 139.7

Several girls in the Upper Standards have gone full time. Alice Underwood came this morning, but her head was so very badly broken out that I sent her home again. The examination schedules were returned again this morning. The number of hours each girl had made at the Cookery class was to be filled in against their name.

I gave a lesson this morning to Standard III & upwards on “United States.”

The attendance throughout the week has not been as good s usual.

Several new scholars were admitted this morning. Margaret Gill is not really fit for Standard V but I did not like to put her in a lower standard as she is a big girl. She has never been to a public school before.

Several girls have finished their examination knitting and a very fair number have brought their garments.

Standard IV Grammar seems very hard to them. Some of the children are not remarkably bright & then the change from only knowing the parts of speech to parsing & analysis is very great.

Several girls have gone full time. The average attendance for the week is good – 147.7. There were 186 present at all & there are 206 on the registers.

A great many children attend very irregularly and nothing seems to be done to remedy this. They stay away 3 or 4 times every week and several half timers make a point of missing one or twice nearly every week. It ought not to be allowed. Alice Whitmee has not been at all for several weeks &  about a dozen other children. “Gleaning” seems to be the usual excuse.

The girls took needlework al afternoon instead of their ordinary lessons. A great many ( I think nearly a dozen) children are away with bad heads. Annie Ladds has finished her exam knitting.

At the meeting of the Board on Monday 15^th September, Louisa Sargent was appointed as “Candidate on Probation.” She had formerly been a half time monitress. Annie Elstow, the other half time monitress will resign her duties at the end of September.

A half holiday was given in the afternoon, owing to a menagerie visiting the neighbourhood.

The average attendance for the week is 137.7

The numbers are very poor today owing to it being Feast Week. Only 75 present out of 203 on the registers. A holiday was given yesterday and thus afternoon.

Holiday given this afternoon owing to the numbers being poor. Average for the week only 87.5

Several new girls were admitted this morning. Isabella Crook returned to school after a considerable absence.

A lesson on “The Seasons”, causes of “Day & Night” etc. was given to the girls from Standard III upwards by a gentleman during the time devoted to the object lesson. The girls seemed to enjoy it very much. Annie Elstow has not returned to school this week as her name & Louise Sargent’s have been taken off the register.

The average attendance for the week is 152.9. 194 children have attended at all.

There were 4 admissions this morning, & 2 re-admissions. Emma Martin & Sarah Smith were re-admitted after promising faithfully to attend regularly.

There were 167 scholars present both morning & afternoon. Mr. Knight visited the school yesterday.

I gave a Geography lesson this morning on “Siberia & China” to Standards III & upwards.

Standards III & upwards take Long Tots now on Friday mornings from 11 till 11.30 (according to the New Code). The tots were very badly done. Priscilla Clarke & Florence Darnell had the highest marks in them this week. The attendance throughout the week has been good, 203 present out of 210. The average attendance for the week is 159.7 and the fees are £1/5/4 taken altogether, the highest the school has ever had. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes Attendance Officer.

On examining Standard I, I find that there are about 20 children who know nothing whatever about their work. These have come principally from the Mission School, so I have formed a separate class of them & have brought them with Louisa Sargent as their teacher, to the principal room, so that I may over look her teaching and their work. Besides this has the advantage of leaving more room in the classroom.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. He reported the fact that he had gone to enquire about Violet Carter. The factory Inspector had called there and had told her that so long as she did not work in the factory, she could do any other work. She is under 13 years of age. Evelyn Banks, Emily Rice & several others are the same.

Standard IV upwards had a Geography lesson on “India”. I took from Standard IV upwards for Grammar this afternoon.

I Gave Annie Ladds leave of absence this afternoon, on account of the “Choral Festival “ in Wellingborough at which she was taking part.

The average for the week is 156.5 – 199 children being present out of 211. Louisa Sargent has worked very well this week, but she needs a great deal of attention. Several girls have been away all week through illness. Miss Jacques has been working very well indeed for the last few months. I think she will make a very good teacher in time. Annie Ladds gives great satisfaction in every way. She manages Standard IV very well.

Several children were admitted today. There are now close on 220 children on the books. The numbers for today are 155.5 in the morning and 164 in the afternoon. Standard II has been brought up from the classroom and given to Louisa Sargent as there are 56 children in Standard I and this is really 16 over the accommodation for the classroom. The school is very much  over-crowded. Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

The Cookery Class commenced today. A demonstration lesson was given this morning. A half holiday was given this afternoon owing to the funeral of Canon Barker – the children all wished to see it. 167 children present this morning.

24 girls had a practice lesson in Cookery this morning & 24 in the afternoon. I took Standard IV in the morning and Annie Ladds took Standard II. Louisa Sargent took the class below Standard I. Until after Xmas sewing will be continued on Wednesday Afternoon – till 4 o’clock, as the room is too crowded for the ordinary work.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes (Attendance Officer). I took Standard IV for grammar the first lesson and Standard IV upwards the second lesson. The first class does not get justice, as I have to be continually leaving my class to show Louisa Sargent how to teach. Of course, she is not nearly experienced enough to take Standard II

The average attendance for the week is 160.7 A return was asked for yesterday from the education Department, stating the number of registers at the end of each quarter of last year and the average attendance for the year, which I sent.

Mr. Knight visited the school.

A demonstration lesson in Cookery was given this morning to 48 girls. In the afternoon 16 girls took Practical Cookery. 16 on Wednesday morning and 16 on Wednesday afternoon – all for practical Cookery. 6 new Cookery Aprons were finished for the girls, as there were only 12 – this makes 18.

I gave a Geography lesson “Malta” to Standard IV upwards.

The Long Tots were better this week, the principal fault in the working is inaccuracy, but I think this will improve it. The work of the 1st class is neglected, as I have continually to either take Standard II myself, or show Louisa Sargent how to take it. Then as Standard IV has only a 2^nd Year Pupil Teacher to take it, I have to watch that also, so that the 1^st class does not get justice.  The average attendance for the week is good – 164. 203 children have attended at all out of 214. Mrs. Seamarks came yesterday with a certificate from Dr. Wilson to the effect that her child was not able to attend school. She is suffering at present from sore eyes.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Several children have not brought their fees on account of the strike. 175 children were present in the afternoon.

Attendance is again very good 168 – 173. Several children have left Rushden owing to the strike. Girls took their Cookery as usual. Demonstration in the morning and practice in the afternoon.

A holiday will be given this afternoon on account of a procession passing through the village. On this account 24 girls went to practice Cookery yesterday afternoon & 24 more this morning. This is instead of the usual 16 three times. 170 more present this morning again. Clara Waite & Helen Bailey have gone away till after the strike is over.

Miss Jacques had leave of absence today owing to the illness of her father and sister. Annie Ladds took Standard III, Louisa Sargent Standard II & I took from Standard IV upwards. There were 174 present this afternoon. Mr. Knight visited the school in the afternoon. A new Gas Cooking Stove has been put up together with new shelves and a towel roller in the Cookery Room. This is a decided improvement to the room.

I have this day examined the Register & Fees Book and found them correct. Sam Knight Chairman of the School Board.

The attendance was poor today owing to the inclement weather. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, Attendance Officer. Average attendance for the week is 164.3 – this is against 111.8 – the average attendance for the week ending Nov. 7^th 1889

Visit paid by Mr. Knight & Mr. Bayes attendance officer. The girls took cookery as usual e.g. 48 for demonstration on Tuesday Morning, and 16 each for practice Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday Morning and Wednesday afternoon.

The Singing Lesson was taken in the afternoon instead of the morning.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. The average attendance for the week is 165.6. A great many children have not brought their fees for several weeks. Several have gone away from Rushden owing to the strike.

I have this week changed the teachers in Standards III & IV. Miss Jacques now takes Standard IV and Annie Ladds Standard III. Louisa Sargent still takes Standard II under my supervision. The plan works very well indeed. The numbers in Standard I were rather poor this afternoon. There were 19 absent.

Three new admissions today, two of them – one aged 8 & the other nine – know nothing. Attendance rather poor today owing to the opening of the New Wesleyan Sunday Schools. 156 – 159 (Attendance today.)

Demonstration lesson in Cookery given to the whole class of girls. In the afternoon 16 girls took Cookery, 16 more on Wednesday morning and 16 on Wednesday afternoon. I generally take Standard II all day on Tuesday & Wednesday as Standard IV & upwards can be taken together by Miss Jacques and Louisa Sergeant.

Standard V & upwards had a History instead of an object lesson from 9 to 10.10. Needlework was taken all the afternoon, and will continue to be so on Wednesday till after Xmas owing to the overcrowding state of the school. A great many children have not brought their school fees.

I took Standard IV and the 1^st class together for a Grammar Lesson. Standard IV are rather backward in their Grammar. I also took from Standard IV upwards together all Thursday afternoon to allow Miss Jacques to study.

Specimens are taken in needlework instead of garments on Friday Afternoons. Standard II were learning today how to do a Sew & Fell Seam. Each of the other Standards have learned two specimens. The average attendance for the week is 157.3. No. on registers 214. No present at all 195.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. Jennie Sargent admitted from Mrs. Wagstaff’s school. She is very far behind the rest of the class in her work.

Cookery taken as usual – demonstration in the morning and practical work to 16 girls on Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday morning and 24 on Wednesday afternoon. Visit paid by Messrs. Knight, Colson & Claridge Members of the Board. They expressed themselves highly pleased with the piano which had been purchased by the Board. 166 present in the afternoon. Miss Jacques had leave of absence in the morning to enable her to study.

The registers were not marked this morning as there were only 83 children present out of 217 on the registers. This bad attendance is owing to the inclement weather. It has been snowing heavily all morning. Holiday given in the afternoon and all day on Friday owing to the very bad weather. Only a very few children turned up in the Upper Standards and there were none present in Standard I. Average for week 156.8

It was decided at the last Board meeting to remit the fees (both those owing and the present) of Alice & Annie Underwood until the end of the present year. The attendance was rather poor this morning.

Cookery was taken as usual. Visit paid yesterday by Mr. Knight. This morning by Mr. Knight and this afternoon by Mr. Claridge.

Cookery taken as usual by girls. 24 girls went in to practice both yesterday afternoon and this morning. Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Girls took a demonstration lesson in Cookery this afternoon again.

Standard IV and the 1^st class have been taken together all week. I have given Miss Jacques remission to stay away this week and next as the Certificate Exam comes on the week following. Miss Ladds is working hard with Standard II. The attendance in Standard I & II has been very poor all week. The average attendance for the week is 143.8.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight Chairman of the Board.

Demonstration given on Tuesday morning & Wednesday afternoon – 24 girls went for practice on Tuesday afternoon & Wednesday Morning, on Thursday morning and afternoon. Miss Joyce was able to stay as the Wollaston schools are closed for a month on account of the prevalence of measles.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

The average attendance for the week is 158. There are now 217 on the registers. Several girls have been absent all week & a good many children have not yet paid the arrears in their fees. Miss Jacques has been way all week. I gave her permission as the certificate exam is on Monday. I take Standard IV and the 1^st class together.

Attendance is poor today owing to the inclement weather. Ordinary lessons were taken this afternoon instead of sewing. Miss Jacques will be absent all week as it is the Certificate Examination. Annie and Kitty Cooper in Standard II owe several weeks’ fees, also Louse & Ellen Chettle and several others. Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Demonstration in cookery – practice in the afternoon and Wednesday morning. Demonstration on Wednesday afternoon and practice on Thursday morning and afternoon. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer on Monday and by Mr. Knight, chairman of the Board on Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, and Friday. Needlework not taken this week on Friday – ordinary lessons taken instead. Only 98 present on Friday morning and 94 in the afternoon owing to a heavy fall of snow. The average for the week is 131. Mrs. Cowley finished her duties here today. Miss Jacques has been appointed in her place and at the Board Meeting on Monday 15^th . Miss M. Cuffling was appointed as P.T. in place of Miss Jacques. Miss Cuffling takes Standard I & Miss Jacques Standard IV. Several children marked left this week. School closed for a fortnight.

School re-opened today. Attendance pretty fair. Standard IV under Miss Jacques have taken the class room and Standard I is in the principal room.

Miss Cuffling began her duties here on the 5^th. She takes Standard I. I thought it better that she should be in the large room for a time until she got used to the children. Standard IV, therefore are in the class room.

Cookery lesson taken today as usual. Demonstration in the morning and practice in the afternoon. I have taken Standard II all day and Standard IV,V & VI have been taken together. Visit Paid by Mr. Knight on Monday, also by Mr. Bayes School Attendance Officer. Standard I is attending badly, but this is doubtless owing to the severe weather. Several new children have been admitted during the week, two of which, Nellie Ashby & Beatrice Randall, in Standard I, don’t know their letters.

Girls took Cookery as usual.

Average attendance for the week is 141. A great many children have not been at school all week. Specimens in needlework taken this afternoon.

New girl admitted in Standard III. Two girls marked left during the week. Rose Shorley, aged 11, wishes to go full time. Her mother came down about it and said she should keep her away, although I told her she could not leave until she was 13. Mr. Hayes told me yesterday she was coming back on Monday. It is very annoying, however, as her staying away last week and this has lost us her grant for Cookery. She has only made 16 out of 20 attendances. I took Standard I,II & III for singing while Miss Jacques took Standard IV & upwards.

I took Standard IV & Upwards (Also Standard III) while Miss Jacques took Standard I & II.

Girls finished their cookery lessons this week. 50 girls have made 20 attendances of 2 hours each. The Cookery utensils are to be taken away this year as nearly 10 months will lapse before the next Cookery Term. Miss Joyce has given very real satisfaction.

The Long Tots were much better done this morning although they were more difficult than last week. The average attendance for the week is 148.3. This is very good considering the severity of the weather. 16 girls in Standard I have not attended at all. The work in school is going on very well. The teachers work very hard with their classes. I have taken “Ling’s Swedish Drill” this week. The girls like it very much. The reading in the 1^st class has improved very much lately.

The temperature of the school was only 42 degrees this morning. It is usually very low in the morning. It is the third Monday morning that I have had to complain about the low state of the thermometer since the holidays. I took Standard I,II & III for Tonic this morning, while Miss Jacques took Standard IV and upwards.

I took Standard II this morning, while Louisa Sargent took the 1^st class. The writing of Standard II which was very poor at first, is improving. Mr. Parker, chairman of the Higham Ferrers School Board, sent down to ask our Average from May 1^st to Dec 31^st, also no. on register & Standard of Half Time and Full Time Exemption as they wanted to make comparisons. These were accordingly sent. No. on registers 216. Average from May to Dec. 145.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight Chairman of the Board.

Visit paid by Messrs. Knight, Denton & Mason to make arrangements for 20 girls out of Standard 1 going up to Moor Road as we have not room for them here. They will most likely be sent up on Monday morning.

Great improvement in Long Tots – Visit paid by Mr. Knight, who came to say that he had heard from Mr. Cartwright and that he had given permission for 20 girls and 15 boys to form a new Standard I in Moor Road until the examination (in May). Specimens taken throughout the school during the needlework lesson. Average attendance for the week is 150. 16 girls have not been present at all in Standard I. Rose Shorley has been 10 times this week. Louisa Chettle has been absent, as her head is bad again. The hair falls off very often and she is then unfit to come to school.

I have this day examined registers and fees books and found them correct. Sam Knight

School visited by Mr. Knight on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Registers and fees book checked on Friday. On Monday morning 20 girls were sent up to Moor Road. Reading books, slates, pencils, pens copy books, sewing and knitting were sent up with them. This leaves 197 on the registers. There were two admissions during the week (1 in Standard II and 1 in Standard III) The average attendance for the week is 142.2.  Even this is above the average. I sent to Mr. Hinwood for calico, print, flannel and towelling for the children to make up. A great many of them do not seem able to bring garments this year. The work will be sold at the end of the year at cost price, so that it will clear itself. Annie Neville in Standard VI has gone full time although she is not yet 13 years of age.

Two new girls admitted in Standard IV from the National School. (Half Timers.)

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. I examined Standard II in writing and arithmetic. They did well in writing but the arithmetic was rather poor, so I took them for an arithmetic lesson in the afternoon and showed them how to set their sums down properly. Standard V & VI recitation is as a rule well said, in fact the recitation throughout the school is on the whole, I think, thoroughly understood.

Order arrived from Messrs. J. Marshalls

Took Standard II all morning while L. Sargent took Standard I & II

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Attendance very poor this afternoon owing to the prevalence of measles. There are over thirty families suffering from measles.

Beatrice King was re-admitted today. She has left school now nearly one year and is very backward with her work.

Grammar in 1^st class done on paper today. Evans’ Grammar Cards used for the first time . The Grammar on the whole was pretty fairly done. The 1^st class took reading several times lately from their Temperance manuals. Several girls (26 I think) intend going in for the examination on February 28^th.I took Standard II all morning as L. Sargent did not feel well. Three more girls in the 1^st class have finished their exam sewing.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Long Tots taken instead of ordinary arithmetic. I find the “Revolving Tots” of great use now. The first class & Standard IV take “Ajax Tots” and “Revolving Tots” turn about. A great many children in this room have been absent during the week, owing to their brothers and sisters in the Infant Rook having measles. The average attendance for the week is 131.2. Ada Drage and C. Scroxton have been put in Standard II as they were very backward with their work in Standard III, especially Drage. Scroxton will still remain in Standard III for reading and writing. The teachers are all working very hard with their classes.

Standard II and upwards took Long Tots during the singing lesson today.

Grammar is taken on paper by the 1^st class now off Evans’ Grammar Cards. Some girls  do them well, Maud Baker especially and some do them just as badly. Amongst them are Emily Clarke ( who does all her work badly), Rose Shorley and K. Meadows. Standard II as a rule do all their work well. K. Cox, B. Bennett and M. Lack (standard V) have all gone full time although they are not yet 13 years of age.

Lesson on Temperance taken with 1^st class instead of an object lesson. Grammar (on paper) on both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday Morning.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight, also on 20^th. Singing lesson not taken today.

Lesson on “Temperance” taken during the last two lessons in the morning. The average attendance for the week is 133.4

When I arrived at school this morning, I found that the builders had not finished the work assigned to them for the weekend – viz. to put the door in the new class room. They were busy working at it then , so I went up to Mr. Knight’s house and asked him what had better be done. After due consideration it was decided to keep the school open in the morning and give a holiday in the afternoon. This was accordingly done and the work was finished this morning. The temperature, however, was very low, only 43 degrees during the first lesson. Alice Whitmee and Bertha Cox have gone full time. Visit paid by Messrs. Mason and Knight.

The grammar in Standards V & VI was well done this morning. A lesson on “Temperance” was taken in the afternoon instead of recitation. A new song entitled “Hearts & Homes” was taken in the afternoon.

Lesson in Temperance taken 1^st lesson. Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Standard I,II & III were taken together for “Time and Tune” and Standard 4 & 1^st class together.  Lesson on Temperance taken last lesson to prepare the girls who are going in for the examination on Saturday.

The “Long Tots” are improving since I’ve begun to use “Arnold’s Revolving Tots.” The girls have practice once or twice every day. The Swedish Drill is also well done now. The attendance has been very poor during the week owing to the prevalence of measles in the neighbourhood. The average attendance for the week is 123.5. A great many families are away. The younger children in the family had the measles first, now  the Elder Ones are away with the same complaint. Specimens taken in the afternoon throughout the school.

Visit paid by Mr. Mason. He stayed to see the Swedish Drill & expressed himself highly pleased with it. The children can do seventeen exercises now and as a rule do them very nicely. Attendance rather low this morning, especially in Standard I & III. Lily Clarke & Emma Parker returned to school after an absence of several weeks, also Mary Ladds. Emily Sears & Kate only attended once each last week. They came in 35 minutes late on Thursday afternoon and were sent home again, as they make a practice of coming late. Mr. Bayes, attendance officer came twice last week on Monday and Friday.

Kate Sears and Emily returned to school this morning. Visit paid by Mr. Knight. I took  Standard II & 1^st class for mental arithmetic every other day. While I take Standard II for mental arithmetic L. Sargent takes the 1^st class for Long Tots & while I take the 1^st class for mental arithmetic, she takes Standard II for tables. It is the only way I can manage. Singing taken all together during the last lesson.

Object lesson given on “Coal” to the 1^st class which they afterwards did for composition. The Grammar was very well done today.

I took Standard II all morning while L. Sargent took the first class.

Specimens taken in the afternoon. Mr. Bayes called this morning and said that the measles were on the increase. It is rather unfortunate just at this time of the year, as we are working hard for the examination. A great many children have been away all week with measles. The books have gone to Wellingborough to be audited. (All but 1890-91 registers – these will go on Wednesday next.)

Registers were sent to Wellingborough to be audited. New girl Emily Mann, admitted in Standard I. She neither knows her letters, nor can she do the easiest of sums. In fact she is not fit for the Infant Room, only she is such a big girl. Miss Jacques received intimation from the Education Department on Saturday to the effect that she had passed the Certificate Examination- third Division, Second Year Papers. She has done very well indeed, as she was only 20 years of age in November. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes Attendance Officer.

1stClass had a Geography Lesson on “Siberia” during the first lesson. Composition taken instead of Dictation during the Second Lesson.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Examined Standard I this morning. Four girls- Nellie Ashby, L. Partridge, S. Sowley, M.J.Ayres don’t seem to know their letters. The reading on the whole was poor. Mental Arithmetic was very poor and notation was badly done. Arithmetic was better – a good number of girls had four sums right and the writing was fairly done. Miss Cuffling is not energetic enough. She is too much inclined to leave them to themselves, while she notices the work of the other teachers. They devote their whole energy to the work of their classes. The discipline of Standard I is not as good as it might be – the children are inclined to talk if they are not constantly watched – besides they want a great deal of hard work and individual attention. She will most likely improve in time. Louisa Sargent manages Standard II very well now and will I think make an excellent teacher. She tries to improve and that is the sure way to success. A. Ladds & Miss Jacques have the interest of their class at heart and work very hard indeed with them. Florence Weston has gone full time today. A great many children have been away this week with measles. The attendance on Tuesday was very poor owing to the severe weather, but I thought it was better to mark the registers in the morning, and they turned out all right in the afternoon. The average attendance for the week is 123. The fees book and the Stock & Stores have not yet been sent from Wellingborough. Specimens taken this afternoon. Notice received on Wednesday that the P.T. Exam will be held on Saturday 18^th April at Wellingborough. Annie Ladds will take Second Year papers.

Florence Lillyman returned to school today after an absence of three or four weeks. The other two have not returned yet (Annie & Ellen). Visit paid by Mr. Bayes. I spoke to Miss Cuffling about her class – told her the best method to adopt in teaching the different subjects and today she has adopted them. It is certainly a decided improvement. She shows more energy in her work today than she did before. 142 present this afternoon. Several new cases of measles. Mrs. Buck sent for the cookery stove. She requested it to be sent to Peterborough.

Visit paid by Mr Claridge. The 1^st class had a Geography Lesson on “China”. Composition taken instead of dictation during the second lesson. The work throughout the school was well done this week. I examined Standards II & III this week. The intelligence throughout the classes was good and the work on the whole was well done with a few exceptions. The writing especially has improved very much. Lesson on Ventilation taken during domestic economy on Friday – the girls answered well. Needlework taken in the afternoon till 4 o’clock. The average attendance for the week is 132.6, a slight improvement on last week but the cases of measles have not all gone yet.

The first class took needlework instead of ordinary lessons. Visit paid on Tuesday & Wednesday by Mr. Knight. List given of apparatus for new class room. Order sent to Messrs. J. Marshall & Co. On Wednesday Miss Jacques received intimation from Mr. Heygate (Clerk of the Board) to the effect that at the Board Meeting on March 16^th she was appointed First Assistant in place of Mrs. Cowley (resigned) at a salary of £40 per annum, the appointment to date from Dec. 25^th 1890. Miss Cuffling had leave of absence this afternoon as she had to catch an early train. Annie Bush took Standard I in her place and taught it very well. Average for the week 135.1

Closed today for Good Friday and the following week.

School re-opened today. Three new scholars admitted. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, Attendance Officer. Specimens taken throughout the school during the Sewing Lesson, as most of the girls have finished their garments.

Attendance good this morning – 151 present.

Historical Lesson on “Robert Clive” taken by 1^st class. Composition taken during the week instead of dictation. Specimens taken in the afternoon by all the classes.

Visit paid by Messrs. Knight, Claridge & Colson, members of the Board, to arrange about the furniture etc. for the new classroom. Visit paid by Mr. Knight in the afternoon.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes. New cards in domestic economy taken. Arithmetic taken in the afternoon instead of composition. The average for the week is improved 144.7. There are 189 present at all out of 195 on the registers. Order received from Messrs. J. Marshall & Co on Wednesday 8^th. Work progressing favourably throughout the school. Miss Cuffling is improving very much. She shows decidedly more enough than she did in her work. Standard I have been doing their transcription and Arithmetic on paper for the last few weeks and manage it very well indeed now, with the exception of a few children who have never been to school before and are consequently very backward in their work.

Attendance good throughout the school.

Two new scholars were admitted today, one in Standard III and one in Standard I. They came from All Saint’s Northampton. Recitation was taken during the first two lessons in the afternoon in the first class. I gave them a Grammar less in the morning on “Moods & Tenses”

I took Standard II for their work all morning, while L. Sargent took the 1^st class. There were 42 present in Standard II this morning, only one girl absent. Standard III were in the new class room this morning for recitation & Arithmetic & Standard I for arithmetic. Most of the examination sewing is now finished and all the examination knitting. A few half timers have not yet finished their work in the 1^st class. Lizzie Harris, Standard V, has been away from school now for 9 weeks owing to weak eyes. They have gone so bad that she has to be led about now. I do not think she will be able to come to the examination.

Test Cards in Domestic Economy given in the morning – they were very fairly answered. Specimens taken in the afternoon. Average attendance for the week 148.8 no. on registers 197, no. present at all 191. P.T. Exam to be held tomorrow (18^th) at All Saints’ School, Wellingborough. Annie Ladds is going in for her Second Year Examination. The work throughout the school is progress well. All the work (unless Reading and Recitation) in all the Standards is done on paper. Standard I work is improving very much.

Punished Louisa Mason and Edith Smith (both in Standard III) for taking Kate Ablett (Standard II) away from school on last Monday afternoon and so making her play truant. I found them very untruthful about it. Mrs. Harris came down in the morning to see the same two girls, as they had accused her son Gilbert, of setting fire to the stacks in Mr. Mason’s farmyard. They were found untruthful over that so it seems as if they could not tell the truth. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes in the morning.

Order arrived from Messrs. J. Marshall & Co.

Examined Standard III. The arithmetic was very nicely done and the spelling was fair the reading however was good.

Examined Standard IV this morning. The work was very neatly done and the writing was excellent. The class seems to be progressing very well indeed. The average attendance for the week is 143.8

I have this day examined the register and found correct. G. Stanwell.

Visit paid by Messrs.Knight, Skinner and Bradfield, Members of the Board. Registers checked by Mr. Skinner. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes.

Examined Standard II. Work pretty well done on the whole.

The garments throughout the school are finished. Specimens are taken now during the needlework lesson. The work throughout the school shows a decided improvement. Seems to be more carefully done especially in the 1^st class. Standard I do their writing and arithmetic always on paper. Average attendance for week is 154.6 & for the year 142.6 being an average of 20 more than the preceding year, the average of which was 120. Desks etc. arrived on Saturday May 2^nd and table arrived May 4^th. This furniture is in the new classroom.

The average attendance for the week is 157.2. The work throughout the school has been progressing favourably all week. A new blackboard arrived on Thursday from Mr. Hawes in London. I have not unpacked it as I think it is a mistake. All the exam work is finished. Standard III have been using the new classroom all week. Visit paid on Tuesday by Mr. Knight – Chairman of the Board.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight Chairman of the School Board. Number present in the morning 149.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Visit paid by Mr. C.L. Bradfield, member of the board.

Closed for the week (Whitsuntide holidays)

Visit paid by Mr. Knight, Chairman of the School Board and Mr. Bayes Attendance Officer. Florence Pope re-admitted after an absence of six months.

Girls of Standard I, II & III were examined in needlework today by Mr. Brown, H.M.I. Visit paid by Mr. Bradfield.

Songs for 1890-1891

Standard I & II

“If I were a sunbeam.”

“Swinging”

Upper Standards

“Foresters sound the Cheerful Horn.”

“Your Mission.”

“Hearts and homes”

“The Harp that once”

“The Sailor’s grave”

“Begone dull sloth.”

“Welcome to May”

“The Bells”

“The Pilot.”

“Hoary Frost.”

Most of the songs are taken by all the Standards.

Division II = Standards I & II

Division III = Standards III & IV

Division IV = Standard V & VI

Standards V & VI are taught by Head Teacher.

Standard IV by Miss J. Jacques.

Standard III by Miss A. Ladds

Standard II by Head Teacher with monitor Louisa Sargent helping.

Standard I by Miss Chuffling.

Recitations 1890-1891

Standard V & VI “The Execution of Montrose.”

Standard IV “Mary Queen of Scots.”

Standard III “Barbara Frietchie.”

Standard II “The Ambitious Weed.”

Standard I “The Foolish Mouse.”

Recitations for 1891-92

Standards V & VI “King John”

Standard IV “The Battle of Flodden.”

Standard III “The May Queen.

Standard II “Nellie’s shilling.”

Standard I The Reaper of the Flowers.”

School exam held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by Mr. Brown H.M.I. Half holiday from Friday afternoon. Visit paid by Mr. Knight and Rev. Gordon on Thursday. Average attendance for the week 167

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Two new scholars were admitted, both from private schools The girls are very backward for their age.

Attendance very poor owing to weather.

Good attendance this morning – 188 present.

Holiday given this afternoon.

24 girls were sent up from the Infant Room this morning and 9 out of the 20 who were sent up to Moor Road have come back. They will be in Standard II. Moor Road Standard I children have not come down yet. The children throughout the school have all been moved up a Standard. Miss Jacques has Standard IV as before, Miss Ladds, Standard III, Miss Cuffling Standard II and L. Sargent Standard I.

Louise Sargent has been absent three days this week through illness. Miss Cuffling had leave of absence today. 5 more girls have come down from Moor Road making in all 14 who have come down. Mr. Wood and I have changed reading books for the 1^st class. I have given him the “Voyage in the Sunbeam” for the “Vicar of Wakefield.” This will save us having a new set for them as the Inspector insisted on each class having new reading books each year to what they had the previous year. That will make it that each class will require to have two separate sets. Standard III have not had History reading books yet. They have only had two sets all along instead of three, so they will require them. The 1^st class are taking “King John” for their recitation, so that would make a good reading book for them. I intend sending to the Editor of “Great Thoughts” asking him to send me as many copies as he can spare to be used as readers. These have been used with great success in several other schools and are highly approved of by H.M.I. Some of the children who have come down from Moor Road are very backward with their work and one or two children have come lately who have never been to school before and who know nothing. Annie Bush has taken the place of L. Sargent during the absence of Miss Cuffley today. She will make a very good teacher and seems very willing. Several girls in the 1^st class have gone full time- Kate Clarke, Miriam Perkins, Annie Spencer – are all over 13 and Edith Smith is over 14 years of age. Needlework specimens have been taken throughout the school all week to teach the children the new stitches but several girls in the 1st class have begun their exam knitting for the next year. Visit paid on Thursday 11^th inst by Mr. Bayes Attendance Officer. Average attendance for week is 166.1 no. present 222. No. on registers 244. Fees paid £1-8-0.

6 new girls were admitted this morning making 250 on the register.

Annie Ladds marked the attendance in her register in Monday afternoon’s place in mistake instead of marking it in Tuesday mornings place.

1^st class had a Geography lesson on Africa.

Average attendance for the week is 174. Holiday given on Monday afternoon on account of a treat in the neighbourhood. Several children were admitted in Standard I and these are very backward – mostly 9 or 7 years of age and very untidy. Standard I is much too large a class for a monitor, there being over 40 children at present in it and one half of these know nothing scarcely. Standard II has over 60 children in it. The classes are very large this year. Visit paid on Monday by Mr. Bradfield, member of the Board. The duplicate exam schedule was returned last week. Only Annie Neville can go half time and Edith Linnitt and Edith Compton full time when they are 13 years of age. The rest will have to wait another year before they can go. This will serve to keep down the half time system as no girl can go full time until she is 13 years of age and has passed Standard IV and no girl can go half time till she is 10 years of age and has passed Standard II.

Nine girls in Standard I were sent down from Moor Rod today. Those others were admitted making in all 12 new girls today. There are now 270 girls on the registers. Standard I is much too large for Louise Sargent. There are 50 girls in it at present, enough for a certificated teacher and some of the children want a great deal of working up as they don’t know their letters. The children admitted from the Rock last week attend very badly and are very backward in their work. Average attendance for the week is 190. A great many children have been absent all week.

Holiday given on Monday on account of the Band of Hope Trip. Miss Cuffling absent all week on account of scholarship examination. Average attendance for week 183.3. 231 present at all out of 269. Fees £1-9-3 Visit paid by Mr. Knight on Thursday 9^th inst. Report of school received.

Miss Cuffling absent all week through illness. Of course it has upset us very much her being away for the last fortnight as we are already short of teachers and the classes are very large. L. Sargent has taken Standard II & Standard I has been divided between A. Bush and M. Neal. Of course they all need a great deal of supervision. Average attendance for the week 183.1. no present at all 239 – 270 – Fees £1-10-11

Examined registers and fees book and found them correct. J. Claridge.

Holiday given in the afternoon of July 20^th owing to a school treat being held in the neighbourhood. Visit paid by Messrs Knight, Colson and Claridge, members of the board. School staff arranged for year. Miss Cuffling still absent owing to illness.

Copy of Report for Year ending April 30^th 1891

Average attendance          142.5

Added under article 12b     11.9

Average attendance on which the grant is payable 155

Fixed grant                         14/-

Discipline & Organisation   1/6

Singing by Note                   1/-

Needlework                          2/-

English                                 2/-   

Total                                  20/6

Domestic Economy        £4 – 8-0

Cookery                            6-4-0

P.T. Grant                         1-0-0

Total Grant                  £ 170-9-6

The girls are orderly and well behaved, and the school is in a very creditable state of general efficiency. The elementary subjects as a rule are very well taught, but written arithmetic is weak in the Second Standard though it is very good in the Third Standard & upwards. Recitation is good throughout and the higher grant is earned for both needlework and Grammar. Domestic Economy is also fairly good.

The pass in domestic economy numbered 173 on the Girls’ School Examination Schedule has been disallowed under Article 101.

Annie Ladds has passed fairly but should attend to History, Needlework at examination and Knowledge of method.

Louse Sargent & Carrie Clarke are recognised under Article 33.

School Staff at commencement of year

Head Teacher Sarah McLaw

Certificated Assistant Jane Jaques.

Ex. P. T. Mary Cuffling.

3^rd Year P.T. Annie Ladds

Candidates on probation L. Sargent & Carrie Clarke.

Monitor Margaret Neal.

Signed James Heygate. Clark of the Board.

School closed for Midsummer holiday (Four weeks). Order arrived during the week from Messrs. J. Marshall & Co. I returned the registers sent as they were for 1879. We have therefore gone on with the Old Registers until the “Popular” has been revised. Miss Cuffling’s notice terminates on the 24^th July 1891

Re-opened after midsummer holidays. 5 new girls admitted – numbers very good. Carrie Clarke began here today having been transferred from the Infant Room. She is under Article 33. No assistant has been appointed as yet in place of Miss Cuffling. Annie Bush and Margaret Neal have taken Standard I & L. Sargent and Carrie Clarke Standard II. Of course they all need a great deal of supervision especially L. Bush and Margaret Neal who have only just begun teaching. Visit paid on 27^th by Mr. Knight and on 28^th by Messrs. Knight, Denton & Bradfield. Jessie Knight left school through ill health. Her mother complained of the bad smells very much. She has gone to a private school. L. Mackness gone full time. A great many girls have not yet returned to school after the holidays. Average for the week 183.6

Holiday given all day owing to school treat.

At the Board Meeting on the 17^th August it was decided to adopt Free Education from September 1^st. No more fees will therefore be paid.

Took Standard II recitation 1^st lesson and Standard III 2^nd lesson. The recitation is making good progress throughout the school. Needlework in the afternoons as usual. Visit paid on Thursday by Mr. Bradfield on Tuesday by Mr. Bayes, Attendance Officer. Attendance rather poor on Friday morning. Average attendance for week 188.1. No. present at all 238 on registers 272. A great many children in Standard I do not know their letters. They are really not fit for the 3^rd class in the Infant Room, only that they are over age. Some of their work is dreadful especially Whitney. This is a very large class and will require a great deal of hard work. L. Sargent and C. Clarke are doing very well with Standard II. Their only fault is that they are inclined to do too much talking to the class. That fault will be remedied in time. Standard III & IV are working well. Standard I is still under the core of A. Bush and Margaret Neal as a suitable assistant has not yet been obtained. Of course they do not really learn much. Several new girls admitted during the week.

Attendance very good this morning. 205 present. Several new girls admitted. A. bush began in the Infant Room today. This leaves no teacher for Standard  I. There are now 60 children in Standard I & 60 in Standard II. It is at present almost impossible to carry on the work as I have to go continually from one class to another – besides the lower division in Standard I are very backward. Very many of them know absolutely nothing. I have this week been compelled to leave Standard II exclusively to L. Sargent and divide Standard I into two divisions – C. Clarke looking after the lower division and M. Neal the higher. Of course I cannot give justice to the Upper Standards.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. He mentioned several girls as having left Rushden so I have taken their names off. Several children in Standard I give a lot of trouble with their attendances – E. Cox, F. Loin & A. Loin. E. Bayes and J. Spavins have not been near school for a great number of weeks. They are 13 years of age but have not passed Standard IV. A. Martin in Standard V is only 11 years of age and has passed Standard IV under the new code. Still her mother persists in keeping her at home. Several girls have begun their needlework. The recitations and grammar throughout the school continues to make steady progress.

The Cookery Lessons bean today and will be continues until December. 48 girls have a demonstration lesson on Wednesday morning. 16 girls practise on Wednesday afternoon, 16 more on Thursday morning and 16 on Thursday afternoon. In this way all the girls have ( or ought to have) a demonstration and practice but owing to the half-time system in school girls cannot come to the demonstration on Wednesday and so miss the practice on the other days. It really requires real care in the arrangements of the lessons to provide every girl with a demonstration and practice. Miss Perkins in the Cookery Teacher this year. I have taken Standard I nearly all the time on Wednesday and Thursday as they require a great deal of working up. Carrie Clarke has then taken the 1^st class. 217 girls were present on Thursday afternoon, the largest number that has ever been present in the school. This is the 5^th time during the week that the numbers have been over 200. Average attendance for the week 194.4, 200 children have been present at all out 275. The attendance has improved very much lately.

Work going on as usual. Still without an Assistant Teacher. Several girls brought their needlework this afternoon. Visit paid on Tuesday by Mr. Knight. I showed him several girls who do not know their letters. Amongst others there are Florrie & Ada Loin. Emily and Roselyn Mayes returned to school today after an absence of (Emily 4 & Roselyn 5) weeks. They are very backward in their works. Numbers not quite so good as last week for so far. Visit paid on Monday by Mr. Bayes.

Cookery taken today as usual. Demonstration lesson on “Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding and Cauliflower” given. Three practices afterwards to the girls who were in the Demonstration lesson. Needlework taken s usual in the afternoon. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer.

Annie Ladds 7 Carrie Clarke were allowed leave of absence this afternoon, as they wished to join the Choir Festival in Wellingborough. Miss Jaques took Standard II & IV in the Classroom. I took the other Standards in the large room.

I have decided to take Standard II for all the dictation lesson for some time, as it is very backward. Of course the 1^st class have to be left very much to themselves. Standard I work is improving but it requires a great deal of individual attention. Closed today for a week’s holiday.

Re-opened today. 203 present in the morning and 200 in the afternoon. Several new girls were admitted. I took Standard I all morning as there were nearly 60 present and this is too large a class for Carrie Clarke. Still without an Assistant. It makes it very hard work for me at present as I have about 150 or 160 to take with only the help of L. Sargent and C. Clarke. Standard II dictation is very backward so I try to take this lesson myself as often as possible. Cookery taken as usual on Wednesday and Thursday.

I have taken Standard II myself the greater part of the day. At the Board Meeting on Sept. 28^th it was decided to appoint Margaret Neal as monitress at a salary of 2/- per week. Appointment to start from Aug 21^st. she and Annie Bush had been teaching from Aug 24^th and had been paid 12/- each for that time. Florence Loin, Ada Loin and Rose Palmer attend very badly and are very backward in their work. Visit paid on Monday by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. I have now for some time required each child who stays away from school to bring a note from their parents stating why they were away, otherwise they will be punished. I find the attendance much improved in consequence. Average attendance for the week 197.1

Florence Clarke in Standard II returned to school today after a long illness. Two new girls admitted. One of them says she is 7 years but she looks more like 12 years. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. He recommended attendance sheets similar to those used by some of the larger Boards. These sheets are to be kept weekly and the attendances made to tally with the register. F & A Loin absent again. Kate Sears returned to school again- this makes her second attendance in five weeks. Still without an Assistant. I really don’t know what kind of work we will have this year in the lower standards – for of course two girls 13 years of age each are not competent teachers for two classes – nearly 70 in one and nearly 60 on another. The new class room is of no use yet as there are no desks in it – besides I have not a responsible teacher to sent down. The work throughout the school is progressing favourably especially the recitation which is already nearly all learnt. Standard II dictation I still very backward. 206 present this morning. Attendance rather poor this afternoon especially in Standard II owing to the wet weather. Only 180 present. I showed Standard V how to do their grammar work on paper this afternoon and took them for a first less in Proportion yesterday, the same lesson has, however, to be given a great many times owing to the half time system.

Demonstration lesson in Cookery “Boiled Fish & Fish Cakes.” Practice in the afternoon.

Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, Attendance Officer. Practice in Cookery morning and afternoon.

207 present. The attendance has been good throughout the week. The work in Standard I is progressing but it is such a large class and the children are so backward that it is almost impossible to get them on anything like.

Average attendance for week 198. No. on registers 278. No. present at all 204

Anne & May Edwards admitted from National School. Visit paid by Mr. Bradfield.

Fees Book sent for by Mr. Heygate. Recitation taken second lesson instead of 1sr by Standard II. Cookery taken as usual on Wednesday by miss Perkins. Demonstration on Wednesday morning “Cabinet Pudding and Eccles Cake, Flaky Pastry.” I took Standard II on Wednesday and Thursday. L. Sargent & C. Clarke took Standard I while M. Neal took a few girls who do not take Cookery in the first class. Standard II dictation is improving very much. A great deal of trouble is taken with it. 213 present on Monday afternoon and 214 on Wednesday afternoon. Beatrice Johnson has been away all week through ill health. Domestic Economy taken by Classes 1,2,3 on Friday morning. Average attendance for the week is 201.6. I have marked a number of girls left by Mr. Bayes’ wish. Specimens taken by Standard I & II on Friday afternoon.

Several new girls admitted. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. 1^st class attended well on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Demonstration lesson in Cookery on Wednesday morning. Visit paid by Mr. Denton – Vice Chairman of the Board. I took Standard 2 all morning. L. Sargent, Carrie Clarke and M. Neal took Standard 1. 214 present on Wednesday morning. Cookery “Macaroni Cheese & Rissoles.” Demonstration in Cookery Wed. morning. Practice Wed. afternoon, Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon. Visit paid by Mr. Denton on Thursday. Specimens taken throughout the school during the Sewing Lesson on Friday afternoon. Average attendance for week 197.3 Attendance poor on Friday afternoon. Miss A. Ladds had rubbed out some ink which had fallen on her register, so I cautioned her about doing it again. She was not aware it was wrong to do so.

Rather poor attendance this morning, as the weather was severe. 197 present this afternoon.

New Time Table and Domestic Economy Scheme returned from Mr. Cartwright with signature and approval. Also Evening School Time Table. Cookery taken as usual. Demonstration on Wednesday morning – practice Wed. afternoon, Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon. Visit paid on Monday by Mr. Denton. He arranged that Miss Alice M. Cowling should come as Assistant Mistress for a month on trial at a Salary of £35 per annum. She will begin her work on Monday November 2^nd 1891. Average attendance for the week is 191.3. Several cases of fever, both Typhoid and Gastric have occurred in the School. I am sorry to say a great many girls, especially in the lower Standards, are away through illness. Lily Jones has gone to Irchester to live and the Linnells have gone to Wellingborough so I have marked them left. I wrote to Mr. Cartwright to see whether a girl who had passed the sample exam in Standard IV could go full time and he wrote on Thursday to say she could not. Several girls have gone full time who have not passed Standard 4. Work progressing very favourably.

Miss Alice M. Cowling began her work here today. She takes Standard I. M. Neal will help her. I have given her Classroom no.1 Miss Ladds classroom 2 and Miss Jaques Classroom no.3. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes. Mrs. Stanton came to see whether Maria could go half-time, but I told her she could not as she had not passed Standard IV in the 3 R’s. She said she would send her in the morning. We are now working according to the New Time Table. Several new girls admitted. One girl in Standard I is 10 years of age and does not know her letters.

Standard I had a lesson during Arithmetic this morning on putting down their sums neatly. They are inclined to set them down carelessly. Standard VI had similar lesson this afternoon. I gave a grammar lesson to the 1^st class this morning on complex Sentences. Standards VI answered well. The new classroom is being used now when the lesson is oral. Miss Cowling seems to get on very well with Standard I. M. Neal helps her.

Miss Ladds is careless in making up the register – makes repeated mistakes. Of course it is very annoying, but the only way to teach her is to let her make it up. It spoils the summary however. I just found out now that she did not make up her register at the foot last week, although she added it across. Of course it has thrown the summary all wrong for the last week. I spoke to her about it now and she has promised to try more – if Mrs. Buck has written to ask instead of the practices of 16 we can have two of 24. I have told her we can, so for the future we will have two practices of 24 and cookery will not be taken on Thursday afternoon. The usual course of Domestic Economy lesson have been taken by all the Standards. Visit paid on Thursday by Mr. Bayes. Miss Cowling has managed well with Standard I. She has had the classroom. Average attendance for week is 197.1 and for last week 189.9

I have this day examined the registers. I found them correct. John Claridge.

Visit paid by Mr. Claridge & on the 10^th by Mr. Denton. 24 girls went to practice in Cookery this afternoon. The usual lessons have been taken throughout the week. Attendance rather poor on 11^th owing to the severe weather.

Visit paid by Mr. Claridge, Rev. Tomkins and Finnemore. Lecture on “Temperance” by Mr. Finnemore in the afternoon from 2.15 till 3.10. Ordinary lessons taken afterwards. Practice in Cookery to 24 girls. Order arrived on Monday 9^th from Messrs. J. Marshall and 1 gross exercise books on 11^th – carriage -/9. New desks arrived today (12^th)

Average attendance for week 190.9. Visit paid on Friday by Mr. Denton and Mr. Bayes.

Standards III & IV have begun their work today in their respective classrooms. The new desks have been arranged and the work goes on well and quietly in school, as there are fewer classes in each room. Standard V do their work carefully. Some of the girls in it are at the present time quite fit for the examination. Sewing is going on steadily in al the classes. Began new Registers today. Old registers and summary sent to Wellingborough today to be audited.

Visit paid by Mr. Denton in the afternoon. Annie Neville met with an accident in the factory which has dislocated the kneecap. Walking pains her very much as she will be away from school for some time. The usual Cookery lessons taken on the 18^th. Demonstration in the morning and practice in the afternoon and Thursday morning. Visit paid on Thursday by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. I called his attention to several cases of irregularity and he promised to look them up. A great many children are away through sickness. At the Board meeting on Monday 16^th incl it was decided to appoint Miss Alice Cowling of Wellingborough as Assistant Mistress, the appointment to date from November 2^nd 1891. She has been teaching now for several weeks, but simply on trial. I have taken the Domestic Economy lessons myself for several weeks now in Standards I & II. The children take a great interest in the lessons and I think they cultivate the intelligence to a very great extent.

The average attendance for the week is 194.6 although many children are still away through illness. Specimens taken this afternoon in all the Standards. Mr. Bayes called this afternoon.

The work has been progressing favourably throughout the school. I examined the recitation throughout which was well said especially in Standard IV. Making up lessons have been taken by the Cookery Class this week- Mince Meat. Average attendance for the week is 196. There are still a great many girls away through sickness.

New girl admitted from National School in Standard V – Clara Leach. Attendance not quite so good as usual owing to inclement weather. Emily Pendered returned after an absence of several weeks. Most of the girls in the different classes have got their exam sewing now.

Miss Jaques made a mistake in adding up her register for the week ending Nov. 13^th – 314 instead of 304. This has caused me to alter the summary. I only found this out in checking her register for the quarter. The average attendance for last quarter was 193. Total number 20840. No. of times school was open 104. No. attended at all 250 out of 271 on registers.

Two demonstrations taken this week in Cookery and one practice. A good number of the girls have now made their attendances in Cookery. We hope to have quite finished by next week. A great many children are away in Standard II through sickness and in Standard %. The Domestic Economy Lessons in Standard I & II this week have been “Sugar & Condiments” and the usual Domestic Economy Lessons in the other classes. These lessons are thoroughly well taught. I take the Domestic Economy for Standard I, II, III & the 1^st class. Miss Jaques usually takes her own. Two new songs have been taught this week and last. “Kiss me Mother, kiss your Darling.” And “Wildwood Flowers.” And the recitations all quite learnt throughout the school. The meanings are now being taken.

The following are the recitations taken this year.

Standard 1 “The Little Sunbeam.”

Standard 11 “Nellie’s shilling. & Jack’s Menagerie.

Standard III “Alice Brand”

Standard IV “Curfew must not ring tonight.” & “The Norman Baron.”

Standard V,VI & VII “King John Act IV Scene V”

Standard II spelling is still backward and there are a great many dull children in Standard I. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer on Wednesday. Average attendance for week 188.1

Usual Domestic Economy lessons taken in all the Standards. Making up Lessons in Cookery. Very few girls have any attendances to make up now. Taken on Wednesday (all day) & on Thursday morning as usual. The Cookery room had been used on Tuesday afternoon for the last 5 weeks by the Northampton School of Cookery Technical Classes. These have finished now. We have still a great many cases of sickness throughout the school. Winnie Reeson in Standard I has typhoid and Rheumatic Fever and there are several other cases. We seem to have had a great many children away lately through sickness of one kind and another. Average attendance for week is 188.2. No. on registers 272. No. present at all 247. Margaret Neal has been away during the mornings of this week as her mother is ill. Another new song taken during the week “To us a Child of Hope is Born.”

Alice and Annie Underwood are away from school now, as their brother has Typhoid Fever. A great many children are away in Standard I through sickness. May Lilley in Standard II has returned to school after an absence of several weeks. Maggie Mitson in 1^st class was admitted today. She has always been to a private school until now and is really not fit for Standard IV, only that she is 13 years of age and a big girl. Numbers not so good on Monday & Tuesday owing to inclement weather. Girls went to Higham Board School on Wednesday to finish Cookery Lessons. Visit paid on Friday by Mr. Knight, Chairman of the Board.

Average attendance for the week is 183.8. 239 present out of 272.A great many children still away owing to illness.

Attendance very poor owing to severe weather. Only 155 present. Miss Cowling was absent from school today. I took her class for her. Visit paid by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer.

Miss Cowling again absent – received postcard from her today saying she was ill. Attendance poor. Girls did not take Cookery this week. Gertrude Cowley (Standard I) came at 10.15 and as she has repeatedly done this sent her home again.

Closed this afternoon for Xmas Holidays from Thursday Dec. 24^th till Monday Jan. 4^th. Attendance in morning very poor only 139 present. Average attendance for the week 155.5 on registers 272 no present at all 217

Re-opened today after Xmas Holidays. 174 present in the morning. Miss Cowling has returned to her duties. Two new girls admitted in Standard I. Three more admissions in school. Cookery not taken this week. Work progressing favourably . Order received from Messrs. J. Marshall & Co on Wednesday 6^th inst. Examined Standard II on Wednesday. Arithmetic very backward especially notation. Writing rather  better. Took the class for two lessons at notation. 87 in Standard I now.

Visit paid by Dr. Owen. He told me that “Whooping Cough” was prevalent at present and that is we had any cases they had better be sent home. New maps up in classrooms. Average attendance for week is 193.1. No. present at all 244. No. on registers 277. Domestic Economy lessons for week was “Fish” (Fresh water, salt water and shellfish) and for Standard III “Flax” I took all the domestic economy lessons throughout the school all week.

Attendance very poor today owing to severe weather. Metric system taken for this week instead of drill

. Girls who have not finished their cookery lesson have gone to Higham Ferrers Board School to finish them. Miss Ladds absent through illness. Miss Sargent took the class. I took the recitation in Standard III this morning and they said it well.

I took Standard IV & the 1^st class together for Decimal Notation. The following lesson to be forwarded onto Mr. Finnemore at Birmingham. Numbers rather better this morning. 197 present.

Metric system taken last lesson by Standard IV & 1^st class.

Average attendance for the week 170.8. 232 present at all out of 277 on registers. There seems to be a great deal of sickness about still and the severe weather has kept a great many children away.

Attendance poor as there is a great deal of sickness at present. Girls wrote their Temperance Essay. Examined Standard I work only fair and order poor. Standard II dictation is improving. Ordinary lessons in domestic economy throughout the school. “Coffee and Cocoa for Standard I & II and “Washing materials” for Standard III. The 1^st class have begun the part III domestic economy book.  J Eden and L. Ward are now marked full time. New girl Sarah Ann Warr admitted this week in Standard I. She is eight years of age and know nothing – besides being deaf. A great many of the children in Standard I are very stupid. The average attendance for the week for the week is 183. No. present at all 242. No. on registers 278

Two new girls admitted this week in Standard IV from Mrs. Wagstaffe’s private school. Attendance very poor all week owing to illness.

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. J. Colson.

Average for week 167.3. 227 present out of 278 on registers. Visit paid on Wednesday by Messrs. Colson and Bradfield. Members of the School Board.

I returned to work this morning after being absent a week through ill health.

Ordinary lessons taken throughout the week. Visit paid on Wednesday by Mr. Knight and on Friday by Mr. Bayes, attendance officer. Miss A, Ladds absent on Friday through illness. Average for week 180.8 – 239 present out of 278 I spoke to Mr. Bayes today about several girls who attend half time without first having permission from the Board. He promised to see about it. A great many children are still away through ill health.

Visit paid last week by Mr. Knight on Tuesday and Wednesday and by Mr. Bradfield on Wednesday. Attendance improved during week. Still, however, a great many away owing to illness. Last quarter in registers I began today. Half time papers were granted to Kate Baker, Lois and Naomi Tye and Lucy A. Wright. Attendance very poor today owing to severe weather. I was absent from Tuesday afternoon last week till the end of this week through ill health. Average last week 191.8. P.O. Savings Bank begun on Monday February 8^th 1892. Elizabeth Cox in Standard III came in at 2.23. She had it seems come to school at 5 minutes to 2 and had taken her little sister into the Infant Room. Miss Clifton sent her a message and she did not arrive here till 2.23 so I sent her home again. Of course she ought not to have been sent any message.

Visit paid today by Messrs. Knight and Bradfield. Annie Ladds has been away all week through ill health. Carrie Clarke has taken her class more or less. Domestic Economy lesson on “Potatoes” taken with Standards I & II and on “Washing” with Standard III. Attendance poor this morning owing to severe weather. 202 present this afternoon. Average attendance for week 180.5

Part of order arrived from Mr. Bush’s (Needlework). Specimens taken this afternoon.

Number improved this morning 205 present. Money taken for bank = 18/4. Several girls in Standard V were put down in Standard IV as they were not really capable of understanding Standard V work – they are all half timers

Visit paid on Thursday by Mr. Knight .C.S.B. Average attendance for week 189.6 Piano tuned today at dinnertime. Domestic Economy lessons taken by Standard I & II during week “Grain and Condiments”. Standard III “Washing materials.” IV & 1^st class ordinary lessons. Visit paid on Friday by Messrs. Knight and Bradfield.

New girl admitted from National School. Very backward in her work. Attendance improved. Attendance poor on Tuesday owing to severe morning. I took Standard I this morning as the 1^st class attendance was poor. All the work is progressing favourably. Standard II have improved very much in their work and Standard I work hard.

Average attendance for week 191.8. The afternoon attendance this week was much better than the morning, there being 210 present on Wednesday afternoon and 211 present on Thursday. Margaret Neal takes the 1^st division in Standard I now in the big room. Of course I superintend her. The other classes are progressing favourably. I examined Standard I & II this week. Standard I show a decided improvement but Standard II Arithmetic was poor although the dictation was good. There are still a great many backward children in Standard I.

New girl (Sarah Campion) admitted from National School. I find her very backward in her work indeed. She says she is in Standard 3 but she is not fit for anything higher than Standard I (if for that). No. present this morning 211. Transcription taken in 1^st class this morning instead of copy books.

Maggie Ellis was marked left yesterday on the understanding that she was attending another school, but I found out that it was an error, so continued marking her as usual. Domestic Economy lesson on “Bread” given to 1^st class. Standard I is a very large class now and at present it is almost impossible to work with it. There were 74 present in it this morning. “Meat (Beef etc.)” was taken with Standard I & II this week as their domestic Economy lesson in the upper standards. Standard III took “Soap & Soda.” Specimens taken throughout on Friday afternoon. Visit paid on Wednesday by Mr. Knight. Attendance good throughout the week during the morning but not quite so good in the afternoons. Standard II are improving in their work. Visit paid on Monday by Mr. G. Bayes, attendance officer. Average attendance for week 199.6. No. present at all 254. no on registers 277

School visited during the week by Mr. Knight. Still great many children in Standard I who never come to school. This afternoon for example there were 65 present out of 88 – although the other classes have attended well. The attendance for the afternoon during the week being 217, 223, 218, 223, 212. Average attendance for the week 205.5. Owing to the severe weather on Monday morning there were only 175 present. I have made a fresh division of Standard II. The bright children are in one class and the duller in another. Standard I is the greatest drag. Margaret Neal takes the 1^st division, only she is very little use, for unless the children are continually watched they are apt to get careless with their work. Specimens taken throughout the school this afternoon. Domestic Economy lessons taken by Standard I & II this week. “Animal Food, Salt & Milk.” Standard III “Washing Materials” e.g. Soda and soap and the usual lessons in Standard 4 & 1^st class. Order sent to Messrs. Marshall & Co on Wednesday and Mr. Bush was asked to make a screen for the door and one for the classroom. Kate Compton in Standard II has been away now for about 26 weeks so it is quite useless to think of her being examined in Standard II. New song taken by Standard I & II. “Little Sister’s gone to Sleep” & by Upper Standards “The Huntsman”. 1^st class have been reading out of “Little Nell” this week, it being an unseen reader.

Attendance during the day morning 212, afternoon 202. Standard III took a new recitation “The Mill of St. Keyne” this afternoon. Visit paid this morning by Mr. Knight. No. present in Standard I today morning 75, afternoon 77.

Visit paid by Messrs Knight, Denton and Colson, Bradfield and Spencer, Members of the Board.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight who checked the registers. Average attendance for week is 213.5 no. present at all 260. no on registers 275

School visited by Mr. Knight on Thursday and by Mr. Bradfield on Wednesday. Order arrived from Messrs J. Marshall & Co. on Friday 25^th. No. present in the afternoons during the week 226,230,220,232,227. Average for week 216.8. No. present at all 264. No. on registers 275. Kate Compton returned this week after an absence of nearly six months and as she is very far behind and very delicate, I put her down in Standard I. three other girls were also put down, as they did not know even Standard I work. The work throughout the school is progressing favourably with their work. I examined Standard II during the week and there was a decided improvement in the work, the writing especially being very carefully done.

Attendance good especially during the mornings of this week, the average attendance for the mornings being 227. On Tuesday morning there were 234 present. Annie Ladds had leave of absence during the week as her examination is on Saturday. L. Sargent took class 4, C. Clarke had Standard II. Standard I worked in the large room this week while Standard II had the classroom. School visited on Monday by Mr. Knight. Specimens taken on Friday afternoon. C. Berry in Standard V has been marked off the registers this week owing to her decease. Average attendance for the week is 216.5 No. present at all 265. No. on registers 275. One girl admitted in Standard I during the week.

Closed today for 3 days holiday on Good Friday, Easter Monday and Tuesday. Average attendance for week is 215.3. No. present on Tuesday afternoon 236. Poor attendance on Wednesday Morning owing to severe weather.

Re-opened today. Attendance rather poor. Examined Standard III in the afternoon and Standard IV on Thursday. The dictation of Standard III was fair and the Arithmetic was quite fair. Standard IV work was on the whole good. Examined 1^st class today. Work very fairly done. Good progress is made in Standard II with the work and Standard I show a decided improvement. Average attendance for week 201.5 No. present at all 207. No. on register 277. New girl admitted in Standard I.

Visit paid by Mr. G. Bayes, attendance officer and by Mr. A. Cave member of the Board. No. present morning 205, afternoon 226. New girl admitted in Standard II. She says she passed Standard II in Finedon, but she has never seen a sum in multiplication or division before, so I set a girl to teach her multiplication today. Examined Standard I this morning – the work was well done. The grammar this afternoon however was not as good. They require more practise in it.

Examined Standard II & III today. Standard I work was very good indeed, especially the Arithmetic & the writing was very nice. The grammar was also good. Standard III work was not quite so good. The arithmetic was an improvement on last time but the dictation was rather carelessly done especially by girls who have either come from a private school or another school during the year. The grammar was fair. Average attendance for week 216.9

Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Remainder of order arrived from Marshall’s. A new girl admitted in Standard I

Notice of Inspection received. Average attendance for week 219.8. No. present at all 269. No. on register 278. Visit paid on Thursday by Mr. G. Bayes.

New register and attendance sheets for year commenced this week. Domestic Economy lessons taken as usual.

Examined Standard I & II. The work was well done, especially in the Standard II. In Standard I several girls who could not write at all several weeks since, are now able to make a fair attempt at any rate. All the exam sewing and knitting of both teachers and scholars is finished. Visit paid on Friday afternoon by Mr. Colson, member of the Board. Average for week 212.2. The attendance on two half days was not quite so good as that last week.

Visit paid by Messrs. Knight and Denton, members of the Board. Miss Cowling absent this week through ill health. I have taken the class the greater part of the time n addition to my own, as the other teachers have all sufficient work to do as it is – each having their own class to attend to.

Miss Cowling returned today.

Average attendance for week 225.7

Visit paid by Mr. Colson, member of the Board in the morning and in the afternoon by Mr. Spencer, member of the Board.

Visit paid by Mr. Bradfield.

School exam held today by Mr. Vernon.

Annual inspection by Mr. Cartwright.

Recitations for Year Ending April 30^th 1892

Standard I “The Little Sunbeam”

                 “Piccola”

Standard II “Nellie’s Shilling.”

                   “Jack’s Menagerie.”

Standard III “Alice Brand” (Lady of the Lake)

                   “The Well of St. Keyne”

Standard IV “Curfew must not ring tonight.”

                   “Norman Baron”

Standard V “King John p53 to p56”

Standard VI “King John p62 to p67.

Songs year ending 30/4/1892

Standards I & II “Catch the Sunshine”

                           “If I were a Sunbeam”

                           “ Mister Nobody”

                           “Little Sister’s Gone to Sleep.”

                           “Wildwood Flowers.”

Standards III,IV,V & VI

                            “The Harp that once”

                            “Now pray we for the Country”

                            “Foresters Sound the Cheerful Horn.”

                            “Home Sweet Home.”

                            “Hearts and Homes.”

                            “Kiss the Mother, Kiss Your Deity”

                            “The Sailor’s Grave”

                            “Autumn Winds”

                            “Laugh and Grow Fat.”

The three Candidates and two P.T’s take for their recitations “As you Like It.”

School visited by Mr. Cartwright, H.M. Inspector and examined on 25^th & 26^th by Mr. Varnon, Assistant Inspector. Average attendance for week 243. No. present at all 263 – on registers 278.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight, chairman of the Board.

Duplicate schedules arrived today, but as several girls had to go to Higham to finish their exam for Half Time Certificates. I sent them again to Mr. Varnon and they have not yet been returned.

Recitations for Year Ending April 30^th 1893

Standard I,II & III A Chieftain’s Daughter (Lady of Lake)

Standard IV, V & VI Virginia.

Report received today for Evening School.

28 children were sent in from the Infant School on Monday May 30^th and 13 from Moor Road Infants. Visit pad on Thursday by  Mr. Knight. Average attendance for week 215. No. present at all 287, no. on registers 322. A great many girls have been absent all week as they came all the time during exam week. Closed today for Whitsuntide holidays (the week)

Re-opened today after a week’s holiday. No. present in the morning 220. Schedules received today. Certificates have been given to the girls who passed half-time and full time. All the half timers passed with the exception of B. Darnell who failed in Arithmetic. Visit paid by Mr. Knight.

Margaret Neal absent through illness. No. present on Tuesday 237 – 239. A good number of girls have brought their exam sewing for next year.

Margaret Neal still absent. Average attendance for week is 229.3. No. present at all 289. No. on registers 323. A great many girls have stayed away for the last fortnight and some of them have gone full time, although they are not yet 13 years of age. C. Leach, E. Whitmee, J. Crool have all gone full time , as they are now 13. Exam sewing begun throughout the school.

Margaret Neal still absent. Two new girls admitted, one in Standard I & one in Standard II. Holiday this afternoon on account of a tea being held in the neighbourhood.

22 certificates received from the united Kingdom Band of Hope for excellence in reporting a lecture delivered by Mr. Finnemore in December. All the girls who went in got one.

Order received from Messrs J. Marshall & Co. 1^st year P.T.’s all begun their lessons. Most of the girls in school have begun their examination sewing. The work in school is progressing very favourably. Miss cowling is still studying for scholarship which takes place on Wednesday July 6^th and on Thursday and Friday (7^th & 8th) Nearly all the girls who passed for half time exemption have gone half time now.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight who distributed the certificates gained by the girls in  February.

Average attendance for week 222.4. No. present at all 289. No. on registers 327. There were only 163 present on Thursday morning, so that made the average attendance smaller than it otherwise would have been.

No. present 230. Visit paid by Mr. Knight. Holiday given in the afternoon on account of a school treat being held in the neighbourhood.

Standard V are working compound practice and Standard VI S. Interest. The work throughout is progressing very favourably. Standard II is much too large for two candidates, there being usually between 80 & 90 in the class. No. present at all for week 2065 No. of times school has been open – 9. Average for week 229.4

Holiday today on account of Band of Hope trip to Yarmouth.

Numbers poor owing to severe weather. Miss Cowling absent this week as she is sitting the scholarship at Bedford.

Gave Standard II an arithmetic lesson while L. Sargent & C. Clarke took 1^st class for Composition.

First lesson in Bills of Parcels taken with Standard V. Essay on Birds taken on blackboard with both V & VI. Nearly all the girls are doing examination sewing. Visit paid on Thursday 7^th by Mr. Bayes. Attendance Officer. Kate Meadows had gone full time before she was 13 years of age, so I told Mr. Bayes she was to come to school. Amy Sugars is 13 years of age but she failed in two subjects in Standard IV. She must therefore come to school until she is 14 years of age. No. present at all during week = 1756. No. of times school was open = 8. Average attendance for week = 219.5

Two new girls in Standard IV and one re-admission.

Holiday given in the afternoon on account of a school treat being held in the neighbourhood. Miss Cowling returned to her duties this morning.

New girl admitted from National School in Standard III

Holiday given today as the school were required for the General Election.

Standard V are now working Bills of Parcels. The work throughout the school is progressing very favourably. Several girls have gone full time in Standard 6 & 7. No. of times school has been open = 7. No present at all 293. No. on registers 318. Average attendance for week 225.5

New girl admitted in Standard VI from National School – Emily Bates. Attendance very fair. Mabel Meadows Standard II & Nellie Checkerfield were both sent to me for cheating in their classes.

School report received today.

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. John Spencer.

Visit paid by Mr. Knight and on the 26^th by Mr. Spencer, members of the Board.

Closed for Midsummer holidays for four weeks.

Recitations for year ending April 30^th 1893

Standards V, VI, VII “Queen Katherine.”

Standard IV              “Virginius.”

Standard III              “Death of Marmion.”

Standard II               “Edinburgh after Flodden.”

Standard I                “A fight with a wolf.”

Copy of Report for Year Ending April 30^th 1892.

Average attendance                187.1

Added under article 12(b)        13.1

Average attendance on which grant is payable 200.

Article 101 (g) Cookery

45 passed @ 4/- each         £9 – 0 -0

Total grant £205 & £9 Cookery = £214.

Reduction under art. 107 = £45-1-0

Fee grant 1^st instalment   = £53-12-6

Fee grant 2^nd instalment  = £53-12-6

Fee grant final instalment = £70-15-0

Total                             = £178-0-0

The order is good and the school continues to be successfully conducted. The girls read and write very nicely, but their answering is indistinct. Arithmetic is fairly good except in the sixth standard. English is satisfactory considering the large number of Half-timers. Domestic Economy is fair. Singing, Drill and Needlework are good. All the desks in the same group should be of equal length. Musical drill is good.

Annie Ladds Geography, History, Needlework at Examination, music and Knowledge of Method.

 Margaret Neal – Failure. If the Board desire it, my Lords will  

recognise Neal under Article 33.

Louisa Sargent and Carrie Clarke – passed.

Signed James Heygate Clerk of the Board.

School staff at commencement of Year

Head Teacher            S.J. Clarke.

Certified Assistant     J. Jaques.

Ex. Pupil Teacher      Miss Wright

                              A.M. Cowling.

Pupil teacher 4^th year A.Ladds

Pupil teacher 1^st year L. Sargent

Pupil teacher 1^st year C. Clarke.

Pupil teacher candidate M. Clipson.

Signed James Heygate.