School re-opened after the Easter Holidays. Staff all present. No. on roll = 314. no. present = 296

Mrs. Levy returned home soon after school had begun. She complained of violent neuralgia of ears and teeth.

Owing to heavy rains each day this week it has been impossible to take the Gardening Lesson at the School Gardens. This is unfortunate as the  planting will be delayed and a successful season made more uncertain than usual.

At playtime this afternoon May Chamberlain accidentally fell and sustained a fracture of the left fore-arm. The accident was witnesses by Mr. Morris who states it was perfectly unavoidable.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school mangers, visited the school in the afternoon session.

Empire Day was celebrated in this school in a manner similar to that of former years.

Received this morning notice of the candidates from this school who have done sufficiently well in the Annual Schools Examination to require further consideration:- viz. Dorothy Downing, Ella Guest, Geoffrey Morris, John Pearson, Victor Reynolds & Enid Shipman.

Miss Gadsby absent from duties, attending sick bed of aged father.

School closed at non today for the Whitsuntide Holiday – Friday June 6^th to Monday June 16^th.

School re-opened after Whitsuntide Holiday. Staff all present. No. of children present = 297. no on roll= 313.

Mr. T. Millican H.M.I. paid an official visit and inspected the work of the various classes throughout the school during the day.

The school will be closed tomorrow, Friday 20^th June for the children’s visit to the Wembley Exhibition. 70 children accompanied by the Head Teacher and the whole of the staff (excepting Miss Gadsby) are making the journey.

It should be recorded that the excursion to the Wembley Exhibition was an unqualified success. The arrangements worked excellently and the children’s behaviour was exemplary.

Received notice that the following Free Places have been offered to children attending this school.

Ella Guest – Northampton high School

Enid Shipman – County High School, Wellingborough

Dorothy Downing – County High School, Wellingborough.

Jack Pearson – Kettering Grammar School

Victor Reynolds – Kettering Grammar School.

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. paid an official visit to the school and examined the work in the various classes.

Commenced examining the Reading and Recitation throughout the school

Mr. W. Abbott, physical culture demonstrator, visited the school and gave the several classes instruction in Physical Culture.

Gave an examination test to the whole school in Dictation, Handwriting and Composition.

A slight accident happened in the recreation interval in the afternoon session. Teddy Boyd was struck on the forehead with a bat and a bad cut resulted which needed one stitch to close the wound. Mr. Huke was supervising the playground at the time.

Mr. B. Vorley and Mr. E. Freeman, school managers, together with Mr. R. Lewis of Rhondda visited the school in the afternoon session.

Received notice that Geoffrey Morris had been awarded a Free Place at the Kettering Grammar School. The number of children who gained the promotion mark was 19. (27 took the examination.)

Gave the whole school an examination test in Arithmetic this morning.

School closed for the combined Sunday Schools’ Treat.

School re-opened the attendance being slightly affected by yesterday’s proceedings.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school in the afternoon.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Midsummer Vacation. Thursday 31^st Jul7 to Monday 1^st September.

School re-opened after the Midsummer Holidays. Mr. Eric S Waller, B.Sc, A.R.C.S. commenced duties today as a Certified Teacher in charge of Standard Ex. VII.

During the holidays 34 children left school. 25 boys and 9 girls. Of the girls 4 are going to a Secondary School and 5 are commencing work. Of the boys 5 are going to Kettering Grammar School, 19 are beginning work and one has removed to Glasgow. There are being admitted from the Infants’ Department – 16 boys and 13 girls.

There are now on roll 30 children, 152 girls and 158 boys. No. present at the opening of school 290 – 142 girls and 148 boys. Staff are all present.

The organisation of the school for Educational Year 1924 -5 is as follows.

The school is still in the hands of the workmen. The classrooms are habitable but the Hall is perfectly untenable. School Assembly is therefore impossible at present and evening class organisation is extremely difficult.

Lily Pendered has been awarded a British Legion Scholarship which brings the total children going to a secondary school up to 13.

Stock for the Autumn Term arrived today.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of school managers, visited the school.

Registers checked and quite correct. B. Vorley.

Mabel Josephine Mitchell commenced duties as a pupil teacher. The appointment dates from the 1^st August 1924

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the usual Rushden Feast Holiday – Monday and Tuesday September 22^nd and 23^rd.

School re-opened today after the Feast Holiday.

The school nurse commenced an inspection of the children this morning. May Chamberlain has been awarded a free place at the Northampton High School.

School opened at 1.30pm to enable the children to leave earlier and visit “The Theatre” where the film “The Great White Silence” is being exhibited.

Registers checked and correct. B. Vorley.

Mr. E. Huke absent from school duties owing to an attack of influenza.

School closed for the day owing to the building being used as a Polling Station for Rushden in connection with the General Election.

School re-opened after the General Election of yesterday.

Mr. E.J. Huke resumed school duties this afternoon after a fortnight’s absence due to influenza. Enid, Helma, and Joan Cox have returned to London. Their departure is regretted by the staff, because of their good influence on the other children. Armistice Day was observed in the customary manner.

Commenced the examination of the school in reading and recitation.

There has been a continual decrease in attendance during the past fortnight due to illness of which “mumps” is the characteristic complaint. The average attendance was 269.7 with 305 on the roll.

Examined the whole of the children in school in composition, dictation and handwriting.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer, visited the school.

Examined the children in arithmetic today.

Examination of the school completed.

Messrs. Fred Corby & W.B. Sanders school managers, visited the school

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. called in the school soon after 9a.m. and spent a short time prior to leaving for Stanwick Council School.

In the evening the annual Christmas Concert was given in the hall, commencing at 6.30pm. The attendance was not so good as in former years, owing to the many other attractions taking place in the town. An excellent performance of the operetta “A Christmas Carol” (Chas. Dickens) was produced. The children did their work exceedingly well, Robert Bugby as Scrooge deserving special mention.

Mr. Freeman, acting chairman of the mangers, complimented all who had taken part in the performance and Mr. Chas. Claridge, school manager added his testimony.

After the first lesson on Friday morning the children were assembled in the hall and the performance of the previous evening was repeated. The children greatly appreciated their school fellows’ performance. After the performance medals were presented to Ernest Tew for 6 years perfect attendance, Wm. Scroxton for 5 years and Ernest King for 4 years perfect attendance.

The children were given Christmas presents and then dismissed for the Christmas Vacation, from Friday Dec. 19^th 1924 to Monday January 5^th 1925.

School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays. Staff all present. No. of children present 276. No. on roll – 308 Admitted 17 children from the Infant Department.

Stock for the Easter term arrived today.

One of the twin boilers of the heating apparatus sprung a leak today. Telephoned news to the County Education Office, Northampton and instructed the caretaker how to preserve the heat in the school.

School opened today although it has been necessary to suspend the working apparatus for heating the school.

School opened today. The heating apparatus is being worked on one boiler. This is certainly an improvement on Friday but the temperature is low and adverse to good work ,especially in two of the rooms, which derive no benefit from this particular boiler.

The heating apparatus us still being repaired, but the weather being mild, the conditions in school have been moderately satisfactory. The attendance however is poor, the average for the week ending 16^th January being only 259.2 with 309 on the roll.

The attendance shows no improvement this morning. Mr. Mantle, the clerk and attendance officer visited the school and reported that various illnesses fully accounted for the bad attendance. The defective heating of the school is responsible for one or two children being absent.

School was resumed a quarter of an hour earlier this afternoon in order to admit of an entertainment being given to the children after 4.15pm by Mr. S. Welsford.

The arrangement was made to counteract the attraction of a pantomime matinee at the Palace Theatre, which seriously threatened the school attendance.

The attendance this week is lower than ever. The average for the week ending 23^rd Jan is 256.3

Mr. W.F. Beison of the Vernon Terrace School, Northampton, spent the afternoon session observing the work in the school

The attendance this week shows a further decline. It is due to illness of varying character and all cases have been verified as carefully as possible. The work is being seriously certified in consequence. Average attendance during January 257.7

Mrs. Levy absent this morning due to a heart attack. Mrs. Levy resumed duties in the afternoon.

A school photographer (Messrs. Goatley & Brighton) photographed the children in their rooms between 9 & 9.30 this morning.

The attendance has steadily decreased, the cause being illness due to influenza. There were 25% of the children absent on the average throughout the week. Average attendance for week ending 6^th February 240.6, the number on roll being 309.

This continued bad attendance is having a marked effect upon the progress of the work in school.

The weather during the weekend has been bright and life-giving and it was confidently expected that there would be a corresponding improvement in school attendance. This hope, however, proved a delusion for unfortunately the week opened with a lower attendance than ever.

Average attendance for week ending 13^th February 240.3 giving a percentage of 77.7

A slight improvement in attendance has occurred, the average for the week ending 220^th February being 246.6

Mss N.L. Groome absent from school duties owing  to a severe influenza cold.

Miss N.L. Groome resumed school duties this morning after two days absence.

The attendance has again shown a slight improvement. The percentage attendance was over 80% for the first time since the middle of January.

It is with great regret that the fatal accident to Brenda Mary Chettle is recorded. She was knocked down by a motor car at the corner of High Street and Church Parade the previous evening just before 6pm. Death was practically instantaneous.

Average attendance for the week is 256.3, no. on roll =310

Gave all the classes  tests in dictation, composition and handwriting.

Average attendance for the week 253.6, no. on roll =309 This is a slight decline on last week’s attendance.

Received notice that the Medical Inspection is to take place on March 20^th, 24^th & 27^th.

Medical Inspection of school children commenced this morning at 11.30am

Medical Inspection continued throughout the day. Mr. B.Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school in the afternoon session. Mr. Vorley had just returned from a visit to the Bermudas. (November to March.)

The Annual Schools Examination is being held today. Mr. Perkins of the Newton Road School is taking charge at this school and Mr. Rial, the headmaster of Alfred School will be in charge of the Newton Road School. The number of children attending Alfred Street School examined this morning was 35 :- 18 boys and 13 girls.

Evelyn Hincks, Dorothy Lee, & Audrey Sayer were absent from the examination due to illness.

The gardening class attended a special demonstration of the grafting of fruit trees by Mr. C.F. Lawrence & Mr. Wyles at the school garden from 11am to 12pm

The Medical Inspection was resumed this morning after an interval of two days. The boys’ attendance reached 91.1 percent this week. This is the first time the percentage has reached 90% or more since the Christmas Holiday. The girls’ attendance unfortunately showed a decrease.

The Medical Inspection was continued today. Medical inspection completed at the end of the afternoon session. 70 boys & 34 girls have been examined. The cards were forwarded to County Education Offices immediately after school.

Number of attendances for the year 115901. Number of times open 424. Average attendance 273. 15 children left school yesterday: 8 boys and 7 girls. Examined the school in written arithmetic.

Stock for the Midsummer Term arrived this afternoon. Mr. Vorley paid a short visit to the school. Made arrangements with Mr. Arthur Mantle, clerk and attendance officer, for certain work to be done during his enforced absence in the Bedford Hospital.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Easter Holiday Wednesday 8^th April to Monday 20^th April.

School re-opened after the Easter Holidays. Staff all present. Gertrude A. Skellham is beginning today a probationary period of work in this school to qualify for acceptance as a suitable candidate for the teaching profession.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school in the afternoon session.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer visited the school in the afternoon session.

The School Dentist Mr. L.F. Godfrey L.D.S. visited the school today and examined the teeth of over 90 girls.

Mr. A. Cameron, assistant secretary L.E.A. visited the school in the morning session and enquired into the fitness and qualifications of Gertrude A. Skellham, candidate for the teaching profession. Gertrude Skellham ceased her teaching trial here today.

Forwarded to Education Officer report on candidate Gertrude Skellham.

Attendance has been poor again this week. It is due to an outbreak of measles and the doctors are recommending the older children to stay away from school when their younger brothers and sisters are affected. Average attendance this week 252.5 no on roll = 293

The school dentist visited the school and examined the teeth of the boys who had been notified. The attendance during the day was, as usual, seriously affected by the Church Services in connection with Ascension Day. Moreover the children are instructed by the clergy to keep the whole day a holiday.

Empire Day was celebrated in school today, the lessons all being correlated with the subject of Empire. In the afternoon the children were assembles in the Hall and the Head Teacher addresses them on the “Ideas of Empire”. Mr. Vorley, chairman of the school managers also gave an interesting address on his recent visit to the Bermudas. The proceedings were interspersed with the singing of Empire Songs. The children in conclusion saluted the Union Jack which had been flying during the day and sang the National Anthem.

Report of celebration of Empire Day forwarded to County Education Offices, Northampton. The school dentist is today attending to the teeth of the girls whose parents have decided to use the school clinic for that purpose.

Mr. Arthur Mantle, clerk and attendance officer visited the school, after a prolonged absence due to spinal and leg trouble.

School closed at noon today for the Whitsuntide Holiday Friday 29^th May to Monday 8^th June. The Head Teacher left early to attend the Cardiff Conference of the National Association of Head Teachers.

School closed today by order of the Medical Officer (Dr. Murrissett) in order that the promises may receive further disinfecting treatment, consequent upon one of the scholars, falling ill with smallpox, within a day or two of being present at school. Kathleen Lincoln is the name of the scholar. She is in Standard IV and must have made many contracts there, also during the sewing lesson in Standard II room.

School re-opened today with an attendance of 246 no on the roll = 293

The attendance is considerably affected by the smallpox scare, by vaccination effects and by the measles.

Miss Gadsby is absent from school duties having sprained her ankle on her way to school yesterday morning.

Mr. F. Thorpe of the Wellingborough Technical School visited the school this afternoon and conferred with Mr. E. Waller and Mr. E. Brightwell on the teaching of Science in their respective classes.

Dr. Murrissett, the medical officer of health, visited the school and carefully inspected the children on Standards Iv, & V as the children in these classes had been in contact with Kathleen Lincoln, who developed smallpox within a day or two of attending school.

Mr. F.S. Piper, sanitary inspector, also visited the school during the morning session. Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school in the afternoon.

The school dentist treated the children’s teeth who had previously been notified.

School was closed on Friday 9^th June on account of an excursion to the Wembley exhibition. 135 children and 7 teachers made the visit to Wembley.

Miss C.H. Gadsby resumed duties today after a fortnight’s absence due to a sprained ankle. Miss N.L. Groome absent from school duty owing to having sprained her ankle on Saturday last.

Mr. W. Hands, H.M.I., Mr. J.L. Holland Sec. L.E.A. and Mr. A. Allebone of the County Education Committee visited the school in the afternoon session in connection with the arrangements for the establishment of a Central School

All the certificated teachers on the staff of this school received notices to apply for positions in the Central School, if they so desired.

Miss N.L. Groome resumed duties this morning after a fortnight’s absence due to a sprained ankle. Examined the whole school in composition, dictation and hand writing.

In the afternoon the head teacher attended a conference of all the head teachers in Rushden and Higham Ferrers (Mixed depts.) with Mr. A. Cameron, assistant secretary L.E.A. on the organisation of the school in consequence of the establishment of a central school at the North End School Rushden.

The schools will be closed tomorrow Thursday 16h July for the children to attend the united Sunday Schools’ Treat. Children 13+ examined in English and Arithmetic.

School re-opened after the holiday for the Sunday Schools Treat yesterday. In the afternoon the Head Teacher was absent attending the opening ceremony of the Exhibition of School Pictures in the Park Street Schools , Wellingborough.

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. inspected the school work today. In the afternoon an oral examination of the children 13+ from all the Rushden schools and Higham Ferrers took place at this school. The examining board consisted of all the Head Teachers and Mr. A.Cameron, assistant secretary L.E.A. The Oral Examination was to conclude the selection of suitable candidates for the Intermediate School.

Miss Dunn H.M.I. visited the school and inspected the subjects of English, needlework and singing  in particular.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Midsummer Vacation – 31^st July to the 31^st August, both dates inclusive.

School re-opened this morning after the Midsummer Holidays. Mr. Harold Hales C.T. and Miss Doris Drage Ex. P.T. form the North End School and Miss Marion Mears C.T. from the Newton Road School commenced duties here today.

Mr. Eric S. Waller ceased duties here from today. He has been transferred to the Rushden Intermediate School.

Before the holidays there were 292 children on the roll. Of these children 50 have been transferred to the Rushden Intermediate School, 21 have been transferred to Rushden Newton Road School, 11 have been transferred to Rushden South End School and 22 children have left school to commence work. The number of children therefore remaining on roll is 188. three other children left the neighbourhood reducing the number to 185.

There are now being admitted 169 children form the Rushden North End School, 29 children from the Rushden Alfred Street Infants School, 27 children from the Rushden Moor Road Infants school and 2 new admissions. There are therefore, now 412 children on roll, 217 of these are girls and 195 boys.

These children have been organised in nine classes according to attainments. A classroom belonging to the Infants’ Dept. has been added to this department making nine classrooms altogether. The organisation of the school is as follows:-

Organisation of School for Educational Year 1925-6

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school and made enquiries into the new arrangements.

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I., visited the school in the afternoon and enquired into the new organisation.

Mr. Prothero, chief school attendance officer, visited the school. The school dentist attended to several children today.

Mr. Vorley paid a visit to the school in the afternoon session.

Copy of H.M. Inspectors’ Report.

Inspected on 22^nd and 27^th July 1925

Mixed Department.

In almost every direction in which industry , precision and care can operate this school is doing satisfactory work and its general condition is on the whole very creditable to the energetic Head Master and his loyal and conscientious staff.

The favourable comments made in the last report for the most part still hold good and the points of criticism have all in varying degree received consideration.

The detail and exactness which characterise the teaching tend, in some instances, to obscure broader issues; thus, for example, in History, while separate facts are know, sense of time or perspective is not strong; some of the English lessons by being too explanatory are not as useful as they might be to the children; also it was noted that many of the younger children write more spontaneously than the older ones; and, in Music, while the technical work is good and sound, the rendering of both junior and Senior songs is somewhat mechanic in effect.

Arithmetic is, on the whole, well taught and the results of the tests set during inspection show that the teaching has been satisfactorily assimilated. Opportunities are given in Standard VIII for advanced work in which the  majority of the scholars show commendable proficiency; it would be well, however, if the Arithmetic in this class could be made as practical as possible and brought into closer connection with matters of everyday life.

The remarks made in the report of October 1922 concerning the work done in Elementary Science still largely apply and it is hoped that greater facilities for individual experimental work will be provided in the near future.

Needlework in the top class is very good, but it is somewhat surprising that in a school so up-to-date in methods and procedure a more satisfactory connection has not been set up between the Junior work and the preparatory Needlework done in Standard I of the contributory school.

Signed Benjamin Vorley. Chairman of School Managers.

Date 14^th September 1925

Gertrude Alice Skellham, Gordon Waller, Walter Chettle and Dennis Pettit commenced duties here this morning as pupil teachers. Their appointment dates back to August 1^st.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the usual Feast Holiday, Monday and Tuesday Sept 21^st and Sept 22^nd.

School re-opened after the Feast Holiday today.

Mr. A.W. Morris met with a serious motor accident this dinner time. He has sustained a severe fracture of the thigh and has been taken to the Northampton Hospital.

Mr. Vorley visited the school and enquired into the nature of the accident. The school nurse made a routine inspection of the girls today.

Miss Ada Kathleen Margaret Olney commenced duties here today as a temporary uncertified teacher during the absence of Mr. Morris.

Visited the school. Examined the registers and found them correct. Much enjoyed some excellent singing. Percy Robson. Manager.

The school was dismissed a few minutes earlier and a staff conference took place. Problems in organisation and difficulties experienced in class teaching were dealt with. Dennis Pettit ill today.

The Head Teacher was absent from school today attending a Conference at Leicester in connection with the savings Association.

Dennis Pettitt P.T. has entered the Northampton General Hospital for an operation upon his foot 19^th October.

Mr. Huke absent from school in the afternoon session.

Mr. Huke resumed duties this morning after an absence of two days. Today being Remembrance Day the head teacher gave an address on the same to the school. The two minutes silence was duly observed at 11am

Mr. W. Hands H.M.I. and Mr. L. Holland paid a short visit to the school in the morning session and made enquiries in respect to organisation with special reference to the practical subjects; Manual Instruction and Domestic Science.

Mr. F.J. Thorpe of the Wellingborough Technical Institute visited the school in the afternoon session and conferred with the Head Teacher on the teaching of Nature Study and Elementary Science.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer, visited the school this afternoon.

 Mrs. Levy absent in the afternoon.

Mr. W. Abbott, physical culture instructor visited the school and conferred with the Head Teacher upon the prospects of teaching swimming in the near future. Mr. Prothero also visited the school in the afternoon session.

The School Dentist, Mr. T. Godfrey, is attending to several children’s teeth today.

Mrs. Levy absent from school in the afternoon

Mrs. Levy resumed duties this morning.

Mrs. Levy absent from school on account of personal illness.

Mr. F. Wheeler gave an address on the League of Nations to Classes 1 and 2 from 10am to 10.30am. He was accompanied by Mr. B. Vorley, Miss Butterworth and Mr. Horace Wright.

Mrs. Levy attended school in the afternoon after a week’s absence.

Mrs. Levy absent this morning. She came to school in the afternoon. Messrs. F. Corby and W.B. Sanders visited the school this afternoon.

Mrs. Levy again absent this morning but came in the afternoon.

Mrs. Levy’s attendance today similar to yesterday

Mrs. Levy repeated yesterday’s absence.

Mrs. Levy absent this morning but attended in the afternoon.

Mrs. Levy repeated yesterday’s absence.

In the evening the Annual Christmas Concert was given in the Hall at 6.30pm. Notwithstanding the exceptional wintery weather which made walking extremely difficult, there was a good attendance of parents and visitors including the Chairman of the School Managers, Mr. B. Vorley and Mrs. Vorley. The programme was in two parts. The first part included Country Dances, Action Songs, Fairy Play and Flower Dances. The second part of the programme consisted of the cantata “Santa Claus is coming” which was a great success. Peggy Cave as “Nellie” and Vera Tomlin as Lena deserving special mention. Geoffrey Morris, who took Santa Claus part at the shortest notice owing to Percy Taylor falling ill, must be commended for a really creditable display of acting. Mr. Vorley after the concert moved a vote of thanks to the children and the staff for the evening’s entertainment and paid a tribute to the parents who had so carefully dressed the children for their respective parts. The Head Teacher suitably replied.

Mrs. Levy absent in the morning, but came in the afternoon. After the first lesson in the afternoon the children were assembled in the hall and the concert of the previous evening was repeated. The children greatly appreciated the entertainment. After the performance gifts were distributed to the children and then the school was dismissed for the Christmas Vacation. Thursday 24^th December to Monday January 11^th 1926. There were a large number of children attending school for the last time on this occasion as 9 girls and 12 boys are leaving school to begin work. The frost and snow of the past three days has seriously affected the attendance though it has given the traditional outlook to the Christmas season.

W.W. Rial. Head Teacher.

School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays. Staff all present. This included Mr. A.W. Morris who had reported fit for duty after his motor accident. Under the circumstances Miss Ada M. Olney, who also attended, ceased duties forthwith.

No. of children present 365. No on roll 411.

There were 13 children admitted from Moor Road Infants School and 11 children from Alfred St. Infants’ Dept. In addition to the 21 children who left school to begin work and other children left for other reasons viz. Flo Perrott, Lily Taffrey, George King , Don Robinson and  Frank Brett.

Stock for the Spring Term arrived just before the close of the afternoon session.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers, visited the school in the afternoon.

The weather since Wednesday 13^th inst has been very winterly. Today the snowfall has been very heavy. The attendance has been seriously affected in consequence no less than 164 children being absent. There is an epidemic of German Measles spreading which is likely to have a further and prolonged injurious effect upon attendance. Average attendance for the week = 339.6. number on the roll = 411

Mr. Prothero visited the school on Thursday morning.

Mr. Vorley paid a visit to the school in the afternoon session.

Registers checked and quite correct. B. Vorley.

The attendance has been slightly better this week though it still is distressingly low and seriously affects the work of the various classes. Number on roll = 412, Average attendance = 342.7. Percentage = 83.1

Mrs. Levy absent from school duties today. The only notice received was through one of the children, who brought the news that Mrs, Levy was ill.

A slight accident happened to a scholar named Walter Reuben Valentine (aged 8) as he was entering school at 1.55pm this afternoon. The late boys were marching up the parapet steps at the boys’ entrance when Walter Valentine slipped and fell with his chin on the edge of a step. The cut was in an awkward place and in my judgment required a little more than amateur attendance so he was sent in charge of a P.T. to Dr. Murrisett. Mr. Huke was present at the time the accident happened and there appears to be not the slightest blame attached to anyone. Robert White and Ralph Dunmore were immediately behind the boy and they report that the boy missed his footing.

Mr. Prothero visited the school in the afternoon session.

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. called in the school to speak to the Head Teacher for a few minutes upon organisation.

Mrs. Levy resumed duties this morning after an absence of four school days.

Commenced the terminal examination with the testing of Reading and Recitation & Oral subjects.

The attendance showed a slight improvement this week. Average attendance for the week 360.7, no. on the roll = 410. This represents a daily absence of 50 children which is a severe handicap upon progress.

Mr. L. E. A. Prothero, Chief Attendance and Employment Officer visited the school and introduced Mr. S. Panter who is shortly taking over the duties of school attendance officer for Rushden and Wellingborough.

Examined all the classes in the school in Composition, Dictation and Handwriting.

The School Nurse gave a routine examination of the girls in the school.

Mr. B. Vorley paid a visit to the school. The attendance this week shows a decline owing to several children falling ill with the measles. There is one case of a boy who has the measles a second time within a few weeks of the first attack. Average attendance for the week 349.8, no. on roll = 410

School closed in the afternoon (Friday) on account of the visit of Bostock and Wombwell’s Menagerie which was stationed on the unoccupied ground exactly opposite the school on the Alfred Street Front.

The Annual Schools Examination took place this morning. 65 children were entered 63 of whom sat for the examination. Mr. Thos. Allen and Mrs. Reynolds of Rushden Newton Road School were the invigilators at this centre.

Mr. E.J. Huke and Mr. Harold Hales were absent from this school this morning. They were the invigilators at the Rushden Newton Road Centre. Stock for the summer term arrived today.

Completed form ix and forwarded to Education Office, Northampton. Total number of attendances for the year = 136.258. Number of times school opened = 418. Average attendance = 326. 12 children left school today viz. 6 boys and 6 girls. School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Easter Holidays ; Wednesday 31^st March to Monday 12^th April

School re-opened after the Easter Holidays. Staff all present. No. on roll = 401. no. present = 379. Admitted 4 children today, 3 girls and 3 boys. Mr. S. Parker visited the school in company with one of the newly appointed attendance officers and Mr. Vorley.

Thomas E. Bird commenced a probationary period of work in this school to qualify for acceptance as a suitable candidate for a pupil teachership.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school today and looked up several children who were absent from school.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school again today. Mr. B. Vorley visited the school in the afternoon session.

Mr. Panter again visited the school in regard to attendance. Mr. T.C. Millican H.M.I. called in the school for a few minutes to interview Thomas E. Bird, the probationary candidate for pupil teachership.

Dr. Newton and the school nurse are attending at the school this morning to medically examine the children whose routine inspection is due according to the specified age. There was no medical inspection in the afternoon session. The doctor and nurse having engaged in the infants’ department.

The medical inspection was resumed this morning and continued throughout the day.

The medical inspection again occupied the whole of the day (Friday)

T.E. Bird completed this period of probation this afternoon. His report will be forwarded to the L.E.A. Offices, Northampton in due course.

The attendance officer Mr. S. Panter paid a visit to the school today. The medical inspection was resumes and completed today. There have been medically examined 114 children, 32 boys and 62 girls. The parents of these children attended in the majority of cases. The Medical cards were forwarded to the Education Office through Messrs. Lack carriers.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school and visited the homes of the children absent from school for reasons other than illness.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re; attendance.

School closed for the afternoon session today. This was to celebrate the termination of the General Strike. It was also Ascension Day and in the morning a large number of children were absent from school, the Vicar of St, Peters having prevailed upon them to claim exemption under the law.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school again today. At the close of the school the head teacher gave permission to an old and reliable school entertainer to hold an exhibition of conjuring and ventriloquial items. Children were allowed to stay on payment of a penny and upwards of 200 boys and girls were present.

Mr. Panter visited the school during the afternoon session and looked up the children whose absence from school appeared to be casual.

Returned Form M.1.Sp3 to the Education Offices, Northampton.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school this morning. School closed at the end of the morning session for the Whitsuntide Holiday Friday 21^st of May to Monday 31^st May 1926

Empire Day had been celebrated during the morning, special lessons being given on the growth and progress of the British Empire. When the school assembled in the Hall previous to be dismissal for the Holiday, the customary celebration of Empire Day was completed.

School re-assembled this morning after the Whitsuntide Holidays, staff all present. During the holiday Mr. A.W. Morris who has been a member of the staff since 1913 was married. No. on roll =400. no present today = 374

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance.

Mr. J. Thorpe of the Wellingborough Technical Institute visited the school in the afternoon session and conferred with the Head Teacher and members of the staff upon the teaching of Elementary Science.

Mr. T.C. Millican H.M.I. visited the school and spent the morning session inspecting the work of the upper classes.

Mr. Millican again visited the school and remained only until 10.30am. Inspection of the work of standard IIB was undertaken.

The school nurse visited the school and examined the children who needed medical attention as revealed by the routine medical inspection at the beginning of May.

Mr. Millican visited the school and spent the day examining the work done in the various classes.

Commenced an examination of the school in Reading, Recitation and the oral subjects.

Received the result of the U.S.E. this morning. Of those who took the examination 18 have received the promotion mark.

Mr. C.F. Lawrence, horticultural superintendent visited the school gardens this morning. Mr, S. Panter visited the school re-attendance.

This morning the iron band around the large pear tree in the school garden was removed by Mr. Bennett of Station Road.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re- attendance.

Commenced the examination of the whole of the classes in written work viz. Composition, Dictation and penmanship.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school and looked up several children who had been attending irregularly for casual reasons.

Mr. Panter visited the school re-attendances.

School closed today for the United Sunday Schools’ celebration.

Mr. W. Hands, divisional Inspector, Board of Education, visited the school during the morning session. In the afternoon the school was honoured by the visit of Sir Arthur R. de Capell Brooke, Bart. Chairman of the Northants County Council and Mr. J.L. Holland, Secretary of the Northants Local Education Authority.

Miss N.L. Groome is absent from school today owing to an attack of influenza cold. Mr. Vorley visited the school this morning and brought the sad information that Mr. Arthur Mantle had died at 2.30am this day.

Mr. Vorley called again today.

Miss Groome resumed duties this afternoon. School closed this afternoon for the Midsummer Holidays – Thursday 29^th July to Monday 30^th August.

School re-opened today (Monday) after the vacation. The number of children on roll = 403 and the number of children who attended = 390. During the holidays 26 children left school to commence work, 14 girls and 12 boys. There were 18 children to be transferred to the Intermediate School, 9 boys and 9 girls but one girl is going to the Wellingborough County high School (Diane Glassman) and one boy William Duane is removing to London. Nellie Everett (Class 8) and Charles William Reynolds (Class 9) have removed from Rushden. All the staff were present when the school re-opened.

There were 22 children admitted from the Alfred Infants’ Dept. and 27 children from the Moor Road Infants’ School.

Organisation of School for Educational Year 1926-7

Mr. S. Panter visited the school in the afternoon session.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school today,

Messrs. B. Vorley, F. Corby & W.B. Sanders (school managers) paid a visit of inspection to the school. Mr. S. Panter visited the school in regard to school attendance.

Mabel J. Mitchell, Gertrude Skellham and Gordon W. Ette, pupil teachers in this school, have passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination held in July.

Registers checked and correct. B. Vorley.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance.

Mr. Panter visited the school.

School closed after the afternoon session for the customary Feast holiday. Monday & Tuesday 27^th & 28^th September.

School re-opened today after the Feast Holiday.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school in the afternoon.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance. Dennis Pettitt, pupil teacher, has been absent from school since 16^th September owing to a serious attach of pleurisy. He visited the school this afternoon but is still very weak.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance. The Rev. P. Robson visited the school to make enquiries concerning the teaching future of Mabel Mitchell.

Mrs. Levy is absent from school this afternoon due to indisposition.

Mrs. Levy resumed duties today (Monday) Dennis Pettit, pupil teacher, resumed duties after a long illness.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance.

Messrs. Roberts and H. Smith of St. Paul’s School, Northampton paid a visit of inspection to the school.

Miss N.L. Groome absent from school owing to illness.

Miss Groome returned to duty today. Nurse Wood is today making a routine inspection of the children.

Seed potatoes for the garden arrived form the Farm , Moulton, Northampton at the beginning of the week.

Mr. S. Parker visited the school re-attendance.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the school managers visited the school during the morning session.

Registers checked and correct. B. Vorley

Commenced examination of the various classes in English including Reading and Recitation.

Mr. Parker called at the school.

Mr. B Vorley visited the school in the morning session.

Mr. Parker visited the school and dealt with the cases of absent children.

Mr. Parker visited the school today.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school in the afternoon session and gave the children in Class 1 an interesting account of his visit to the Bermudas, which was very much appreciated. Examined the whole school in dictation, composition and Handwriting.

N.B. It has been omitted that Dennis Pettit, second year pupil teacher was transferred from the staff of this school to that of the Finedon Senior School. The transfer was on account of the doctors’ recommendation, the journey from Finedon to Rushden being considered too big a strain upon him after his late illness. The transfer dated from the week commencing November 8^th.

Mr. A.W. Morris was absent in the afternoon undergoing a medical examination by a specialist in Northampton.

Miss Drage will be absent from duties the whole of this week attending the Acting Teacher’s Certificate Examination.

The Head Teacher was absent on this week attending the conference at Derby of the East Midlands Division of the National Savings Association.

Miss Drage resumed duties today. Miss C.H. Gadsby is absent from duty owing to the death of her father.

Mr. Panter visited the school today re-attendance.

Miss Gadsby resumed school duties this morning. Admitted two children this morning, Kate Yorke from Mushkam near Newark and Cyril H. Wood from Kimbolton.

Admitted Ronald Clarkson from Raunds Council School. Miss N.L. Groome absent from school duties in the afternoon, owing to illness.

Mr. S. Parker visited the school re-attendance.

Stock for the ensuing term arrived this afternoon. Mr. S. Panter visited the school.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school re-attendance.

In the evening the Annual Christmas concert was given in the Hall at 6.30pm. There was a large attendance of parents and visitors including Mr. B. Vorley and the Rev. Percy Robson, school managers. The first part of the programme consisted of Country Dances and Carol singing. The second part of the programme consisted of the Cantata “Topsy Turvey Christmas”. Mr. Vorley moved a vote of thanks to the children, parents and teachers for the providing of an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The Head Teacher replied on behalf of the children and staff.

After the first lesson in the afternoon the children were assembled in the hall and the concert of the previous evening was repeated much to the evident delight of the children assembled. After the performance the Head Teacher addressed the children, presented prizes for Physical culture and English and after the usual school closing the children were dismissed for the Christmas Vacation viz. Thursday Dec, 23^rd 1926 to Monday 10^th January 1927.

There were 10 children attending school for the last time, 7 girls and 3 boys leaving to commence work.

School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays today Monday January 10^th at 9am. No. of children present 374. No. on roll = 403. Staff all present with the exception of Mr. A.W. Morris who is now in the Northampton Hospital, having undergone an operation for an internal trouble.

Mr. W. Allen of Wollaston is doing temporary duty during Mr. Morris’ enforced absence. There were admitted 14 children form the Infants’ Department, namely 9 from the Moor Road School and 5 from Alfred Street Infants’ School.

Mr. S. Parker visited the school during the early part of the afternoon.

In addition to the 10 children leaving school to commence work, Jan Horrell and Raymond Robinson are leaving to attend Secondary School.

There are several cases of chicken pox among the younger children causing the elder children to be excluded, otherwise the attendance is very satisfactory.

Mr. S. Parker visited the school re-attendance.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school today.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school and looked into the reasons for the many children’s absences. He found sickness in the homes of practically all the children.

A matinee at the Theatre this afternoon resulted in the meagre attendance of the morning being further depleted by 60 more absentees. The performance at the Palace Theatre was a pantomime “Babes in the Wood”.

Mr. Vorley called today to make enquiries about the effect on school attendance caused by the matinee yesterday.

A snowstorm this morning considerably affected the attendances. This week there has been a phenomenal drop in attendance for whereas last week there was an average of 369 with percentage 76.4 The matinee on Wednesday afternoon and the snowstorm of today are not the main cause of this fall in attendance. Influenza is the cause of this increased number of absentees. This influenza must be of a very infectious type as it has run riot through some classes, for example class 3 has 17 girls out of 29 who have fallen ill with influenza during the present week.

Mr. E.L. Brightwell is absent from duties owing to influenza. The epidemic of influenza has spread rapidly during the weekend. This  morning there are 178 children absent the percentage being 35.8. Mr. Panter visited the school also Mr. Vorley.

The attendance has steadily declined during the week. The percentage figures for each day being as follows:- Mon 55.8%, Tues 53.5%, Wed. 49.7%, Thurs 43.5%, Fri 39.9%

The total number of meetings and attendances for last week have been disregarded in accordance with instructions from the L.E.A. and under schedule iv Rule 23, exception 2.

The attendance is slightly improved today, there being 166 children absent giving a percentage of 58.8

Mr. S. Panter visited the school today, but could do little in the difficult matter of looking up children who have been suffering from influenza. The attendance for the week has not improved so much as was , anticipated. The average attendance for the week is 249.3 with 403 children on roll. The percentage attendance is 61.8

The school dentist commenced a routine inspection of the children’s teeth today. The children being examined are between the ages  7 and 12. Mr. Donald Allen who has been teaching on supply during the past weeks ceased duty here today. He is going to West Haddon Endowed School on Monday.

Mr. A.W. Morris resumed duties this morning. The operation he underwent in the Christmas Holidays appears to have been successful.

Mr. E.L. Brightwell resumed duties this morning, after being away a fortnight due to influenza. Mrs. Levy did not come to school this morning until the recreation interval. Apparently she was indisposed by an illness akin to influenza.

The school dentist commenced a routine inspection of the children’s teeth. Mr. A. Allebone, vice chairman of the Northants County L.E.A. visited the school today in regard to school attendance.

Mr. Morris absent from school duties owing to the death of his sister in Swansea. The school dentist continued his inspection of the children’s teeth. Mr. S. Parker visited the school re-attendance.

Mr. Birkbeck, assistant secretary, County L.E.A. visited the school and made a tour of the classes.

Mr. H.R. Sweeting and Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. spent the day inspecting the work of the classes. After the recreation interval in the afternoon the Inspector’s had  conference with the Head Teacher.

Mr. Millican H.M.I. was present at the singing lesson of the Upper Part of the School this morning. Mr. Panter paid a hurried visit in the afternoon. The School Dentist continued his inspection of the children’s teeth throughout the day. During the past two days the pupil teacher G.W. Ette has rendered valuable assistance to the Head Teacher during the absence of Class VI teacher.

Mr. A.W. Morris resumed duties this morning.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school today and looked up the absent children who appeared to be away without a valid reason.

The attendance has steadily improved of late and this week the percentage has reached 89.8. There are still 40 children absent.

The Head Teacher was compelled to be absent owing to a very severe cold.

The Head Teacher resumed duties today, but was too ill to do any serious teaching.

Average attendance for the week 355.8

Commenced the examination of the school in Oral Reading and Recitation.

Mr. Prothero visited the school during the afternoon session. The attendance was very much improved this week. The percentage attendance was 91.6, the highest percentage reached since the end of last November. Average attendance for the week 369.4 no. on roll= 403

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school during the afternoon session.

Gave the various classes a test in dictation.

Received six pictures of English Historical Events. They will be hung in the hall.

Hung the pictures in the hall which were received the previous Friday.

Spent considerable time in preparing the hall for the Annual Schools Examination on the morrow. Owing to the large number (66) taking the examination, a considerable re-arrangement of classes was necessary.

The annual school examination took place this morning, 59 children had been entered from this school but two were absent. Of the 57 children who took the examination 33 were boys and 24 were girls. Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Reynolds were the invigilators in charge of the examination at this school. Mr. Huke and Mr. Hales are absent from this school invigilating at the examination of Newton Road School. Seven children attending the Intermediate School took the examination at this centre. Mr. T.C. Millican visited the school during the examination to inspect the arrangements for the conduct of the examination.

Mr. B. Vorley, chairman of the managers visited the school in the afternoon.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school, he now having almost recovered from his illness.

The attendance this week was more satisfactory. The average attendance was 301.2, no. on books = 404 and the percentage attendance 93.2. This percentage is the highest since the beginning of October. The stock for the next term (Summer Term) arrived in the afternoon.

Mr. Vorley visited the school this morning.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school and looked up the parents of several children, whose attendance appeared to be casual.

Gave the whole school a test in Arithmetic this morning. An examination board consisting of the teachers of Classes 1, 2, & 3, also another consisting of the teachers of classes 4, 5 & 6 have been constituted and a written test in English, Geography & History will be given those classes and a report made when the results obtained.

Received form 9E this was completed and returned to the County Education Offices after school today. No. of times school opened = 416. Total number of attendances for 1926-7 = 150364. Average attendance = 361

Miss Doris Drage has today been notified that she has passed the Acting Teachers  Certificate Examination with distinctions in History and Music.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school and enquired into the reason of the casual attendance of several children.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer, visited the school in regard to the re-organisation of the school districts.

Mr. S. Panter visited the school today. Messrs. F. Corby and W.B. Sanders, school managers, visited the school and made a tour of the various classes.

An improvement in the weather admits of a special gardening lesson being taken for the planting of potatoes.

School closed at the end of the morning session for the Easter Holidays Thursday 14^th April to Monday 25^th April.