The weather having been so bad with frosts and a heavy fall of snow, the alterations in the schools have been delayed and the holiday extended to three weeks. Sent to the teachers to acquaint then of same. Very severe weather – deep snow

Opened school – a large number of children away owing partly t doubt to the severity of the weather. The hot water apparatus act very well, the rooms comfortably warm. Mr. Wilkins called and took deposits for the Penny Bank.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Mr. Browning assistant master did not return until this morning.

Mr. Knight visited the school.

The average for the week is low.

Better attendance today admitted two scholars.

Mr. Knight paid a visit and Mr. Tomkins also called.

Took charge of Standard III. Tried to impress upon the children the importance of punctuality.

Gave the 1^st class map drawing.

Very good attendance. Some who have been away through sickness have returned to school.

Mr. Knight visited – commenced school in the afternoon at 2o’clock – instead of quarter before two

Punished S.Pogson for idleness and disobedience. Average attendance for the week 203

Admitted two children. Commenced a new song.

Examined Standard III. There is some improvement in arithmetic and spelling.

Allowed the school to close a little earlier in the morning as so many children wanted to go to the meet of hunters at the Oakley crossroads.

First class took map drawing. The specimens were not very good.

All classes take singing and recitation on Wednesdays

Visited by Mr. Knight. Gave Standard IV an examination. The reading, writing and spelling are for the most part good. Some did well in arithmetic, others did badly.

Took a singing lesson with the first class

Recitations were done well today

Average attendance for the week 203

Admitted several girls today.

Singing and recitation today.

The usual singing lesson

A good attendance considering the weather.

Continued learning a new song from notes.

Received two forms from Mr. Heygate stating that Misses Stanton and Darnell had both passed the certificate examination and that they were in Division III Class II

Had some difficulty in getting the children to school in the afternoon as Sanger’s circus was at Higham Ferrers and their procession passed through the village about 2 o’clock school time.

Examined Standard IV.

Received a parcel of slates and books.

Admitted one girl. Visited by Mr. Knight

Little better numbers in 1^st division this week. Mary Ward returned to school after a long illness.

Gave the 1^st class a good drilling in mental arithmetic.

Examiner Standard III. They did very well as a whole. The arithmetic and spelling have improved considerably.

Gave the first class a lesson on causes which affect climate.

Mr. Wilkins took deposits for the Penny Bank.

Practised over some songs.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Gave 1^st class map drawing.

Received schedules and forms 8& 9 for examination.

Admitted one girl from Hinwick. Mr. Knight visited.

Examined Standard II taking them as a whole the papers were good.

The registers were examined by Mr. Knight and found correct.

Admitted three children, two boys and one girl. A family come fresh to the village from Olney.

Mr. Wilkins visited.

Took the usual singing lesson.

Gave the first class an examination. Broke up for the Easter holiday. To continue closed until Monday April 18^th

Opened after Easter with a good attendance – admitted one scholar

Punished Fred Palmer for being continually late.

Spoke to al the children about the importance of punctuality

Gave the 1^st class a good drilling in mental arithmetic.

Mr. Wilkins came and took deposits for the Penny Bank.

Thin attendance in the 1^st class in the morning.

School year ends with this week. The average attendance this week is 227

Very full today. Find it very difficult working with so many.

Singing and recitations today.

Wax work exhibition in the village affected the attendance.

Admitted one boy. Made a list of materials required for the New School Year.

Examined Standard II. They did very well in arithmetic, in fact in all their subjects.

The half timers took needlework.

P.Darnell away today through illness.

One fresh scholar. Visited by Mr. Knight. Mr. Wilkins took deposits for the Penny Bank

A class occupied the new classroom today and Standard II went into the old class room.

A large number of half timers present in the afternoon this week consequently the upper classes are thin in the morning.

Spoke to the children about stone throwing – the dangers of throwing in the street.

A very full school

Prepared the papers for examination.

The annual examination held.

It occupied the time of two days. W.E.Currey Esq. H.M.I. and Mr. Simpson both present. 248 children attended. There were 246 on the schedules. Five were excused leaving 241 who were all present. Broke up for the Whitsuntide one week holiday. From this date the school ceases to be a mixed school. A new school has been built for the boys. The new premises consist of a large room for 100 and a classroom for 50.

Opened under the new arrangement. The staff in this the boys department consists, at the present of, one assistant master and two candidate pupil teachers and myself.

Two boys admitted.

Took the candidate with his class, close up with the upper divisions

The New Class room is now ready. The desks did not come until Saturday last and so were not ready at the first school opening.

Having received the duplicate schedules. The children were placed in their right standards for the year.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Took Standard IV & upward for singing and grammar in the New Class Room.

Visited by Mr. J. Claridge who brought some Jubilee Festival tickets for teachers and scholars. Gave two days holiday tomorrow being the Queen’s Jubilee. The children assemble at the school and march in procession to Mr. Skinner’s field where tea & sports are provided for them. A grand display of fireworks in the evening.

Opened school but there was but a poor attendance.

A broken week and a poor average attendance

The annual treat in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School took place today. Some away in the afternoon on that account.

Have thrown Standards Iv, V & VI together under my own charge. Standard II & III under the assistant master. Standard I without a proper teacher for the present.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Received a new stock of apparatus. Was obliged to return some as it was not what was ordered.

School to be closed on Monday owing to the Band of Hope trip to the seaside.

School very thin in the attendance in consequence of yesterday’s outing.

Took Standards IV, upwards for singing and tonic-sol-fa practice.

Visited by Mr. Knight. The annual treat in connection with the Old Baptist meeting took place today. Closed school in the afternoon on that account.

Took a collective grammar lesson with Standard IV,V,VI & VII. The assistant master taking the same with Standards II & III

The average attendance rather low for the week.

Supplied all scholars from Standard II upwards with a home lesson geography book.

Took a singing lesson, practiced over some old songs.

The lads did their home task very well as a rule.

The average attendance rather low for the week.

The feast week being allow to the same date as Higham we close the school this week for a month.

Broke up school today

H.M. Inspector’s Report for Year ending April 30^th 1887

Mixed School

The first and second standards do very well in elementary work, the rest fairly except that the spelling of the fourth standard is poor. English is a failure, the grammar of the Standards above the third being bad. Geography is fairly good. Needlework is passed with hesitation. The order is fair.

E.E. Margetts is recognised under Article 50

Walter Wood certified teacher of 1^st class.

Collis Browning Ex. P.T.

E.E. Margetts Ex. P.T.

E. Whitney P.T. of 1^st year.

James Heygate Clerk of Board.

Have examined this day the registers and found them correct. Sam Knight Chairman of the School Board.

Opened school after the summer holiday with a fair attendance

Visited by Mr. Knight admitted two scholars.

Took some time for singing.

Several children came without the school fee today

The usual practice in tonic-sol-fa.

Punished John Bates and Ralph Bond for idleness and inattention.

The average attendance for the week is 117

Admitted two lads today

Mr. Knight visited today

Took some time for singing – gave some time tests.

Went through the recitation with the first class – giving the meaning etc.

The attendance today was poor and the average for the week is 116

Mrs. Taylor called to say that one of the children has measles, advised to keep the others at home. Forbad another family to come where there is scarlet fever.

Took a collective grammar lesson. Singing lesson today.

Punished James Mason & Tear for disobedience and idleness.

Closed school for the feast week.

Admitted two scholars today. The children have come back well. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Miss Groom entered on her duties as assistant mistress on Oct.3rd

Took a collective grammar lesson

Good average attendance this week

Not many depositors in the Penny Bank today

Took the recitations through with Standards IV, V & VI

The average attendance for the week was 117

The 1^st class thin in the morning. Mr. Wilkins was present and took the Penny Bank money

Took recitations today

The attendance in the afternoon very poor as there was a circus at Higham Ferrers

Geography lesson in the morning – the home lesson in Geography fairly well done. Several have lost their books already.

Several came without their school fee today. Sent one home who owed for two weeks.

Adopted  different method of learning spellings. The assistant mistress gave  Standard II a lesson in geography.

The registers were examined today by me and found to be correct (George Denton)

Visited today by Mr. Denton. A singing lesson in the afternoon.

Very wet, the attendance thin in consequence.

Took recitations today. Commenced an extract from “King John” Shakespeare for recitation in the first class.

The heating apparatus was not going this morning. Sent to the caretaker about it.

Average attendance this week 112

Admitted two lads today.

Visited by Mr. Tomkins who came to announce to the children an entertainment at the Assembly Room Old Baptist chapel to be given this evening.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Glad to see that it is decided to put the roads around the school in better condition.

Spoke to the children about the importance of cleanliness.

Mr. Fenn came and spoke to the children about the evils of intemperance. He performed a few simple experiments to explain what was said.

Very cold today, some snow fell. Visited by Mr. Knight

Took charge of Standards II & III today

The average attendance for the week was 113

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

The assistant master away today

Broke up school for Christmas holiday one week. Mr. Browning resigned his position as assistant master.

As no assistant master was appointed had to manage with help from the Infant School

The average attendance for the week was …….

Mr. Burgess appointed as Assistant Master and commenced duties today.

The usual tonic-sol-fa lesson today.

Visited by Mr. Wilkins.

Examined the first class in arithmetic today. They did fairly well

Several scholars returned to school who had been away some time.

Mr. Knight visited the school.

Took some extra time for singing

Average attendance for the week was 114

Good full school today – took deposits for the Penny Bank

The recitations were well done today.

The registers were examined and found correct.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Mr. Wilkins visited and took deposits for the Penny Bank

Sent the registers – summaries & Copy to Wellingborough to be audited.

Very cold – severe frost.

Admitted two boys. Practiced over some school songs.

Gave Standards V & VI a composition exercise. Some did well others only fairly.

Received a parcel of school materials from J. Marshall & Co.

Visited Mr. Knight

Very heavy snow, thin attendance in consequence very poor only 77 being present in the afternoon.

Examined Standard I, the arithmetic was good on the whole, the spelling only fair. In reading there is a want  of distinctness, five or more read badly.

The average attendance for this week very low 103

Took the deposits for the Penny Bank. Still a deep snow and consequently a considerable number of children away.

Gave Standard III an examination. They did well in arithmetic. Reading fair but not distinct pronunciation. Spelling much improved, since last examined.

Examined Standard II. This standard has much improved under Mr. Burgess’ supervision and teaching.

Average attendance for the week 112.

Very deep snow. This had kept a few of the children away.

Sanger’s circus being at Higham Ferrers tried to keep school in afternoon but the procession did not come through the village till half past 3o’clock and so closed the school.

Gave the first class an examination, they did well in arithmetic, spelling very fair. Reading with a few exceptions good. Grammar fair.

Went through the examination papers with the 1^st class pointing out the weak points.

Still very bad weather 118 present in the morning, 124 in the afternoon.

Very cold in school today. Could not have the hot water pipes heated as the boiler house is flooded.

Average attendance for the week 119

Several children away ill this week. Board meeting in the evening. Mr. Knight visited.

Mr. Knight again visited the school.

Gave the 5^th & 6^th Standards map drawing

Average attendance for the week 118

Attendance rather better today. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Recapitulated the recitations in Standards IV, V & VI

Singing & tonic-sol-fa practice today

Two boys away ill in the 1^st class. Mr. Knight visited.

Closed school, Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Opened school after Easter a fairly good attendance.

The 1^st division drew some very fair maps

The average attendance for the week amounted to 100 about 15 below the usual average.

Mr. Wilkins took deposits for the Penny Bank. Mr. Knight visited the school both morning and afternoon.

The recitations of Standard III well said.

Sent out some absentee papers.

The registers were examined today and found correct. Sam Knight , chairman of school board.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Recapitulated the recitations. Divided the 1^st class into two parts for grammar so as to give special attention to those who are backward

P.T. E.Whitney absent from school today to attend a confirmation service at Ringstead.

Mr. Knight visited. Took deposits for the Penny Bank.

Mr. Knight again visited the school.

Good full school. Had a long tonic-sol-fa practice.

As the school year does not end until Monday was obliged to leave making up registers till then

Spent a considerable time over drill and singing.

Made the geography lesson take the form of questions and recapitulation.

Gave the first class extra time for grammar.

Sent the examination schedules and forms IX to Mr. Heygate.

The school was examined this morning and afternoon by Mr. Simpson. There were 140 boys present for examination 138 on the schedules and 2 for proficiency only.

Examination continued by Mr. Simpson. Mr. Currey also present. There were 110 present this morning. The school opening in the afternoon.

The new Standard I came up from the Infant School.

Received the schedules back. Mr. Knight visited.

Admitted one boy. Several have left that are qualified.

140 present in the morning 137 in the afternoon. Visited by Mr. Denton & Mr. Lilley.

Gave a collective geography lesson to Standards IV, V & VI on Europe.

Took some time for singing

Admitted one lad. Several away through illness.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Admitted one scholar.

Gave a collective grammar lesson to Standard IV,V & VI

Several half timers presented only four times during the week.

Visited by Mr. Wilkins. 125 present in the morning.

Commenced teaching a new song from note. “Forest Echoes” taking Standards IV,V, & VI together.

Very wet day – attendance thin.

Visited by Mr. Wilkins. Half holiday owing to Succoth Baptist Chapel tea treat.

Continued teaching a new song – taught the alto to Standards V & VI.

Wrote out certificates for those who have passed the examination.

The annul treat in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School. There was a half holiday.

Gave some time for singing.

The government report was received today. There were 143 present in the morning and 137 in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Knight. As the Band of Hope are going for their annual trip to the seaside on Monday and so many of the scholars are members it was thought best to close the school for that day.

A number of boys away today & some of those present very tired and sleepy.

A poor week owing to Monday’s trip to sea side.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for Year ending April 30^th 1888

Boys School

The order is excellent, and the elementary work generally good, the three lowest Standards do very well indeed. English is fair on the whole, grammar being weak in Standards above the third. Geography good.

T.E. O. Whitney has passed well

C. Groom is recognised in this school under article 50

The name of A.J. Watts has been removed from the register of pupil teachers serving in the school.

Walter Wood, certificated teacher of 1^st class

Henry Burgess certificated teacher of second class

Clara Groom P.T. of 2^nd year.

James Heygate, clerk of the board.

The school treat in connection with Old Baptist Chapel in the afternoon - no school opening in the afternoon.

Took the usual singing lesson in the morning and geography lesson in the afternoon.

Spoke to the whole school about the necessity of being regular in attendance.

Average attendance for the week 132

Sent home several who came without the school fee as they get behind and then say it is not owing.

Mr. Knight visited.

Mr. Blenkinsopp, the factory inspector together with the Chief Inspector visited the school today and made enquiries in regard to the attendance of half timers.

Average attendance for the week 134

Commenced a fresh song. Several lads came without the school fees today.

The registers were examined and checked today.

The average attendance for the week is 132

There were several away from the upper standards. Admitted one scholar.

Threw Standards IV, V & VI together for a collective grammar lesson.

Sang through some songs.

Mr. Knight visited. The school was very thin in the afternoon owing in part to the school treat in connection with the Church Sunday & Day Schools.

Broke up for the summer holidays. Four weeks

Opened school after the holiday, a fairly full attendance, made three admissions.

Several lads who are qualified have left for work.

Visited by Mr. Knight

The weekly average not equal to ordinary weeks.

On enquiry – find that scarlet fever has attacked several members of one family. Forbade the others attending.

Took recitations in all the standards today.

Threw Standards IV, V & VI together for a collective grammar lesson while the assistant master taught Standard III

Admitted one lad. Very poor attendance in the afternoon owing to Sanger’s circus being in the place.

Took Standards IV, V & VI together for grammar and singing.

Find it difficult to teach the geography of Europe from our wall map

Received  parcel of books together with five of Townley’s Divisional maps of Europe.

Visited by Mr. Knight. 85 present in the morning. There was holiday during the afternoon.

Rather better attendance this morning 97 present.

The average attendance for the week was ……..

Admitted two scholars. The lad George Field who has been to the Infirmary for the past 6 months has returned better. 137 present in the morning

Took the recitations today

Gave a collective geography lesson.

Mr. Knight visited

Took deposits in Penny Bank. Admitted one boy.

Took Standards IV & V together in grammar.

Recitations done well today.  Singing in the morning

Average attendance for the week 136

Good full school. Admitted three scholars.

Practiced over some old songs. Took some full parsing with Standards IV,V & VI.

The first class took map drawing. 139 present in the morning.

Mr. Tomkins gave us a visit.

The family of Whitings have left the place.

Took deposits in the Penny Bank

The registers were examined today by Mr. Knight and found to be correct.

Admitted one lad – gave the first class an examination in arithmetic. Most did pretty fairly.

Mr. Wilkins took the deposits for the Penny Bank today.

The first class drew some very fair maps today

Tested the arithmetic of Standards V, & VI by cards. On the whole they did very well

Decided to commence school at a quarter before 2 o’clock in the afternoons during the short days of winter.

The average attendance for the week was 136

Being “Gunpowder plot” day a procession came from Higham which drew away the children in the afternoon.

Admitted one lad.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Took some time for singing.

Mr. Wilkins took money for the Penny Bank again today.

Gave the upper divisions in geography a lesson on day and night.

Gave the IV,V & VI standards a lesson on the causes of day and night and the seasons. Punished Master Walker. Playing truant

A large number of lads came without their school fee today

Took a longer time than usual for singing today

Explained to the first class the meaning and use of the lines of latitude and longitude

The average attendance for the week is 135. Mr. Knight visited the school

James Byes and several others returned to school after being away for some time through illness.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Examined Standard II. The arithmetic and spelling with four exceptions is good. Reading is fair on the whole.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

Mr. Wilkins having met with an accident did not attend to take the deposits in the Penny Bank

Sang over some of the old songs. Took some extra time for tonic-sol-fa practice.

Took map drawing with all of the Standards above the third. Received notice of the audit to take place on Dec. 14^th.Gave a lesson on Russia – its towns – to the upper standards..

Average attendance for the week 133

Mr. Knight made a visit

The first class drew a map of France. Went through the recitations

Took singing, sang through a Christmas Carol

Sent the registers summaries to Wellingborough to be audited

Dr. Pierson came on behalf of the Band of Hope Union to give the children a temperance address. Mr. Tomkins, Mr. Claridge & Mr. Denton were present.

Gave the upper standards a composition exercise on the address given by Dr. Pierson yesterday

Sent about twenty papers written by the boys to Mr. Tomkins. Mr. Knight visited the school

Broke up school for the Christmas holiday – two weeks.

Opened school, after Christmas some lads not come, sent notes to ascertain the reason. Very severe frost. Visited by Mr. Knight

A little better attendance today

Gave the first class a portion of their repetitions to produce on paper.

The usual tonic-sol-fa practice and singing lesson.

Mr. Knight visited the school.

A good number of deposits in the Penny Bank today. Mr. Knight visited the school.

Took a collective geography lesson with Standards IV,V & VI

Repetitions for the first class. Gave the school a good talking to in regard to using bad language – having heard a lad doing so in the playgrounds. Tried to impress on the scholars minds how low and mean a thing swearing is.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Gave Standard II an examination, the majority did their work well, some few will have to improve.

Examined the first class today

I Have this day examined the registers and compared the numbers and found them correct. Sam Knight Chairman of the Board.

Good attendance today

Examined Standard I in the morning. Mr. Knight visited in the afternoon.

Gave some time for singing today.

Several lads away ill today. 134 present in the morning, 139 in the afternoon.

Some tonic-sol-fa practice in the morning. Collective geography lesson.

Gave the first class a lesson in the cause of day and night. Also explained how it is we get the seasons.

Average attendance for the week 136

Very heavy fall of snow. A very poor attendance indeed.

Mr. Knight paid a visit

Punished several lads for throwing snow at people passing.

Average attendance low this week owing to the weather

Gave standard Ii paper for dictation and arithmetic. They have improved during the month.

Geography and map drawing today.

The half timers are coming more alternately this week. The attendances for the morning was 133, for the afternoon 132

Singing and tonic-sol-fa practice

All the classes had a good drilling in mental arithmetic today. Mr. Knight visited

Mr. Knight visited today.

The maps of the upper class have improved. Supplied them with lead pencils, India rubber and paper as the maps have to be drawn on paper.

Gave the 1^st class a composition exercise.

Visited by Mr. Knight

School board election. No school opening in the afternoon.

Examined Standard II today

The average attendance for the week 126

Several lads came without the school fee today.

The usual singing lesson. Took some time in going through some prefixes with the 1^st class.

Continued the lesson of Tuesday giving examples of as many words as possible with their meaning.

Very cold and wet.

Good attendance

Recitations today. The 1^st class wrote out some portions of their recitation.

Mr. Knight visited and invited the scholars to a tea provided for them in the New Hall. At 5o’clock about 170 boys with the girls and infants of the other departments over 400 in all met at the hall. After tea the children sang a few school songs and recited. Mr. Ashby gave them a slight of hand performance. Each scholar had an orange at the close.

Admitted one lad today

Map drawing and grammar

Received a parcel of books and apparatus.

Several lads still away ill. H. Jaques and H. Perkins from the 1^st class.

Took some time to going through the recitations of the Standards to ascertain the meanings of words are known.

Took charge of Standard I today. Several of those who were backward in reading and arithmetic have improved.

Several half time scholars persist in coming only four times in the week. Spoke Fred Harris and Fred Willmott about it again and sent to their parents in regard to it.

Examined Standard  II today.

Visited by Mr. Knight and Mr. Colson. Fred Willmott has only made three attendances this week.

Closed school for the Easter holiday. Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Opened after Easter holiday, attendance poor. Sent notices those who were away.

A rather better attendance today

Sent a lad back who had ring worm badly.

The registers were examined today and found correct.

Better attendance this morning.

Herbert Jaques and Tom Packwood left going to Wellingborough Grammar School.

Made up the average attendance for the past year which was 131 with  an addition of 10 for half time scholars equals 141

Made up the half time registers, find there are 50 half timers on the books.

Spent some time over the recitations, questioning on the meaning of words and passages.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Several scholars have left before the examination. Visited their parents to ensure their being present on that day.

Mr. Knight and Mr. Boyd visited the school

The usual singing lesson

Examined Standard II. Gave them usual exam in Geography

Mr. Knight paid a visit. Average attendance for the week 131

Several lads away ill. Some came without the school fee, sent home two for it as they are continually coming without.

Sent the schedules to the clerk.

Took some extra time for mental arithmetic. Gave Standard II a good long geography lesson.

Very heavy rains. The roads were flooded so that some of the lads had difficulty in getting to their homes.

The school was examined today by Mr. Simpson. There were 162 present for examination. Two lads were absent without reason and one lad was ill. The Inspector has consented to examine the two former tomorrow with the girls.

Today Mr. Foster came and examined the school in geography, mental arithmetic and some classes in grammar. There were 167 present.

The attendance very poor today in the upper classes, where they are making up for Tuesday and Wednesday’s attendances

Received the schedules today of the Standard work done at the exam. Visited by Mr. Knight

Broke up for the Whitsuntide holiday.

The new Standard I came up from the Infant department. Mr. knight visited

Granted several half time certificates. Several lads left school this week

Half holiday, Succouth Baptist school treat. Took some time for singing

The government report came today.

There being a trip to the seaside for the Band of Hope children many of whom are in the school a holiday was given.

Very poor attendance today. Admitted two lads. Punished a boy for playing truant. Commenced teaching a new song.

Average attendance for the week 123

Admitted one boy today.

Read through with the first class a part of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII

Continued Henry VIII as the 1^st class are going to take a selection from it for recitation.

Took some time extra for singing today. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Mr. Knight visited school.

Continued the reading of Henry VII with the first class.

Singing lesson today.

Better attendance this morning.

Recitations today. Punished a boy for playing truant.

I have this day examined registers and confirmed same with fees book and found correct. Sam Knight Chairman of School Board.

Singing and tonic-sol-fa practice.

Visited to day by Mr. Allcock, one of H.M. Inspectors of Schools. Broke up for the summer holidays – four weeks.

A good number of lads not returned upon the opening of school

Attendance a little better today.

H.M. Inspector’s report for year ending April 30^th 1889

Boys school

The school is making god progress generally. The reading in the first and second standards is too monotonous in its character. English is fairly good. Geography good, order excellent.

James Heygate Clerk of the Board.

Mr. Burgess absent from school not well

The average attendance for the week is 118

Took deposits in the Penny Bank

Better attendance today. 124 in the morning, 128 in the afternoon.

Mr. Knight & Mr. Claridge visited the school. Admitted one lad. The assistant master not well enough to resume duties.

Several families away through illness. Mr. Knight visited the school

Very poor attendance – the school was closed in the afternoon.

School not opened in the afternoon. 74 present in the morning.

Attendance a little better in the morning. 88 present, 53 in the afternoon.

School closed in the afternoon.

74 in the morning.

Admitted one lad from Yardley Hastings.

Took a portion of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII for recitations in the 5^th & 6^th Standards

The average attendance for the week was 122

Mr. Knight, Mr. Skinner 7 Mr. Boyd visited the school today. Admitted three lads today

Commenced the map drawing in the 1^st class. Selected India, Africa 7 South America as the three memory maps.

Three cases reported of attacks of measles.

Mr. Knight visited school today.

The attendance is very bad owing in part to sickness.

Took some extra time for singing.

Mr. Knight & Mr. Denton visited today. Heard of several fresh cases of measles. Admitted one lad today.

Admitted two lads today.

Mr. Knight visited school today

Average attendance very low this week – 98

More scholars present this morning although there are a great many away still.

Poor attendance today. Took a long singing lesson.

Took Standards IV,V & VI for map drawing.

Visited by Mr. Denton & Mr. Mason. The average attendance 117 for the week.

Admitted one ld. Took charge of Standard II

Examined Standard II . On the whole they did well.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Visited by Mr. Claridge.

Gave Standard I an examination. Two or three are very backward, the others do fairly well.

Mr Tomkins paid a visit to the school and heard the scholars sing.

Admitted two lads. Gave the first class a composition exercise. Took the 4^th class for a geography lesson in the afternoon.

A great number away from the 1^st class. Granted John Ward a leaving certificate. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Took the 1^st class in word building.

The school visited by Mr. Boyd.

Had to detain some of the 5^th Standard for their recitations.

Spent some time to word building and showing how one part of speech is formed from another etc.

Mr. Knight visited the school in the morning, Mr Claridge in the afternoon..

Took deposits for the Penny Bank

Broke up for the Xmas holidays – two weeks.

Opened school with 119 present, 133 in the afternoon. Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Boyd.

Took charge of Standard IV,V & VI for geography

Two boys from the first class left for work.

Numbers present today 121. Took deposits for the Penny Bank

Gave Standards IV,V & VI geography lesson. Drew a map on the blackboard for the class to copy from.

Had to retain several lads after school who had been idle over their recitations.

Visited by Mr. Knight

The attendance has drifted considerably today. Sent notes to most, in the most cases the reason is bad cold or influenza.

Visited in the morning by Mr. Knight, in the afternoon by Mr. Boyd.

Took deposits for the Penny Bank. Attendance very poor. Mr. Boyd visited the school

Borrowed the dumb bells from Girls’ school and exercised the boys with them

Mr. Knight visited in the morning.

Examined the 2^nd Standard. Those present do pretty well but there are so many away that it is not a fair test as to how the class would do as a whole.

Mr. Denton paid a visit in the morning. Borrowed the dumb bells from the Girls’ room and put the boys through some exercise with them.

Examined the 4^th, 5^th & 6^th Standards today. It is scarcely possible to judge of results as there are so many absent.

Visited by Mr. Boyd. Took some physical exercises with the whole school. Miss Groom played while the lads kept time.

Took Standard IV with the first class. Gave them singing lessons together.

Mr. Mason visited the school in the morning while the scholars were going through some physical exercises. Numbers present today- Morning 121, Afternoon 127

Singing and modulator practice today. Mr. Knight visited.

Mr. Claridge visited the school

Average attendance 125

Mr. Claridge visited the school in the morning. Also Mr. Knight and Mr. Boyd later in the day.

Half holiday to allow all the scholars an opportunity to hear a rehearsal of an entertainment to be given in the New Hall tomorrow by the children of the upper classes.

Registers examined and found correct. D.P. Boyd. Received notice of the pupil teacher’s examination to take place at All Saint’s School on April 18^th

Map drawing for the 1^st class. Average attendance for the week 127

Mr. Knight & Mr. Boyd visited the school

Took some time for wand? Practice.

Numbers present in the morning 141, in the afternoon 134. Mr. Claridge paid a visit. Took Standard Ii in the afternoon.

Mr. Claridge & Mr. Boyd visited. Admitted one lad. Tried with Mr. Boyd to find out who had interfered with some of the girls’ hats. All present emphatically denied having done so.

Examined Standard I. The majority did very well, two or three who have been away a great deal did poorly.

Mr. Knight Visited the school.

Average attendance for the week 132

Admitted one lad.

Went through the recitations, explaining the meanings of words etc.

Took Standards IV with V, & VI for grammar.

Admitted a lad from Wellingborough

Map drawing in the 1^st class. Took Standards IV,V & VI together for geography.

Took Standard II during the morning.

Admitted one lad. No school in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Boyd and a friend who expressed themselves pleased with the singing & musical drill of the scholars.

The average attendance for the week very low 106

Visited by Mr. Knight

Punished two lads for using bad language in the playground. Took a part of Standard 2, those most backward & gave them a good drilling in their subjects.

Took some extra time for singing.

Visited by Mr. Boyd 136 present in the morning. Mr. Knight paid  visit in the afternoon.

Spent some time in going through the recitations & allusions.

Took some extra time for singing. Average attendance for the week 132.

Sent a list of all the scholars not in attendance to the attendance officer

School year ends today. Received a parcel of books etc.

The registers were examined today and found correct. D.P. Boyd.

Commenced new registers today as this is the beginning of a new year.

Gave the attendance officer a list of irregular scholars. Visited by Mr. Boyd & Mr. Knight.

Recitations today

Mr. Boyd called with a gentleman from Skegness who was very pleased with the singing and exercise.

The school was examined today by Mr. Varnon. There were 158 scholars present. Mr. Denton , Mr. Knight came in for a short time during the examination which lasted from 9.15 – 1.45

The school examination continued today. Mr. Cartwright H.M. Inspector present for his annual inspection. School dismissed at 1.30. Mr. Knight, Mr. Denton & Mr. Boyd paid visited while the examination was going on.

Mr. Varnon came for a short time again this morning & heard the upper division of the school sing, giving them passages to sing from the blackboard at first sight and some ear tests. He also saw the scholars go through their music drill.

List of the Poems for recitation for year ending April 1891

Standards V,VI, VII – Selections from Shakespeare’s “King John”

IV – “Barbara Frictchie” J.G. Whether

III “There’s a good time coming” Mackay

     “Where there’s a will there’s a way”

    “Sase”

II  “The Noble Boy”

I   “Gentleman John”  F.E Weatherby

Geography

V,VI & VII Geography of Europe

IV               Scotland, Ireland, Australia.

III               England

I & II         As in the code.

Visited by Mr. Boyd. Admitted five scholars.

Closed for the Whitsuntide.

Miss Groome finished her duties in this school on May 24^th. The newly appointed mistress is not able to commence duty before next week.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Taught the words of a new song.

Gave the upper standards a drawing lesson

Admitted two scholars

Miss Gadsby commenced duties in this school.

Mr. Knight visited the school

Mr. Boyd paid a visit

Punished a lad for throwing stones.

Pupil teacher away through illness.

P.T. still away. Mr. Knight visited.

Average attendance for the week 146

Good full school

H.M. Inspector’s report for Year ending April 30^th 1890

Boys’ school

The school is in good order and the boys have passed a very good examination in elementary subjects. Reading has evidently improved and is now bold with very little hesitation. Writing and spelling are good and arithmetic accurate, but the first and second standards must not be allowed to count on their fingers. The third, fourth and sixth standard’s work a very fair proportion of problems correctly. Composition requires attention in the fifth standard and grammar is not as satisfactory as the other work of the school. The poetry is fairly well said. The boys answered well in Geography. Singing by note is good. The walls might be coloured. Another classroom is wanted badly.

James Heygate Clerk of the Board.                

Taught the scholars a new song “Murmur gentle lyre”

Visited by Mr. Knight

Monday being the day for the Band of Hope trip to the seaside school not opened.

Very poor attendance today. Those present very sleepy and tired.

Commenced another new song.

Took some time in going through the recitations for the year.

Took the half time scholars with the 1^st class. Some not in at all this week.

Admitted one scholar. Visited by Mr. Boyd

Took notes round to those who are not in attendance

Visited by Mr. Boyd. The assistant master away today not well.

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. Sam Knight chairman of the Board.

Broke up school for the summer holiday – four weeks.

Opened school after the holiday. 140 present in the morning and 150 in the afternoon. Admitted 8 new scholars.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Average attendance for the week 147. Visited by Mr. Boyd & a friend.

Admitted three lads. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Recitations done well today.

Visited by a gentleman from Manchester.

Average attendance for the week 149

Visited by Mr. Boyd

156 present in the morning and 158 in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Commenced teaching a new song “The Mariner’s song”

Average attendance in the week 153

Mr. Knight paid a visit

Gave a lesson in analyses of sentences.

Practised over a new song.

Took some extra time for dumb bell drill this morning. The average attendance this week has been 152. The usual drawing lesson. Only a few did any thing like decent drawings. Took the same in the afternoon.

School not open today being feast week.

Closed school in the afternoon.

The attendance has been very poor this week. 94 has been the average.

Admitted two fresh scholars. Mr. Burgess the assistant master left on the 26th

Visited by Mr. Knight. Took Standards IV,V,VI & VII together for grammar & recitation.

Very full school 165 present in the morning and 183 in the afternoon. Find it very difficult to carry on lessons properly with such a full school.

Mrs. Wood has been assisting this week.

Admitted one lad. Map drawing today.

Drawing lesson in the morning.

Took some time for dumb bell exercise and singing.

Punished Master Elstow for playing truant.

Mr. Knight visited in the morning – average attendance for the week 157

Mr. Knight paid a visit. Admitted two lads.

Drawing lesson in the morning. Frank White appointed a monitor.

Admitted two lads. Divided Standard I into two parts as there are a few very backward ones among them who want special attention.

Mr. Knight visited the school

The attendance for Thursday & Friday very much below the average for the week.

Mr. Craddock commenced duties as assistant master.

Very wet day, attendance thin. I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. Sam Knight Chairman School Board.

A great number came without the school fee today.

Mr. Knight paid a visit. The usual singing lesson

Practised a new song “Always be truthful.”

Punished A. Garley for disobeying the assistant master.

The first class very thin in attendance today.

A great number have come without their school fee again today.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Average attendance for the week 151 – less than for some time past.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Mr. Knight, Mr. Claridge & Mr. Colson paid a visit to the school today.

Heavy fall of snow – attendance very thin

So few present that the school was closed.

Mr. Knight visited in the morning. Practised a new song “Let the hills resound with song.”

Mr Claridge paid a visit.

146 present in the morning, 159 in the afternoon. The Factory Inspector called in the afternoon.

Mr. K night visited the school today.

Two boys applied for labour certificates.

Took some extra time for singing. Mr. Knight visited in the afternoon.

The first class took drawing.

Mr. Knight visited. Gave Standard 3 an examination – they did fairly well, some few are very backward in arithmetic and spelling.

Very cold and winterly and this has made the attendance poor today.

Took some extra time for dumbbells drill as the lads were so cold.

Singing lesson today.

The weather has brought down the average attendance this week.

Opened school but the numbers were very small indeed.

Took the boys for a rehearsal of the entertainment to be given in the Public Hall tomorrow evening by the boys & girls of our schools.

Opened after the Christmas holiday with 150 present. Five new scholars.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Sent notes to parents of all those absent – the reasons given for absence are as a rule – colds & influenza.

Arthur Sears gone to work as a whole timer – he is thirteen years of age and has passed Standard IV

Took recitations throughout the school

The usual drawing lesson in the morning. Not withstanding the severity of the weather the average attendance for the week amounted to 150

Mr. Knight paid a visit – admitted one boy.

Heard the recitations in Standard IV. Examined Standard II, on the whole they did very well.

Mr. Knight visited the school

The average attendance for the week is …….

Fifteen boys from Standard I have been transferred to Moor Road Infant School in order to release the overcrowding in  this school

Visited by Mr. Knight who checked the registers, finding a mistake of one marked more than was present.

Took some extra time for singing.

There are several scholars away with measles.

Visited by Mr. Knight

The attendance has now been smaller than usual owing to sickness.

Only 122 present in the morning and 132 in the afternoon.

Mr. Knight visited the school

Examined Standard III, the arithmetic is good and accurate, writing poor, spelling good, reading good.

Gave Standard IV an examination

Illness still prevails – this has reduced the average attendance again this week.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Received notice of audit to be held at Wellingborough on the 10^th of March.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

Mr. Mason paid a visit. Examined Standard II the work has improved. This Standard wants a separate teacher very badly being large & important standard & having to be taught with other standards.

The assistant master away from school today.

Mr. Knight visited the school. The assistant master still absent.

Full school in the afternoon. Mrs. Wood helping in school today. As the assistant is still not well

Sent the registers & books to Wellingborough to be audited.

Books returned from the audit.

Took the recitations of the Upper Standards

The assistant master not returned to school yet. Mrs. Wood still helping

Herbert King left school, he being 13 years of age – passed standard V

Mr. Craddock returned to duties today.

Mr. Claridge visited he school today. Four applications for admission today. Examined the registers and found them correct. J. Claridge.

Sent out notes to all absentees. There were twelve away from one Standard only. The reasons given in most cases were sickness.

The average attendance for the week is ………

Better attendance today, admitted one lad.

Gave a lesson to the first class on the seasons d to Standard IV on New Zealand.

The pupil teacher taught Standard IV for a criticism lesson, taking as his subject Norway & Sweden.

Closed school for Easter holiday

Opened after Easter, as all have not come up, sent notes to all absentees.

Better attendance today.

Five applications for admission this week.

Visited this morning by Mr. Knight, Mr. Colson & Mr. Claridge.

Gave the first class an examination & tested the recitation.

Map drawing. A good number absent again today.

Took an extra half hour for drill.

The usual singing lesson.

The Iv, V & VI Standards taught together for parsing and analysis, both morning and afternoon.

Gave some time to Swedish Drill

Sent absentee notes to all away today. Some of the reasons given were very frivolous – “Kept at home to go errands.” Kept at home to go to the shop.”

Visited in the morning by Mr. Knight, Mr. Skinner & Mr. Bradfield.

Punished four lads for playing truant. Only 147 present in the morning.

Gave Standards IV,V,VI & VII an examination.

Gave the classes a good drilling in their geography

Mr. Bradfield paid a visit in the morning.

Found some writing on the doors of closets, tried to find out the offender, one lad was said to have done it but could get sufficient proof. Offered a reward to anyone who could find out the culprit. Told the whole school, that anyone found writing on walls of doors or in anyway damaging the premises should be brought before the school board.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Closed school for the whit week.

Opened with a fair attendance. Mr. Knight paid a visit in the morning.

Heard from the Band of Hope Union that Frank White had joined a prize for the essay on temperance.

The school was examined today by Mr. Brown. There were 185 scholars present.

A number of lads applied for admission – visited by Mr. Knight.

The annual inspection was held today by Mr. Dibbon H.M. Inspector. There was a very good attendance.

Visited by Mr. Knight

176 present in the morning, 171 in the afternoon. The assistant master went home during the afternoon – not well.

The assistant master absent.

Mrs. Wood took charge of Standard IV as Mr. Craddock is still away.

List of poems proposed for recitation in Rushden Board Boys’ School for the year ending April 30^th 1892

Standards V,VI & VII “The forester’s of Arden” from Shakespeare’s play “As you like it”. “The Merchant of Venice.”

Standard IV “Gray’s Elegy”

III  “Barbara Frietchic”

I “The hen & chickens.”

Visited by Mr. Bradfield. 163 present. Admitted two lads.

Went through the recitations of the Upper Standards, going into the characters and meaning of Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.”

Took a drawing lesson both morning and afternoon.

Admitted three lads two of whom are very backward in their lessons.

Took recitations again.

Very heavy thunder storms, some difficulty in getting the lads off between the heavy showers

Average attendance for the week 170. Highest attendance on Tuesday 180 in the morning and 189 in the afternoon.

Good attendance today. 187 in the morning , 195 in the afternoon. Found very great difficulty in carrying on school being such a hot day and so crowded.

There was a meeting in the evening at which a good number of children attended and some of the parents and friends to see the distribution of prizes and certificates gained by the 11 boys and 17 girls who sat for examination in these schools on February 28^th. Subject of exam “Alcohol its properties etc.” (In connection with the Band of Hope Union.”

Frank White gained a special prize. There was one 1^st class certificate, four 2^nd class certificates, six certificates of merit among the boys. Addresses were given by Mr. Payne of Irthlingborough, Mr. Pack Higham Ferrers, Mr. Vorley, Revs. Tomkins, Parker and Palmer.

The attendance poor in the afternoon. Took drawing in the morning.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for the year ending April 30^th 1891

Boys’ school

The instruction in the elementary subjects is good on the whole, but mental arithmetic in the first, second and third standards and spelling in the second standard should show improvement, and recitation should also receive more care in the first, second and third standards. Geography is good especially in the first, fifth and sixth standards, but the higher grant for grammar is recommended with hesitation on account of the weakness in the third, fifth and sixth standards. Order is fairly satisfactory in the school room but the offices are disfigured by indecent writing.

Walter Wood certificated teacher of 1^st class

George Craddock Ex. P.T.

Charlotte H. Gadsby Ex. P.T.

V.E.O> Whitney Ex. P.T.

James Heygate Clerk to the Board.

Punished two boys for playing truant – locked them in during the dinner hour, their parent’s sent them some dinner to enable this to be done.

Took a drawing lesson – this subject will take up a good deal of time for the South Kensington Examination.

Visited by Mr. Knight, Mr. Colson & Mr. Claridge.

Mr. Bradfield paid a visit in the morning.

184 present in the morning and 174 in the afternoon.

Broke up school for the summer holiday. The registers were examined & found correct by me this day. Sam Knight Chairman of School Board.

Opened school after the holidays with a good attendance.

Admitted several fresh scholars. 184 present in the morning & 193 in the afternoon.

Went through the recitations in all the classes.

Visited by Mr. Knight

No school opening today. All the scholars were provided with tea in the school room. After which they marched in procession, headed by the Temperance Band into Mr. Denton’s field, unfortunately the rain came down just as the field was reached. As the rain continued the play and sports had to be postponed until the first fine evening.

No school fee is charged for scholars attending these schools from this date.

The sports which were postponed on Monday took place in the evening this day. Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

Attendance not so good today. Drawing lesson in the morning.

Mr. Burgess late assistant master in this school paid a visit.

194 present in the morning, 197 I the afternoon.

Commenced a new song.

Punished several lads whom I found had been loitering at the railways works instead of being into school.

Visited by a schoolmaster from the South of England.

Very full school today

Mr. Knight paid a visit. Closed school for feast week.

Opened school in the New Room. One class room not ready for use yet. Admitted four fresh scholars.

Visited by Mr. Coleman a gentleman from Margate, who informed me he had been a member of Margate School Board 15 years. He expressed himself as pleased with the singing and dumb bell exercise & should like the same introduced into Margate Schools.

The attendance not up to the average this week.

Visited by Mr. Denton & Mr. Claridge.

Good long lesson in singing

Examined Standard IV in reading, writing & arithmetic.

Examined Standard IV in class subjects.

Several fresh scholars admitted this morning. Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

The usual singing lesson

Gave some time to drilling the lads in the playground.

Mr. Denton paid a visit.

Average attendance this week 188

Visited by Mr. Denton. Mr. McEwan commenced duties as assistant master today. Punished three lads for playing truant on Friday

The registers were examined by me this day & found to be correct. A.J. Colson.

Supplied standard II with drawing books * Standard I with drawing slates.

Admitted two lads. Visited by Mr. Denton. Took some time drilling in the playground.

Visited by Mr. Denton. Find in questioning two lads that they had been loitering at the railway cutting – kept them an hour after school.

Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

There were 201 present in the afternoon. Mr. Denton paid a visit.

206 present in the afternoon.

Warned the lads not to stop away from school today and tomorrow. 187 present in the afternoon, very good attendance considering it is the 5^th and there being an attraction on the Moor Road.

197 present in the morning, 193 in the afternoon.

Took a  lesson  on scale drawing. Punished a boy for stone throwing.

Went through the recitation of the upper standards

Took the exercises in the playground today.

Average attendance this week 189

Sent the registers, summary fees book and C up to Wellingborough to be audited this day.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Admitted two lads.

Examined Standard II today.

Good full school today.

200 present in the morning

The average attendance for the week 192

Admitted one lad who is 7 years of age & doesn’t know his letters.

Mr. Denton paid a visit.

Gave the 1^st class map drawing. Average attendance 186 for the week.

The usual drawing lesson

Examined Standard IV

Examined Standard III

Examined Standard II

Broke up for the Christmas holidays.