Opened school with 176 present. 201 in attendance in the afternoon.

Admitted a new scholar today.

Two ladies from Wellingborough paid a visit & heard the school sing a few songs. The lads went through their dumb-bell exercise.

Took some time in repeating & learning definitions of simple geometrical figures.

Rather heavy fall of snow, the attendance poor in consequence.

Commenced learning a new song.

Very poor attendance today.

Visited by a lady today who was pleased with the singing and exercises of the school.

The average attendance this week is 20 below the usual average. Thirteen certificates sent for the best account of Mr. Finnemore’s lecture on alcohol.

Mr. Colson & Mr. Bradfield visited today. The registers were examined & found correct.

Mr. Tomkins visited the school today & distributed the certificates gained by the lads who wrote the best account of Mr. Finnemore’s lecture on alcohol recently given in the schools. Twenty-seven papers were sent in – thirteen of these gained certificates.

The average attendance for the week 157 – this is very low indeed

Admitted one lad. Took some scale drawing in the afternoon.

The average attendance a little higher this week.

Examined Standard II today.

Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

Mr. Knight visited today.

Took deposits for the Post Office Savings Bank. There are between 70 to 80 depositors Amount deposited last week about …… About £1 has been deposited today. The attendance not nearly so good today as last week. 173 in the morning.162 in the afternoon. the highest attendance last week was on Wednesday morning, when 193 were present even when there were 58 absent as we have on register 252

Visited by Mr. Margetts & a gentleman relation. Took some time in explaining to the first class what is meant by the metric system of coinage, & weight and measures.

Mr. Knight visited the school today.

Practised the 1^st class in drawing a pentagon, hexagon, septagon by angles. The attendance officer called to enquire about several irregular lads.

Found it difficult to remain in school today owing to a bad cold & neuralgia. Bank deposits

Absent from school. Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Still not able to attend school. Mr. Knight visited in the morning

Gave a lesson to the 1^st class on “The Metric System.” Mr. Knight paid a visit to the school. There were 190 present in the morning & 193 in the afternoon.

Commenced teaching the lads a new song.

Punished a lad for laziness & disobedience.

Took some time for singing and marching.

Average attendance for the week 186

Admitted two lads. The usual drawing lesson. Mr. Knight visited.

Examined Standard I a good number here write very nicely the other work in the upper division of Standard I is for the most part good – some in the lower class did much better – others are still not able to read more than the very short words and they are the most irregular as a rule. Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Visited by Mr. Knight. The morning attendance very poor 165, afternoon 196

Heard the recitations today

Had notice of the drawing examination to be held on April 4^th

Admitted two lads

Commenced talking the last change for drawing both morning & afternoon as the time is very short – having the examination fixed for the 4^th of April.

Visited by Mr. Knight, Mr. Denton, Mr. Colson  & Mr. Spenser.

Average attendance for the week 193

Admitted one lad from Higham Hill

Mr. Knight paid a visit

Took a considerable part of the afternoon preparing for the drawing examination to be held on Monday.

The drawing examination took place today. Colonel Hill was the examiner. 200 boys were present. The half timers whose turn it was to be at work did not come. Mr. Knight, Mr. Denton &  Mr. Colson were present.

Admitted four lads today.

The attendance was very poor in the afternoon owing to Womwell’s menagerie being at Higham. 201 in the morning 160 in the afternoon.

Examined Standard I today. The greater part did very well but there are some backward in reading and five failed to get three sums right.

The bank deposits amounted to £1 -3-6d. Two lads admitted.

Mr. Knight paid a visit. Gave standards 3 & 4 an examination. Average attendance for the week 197

Opened after Easter with a poor attendance in the morning only 174 present. 206 in the afternoon.

The registers were examined to day and found correct. Sam Knight Chairman of the School Board.

Visited in the morning by Mr. Cave. 191 present in the morning 203 in the afternoon.

Took Standard Iv for grammar today.

The average attendance for the week is 250, the highest attendance since the school was divided in separate departments.

Visited by Mr. Denton

Received notice of examination to be held on May 23^rd.

Average attendance for the week 199

Visited by Mr. Knight and Mr. Spencer.

204 present in the morning and 202 in the afternoon.

Took extra time for singing and drill today.

Received the drawing report. Glad to find we have done well having received a good merit.

Visited by Mr. Denton. 202 present in the morning and 200 in the afternoon.

Mr. Knight paid a visit. Two gentlemen visited and heard the lads sing & go through their exercises.

Average attendance for the week 202

The school was examined by Mr. Varnon. There were 243 present.

Received 56 from the Alfred Street Moor Road Schools. Admitted five others. This makes a very large Standard I

Rearranged the classes. Admitted two others today

Changed the positions of the classrooms. Standard I working in the classroom as they require a great deal of simultaneous tutorage.

Classified the school for the drawing during this year. Closed school for Whit week

Opened school with 234 present in the morning and 266 in the afternoon. Admitted several fresh scholars.

Gave the upper drawing class a lesson in model drawing.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

The average attendance for the week was 244

Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Denton. Several parents called enquiring about half time certificates for their sons.

Very hot in school today. School very crowded.

Took charge of Standard IV today. Several standards commenced their recitations for the week.

Very wet day, a poor attendance in consequence.

Average attendance for the week 242

Admitted three fresh scholars. Visited by Mr. Knight

Commenced learning a new song. Punished two boys for throwing stones.

Good full school today. 247 present in the morning. 265 in the afternoon

Took a lesson on drawing from a model – a square cube.

No school opening – the Band of Hope annual trip taking place.

The attendance poor today

Two assistant masters away this week attending the scholarship examinations.

A very good part of the afternoon occupied with singing.

Visited by Mr. Knight. the average attendance for the week 231

Took an extra drawing less today.

The school rooms being required for the parliamentary election there was a holiday given.

Supplied the second standard with drawing books & standard I with copy books. Took some time in showing them how to use their pencils and rulers.

Mr. Knight visited.

Punished two boys for playing truant.

M. Knight paid a visit.

Mr. Knight visited the school and brought the government report.

The attendance thin today. Took a good deal of time with Standards 2 for singing. Mr. Spencer visited.

A good number away today. 228 present in the morning

H.M. Inspector’s report for the year ending 30^th April 1892

Boys’ school

The school has been considerably enlarged. Order is fairly well maintained but there is room for improvement in the discipline and musical drill is wanting in smartness and precision. With the exception of a weakness in spelling in the third and fourth standards and arithmetic in the sixth standard the elementary work is good. Making allowance for the large proportion of half timers, English is also satisfactory and the boys have a good knowledge of geography. Singing would be good if not so loud.

Walter Wood certificated teacher of 1^st class.

George J Craddock Ex. P.T.

Kenneth McEwan Ex. P.T.

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

Mr. Knight visited & checked the registers. Only 228 present in the morning & 217 in the afternoon.

Poetry for recitations for the year ending April 30^th 1893

Standards V,VI & VII Selections from Shakespeare’s “Henry VII”

Standard IV “Horatious” from Macaulay’s “Lays of ancient Rome.”

Standard III “John Maynard” – Chamber’s Reader

Standard II “Drive the nail aright boys” “The child’s first grief.”

Approved by H.M. Inspector.

Closed school for the summer holidays – four weeks.

Opened school after the summer holiday. 220 present in the morning. Admitted a number of lads today. Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Read through part of “Henry VIII” with the first class.

Very full school – not sufficient desk room.

Took drawing in the morning. Admitted two lads.

Three applied for admission. Visited by Mr. Knight. Brought two extra desks from the Infant department.

Took drawing in the morning. Admitted two lads.

Average attendance for the week 230

The usual drawing lesson – sent absentee papers to all away from school.

243 present in the morning and 247 in the afternoon.

Average attendance for the week 235

Admitted one lad – the upper drawing class took some scale drawing today. Mr. Knight visited the school

Practised a new song today.

School opened in the morning only. 149 present.

No school opening in the afternoon.

Visit Art 21 W. Varnon

Average attendance for the week 201

Admitted 8 fresh lads some of these are very backward indeed, far behind our Standard I boys.

Recitations – good full school

Average attendance for the week 229

As two assistant masters Mr. McEwen & Mr. Whitney left on Friday – having passed the scholarship examination – they enter Nottingham Day training college – Mrs. Wood is assisting for a time.

Mr. Knight visited the school

Taught Standard IV today, find them backward in their tables. This was the cause of incorrectness in the arithmetic.

Mr. Knight & Mr. Denton visited today

Mrs. Wood still assisting.

Average attendance for the week 229

Examined the registers and found correct. Arthur Cave

A number of lads away through sickness.

Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Bradfield.

Practised a new song. Visited by Mr. Spencer.

Sent a lad, who seemed to have some irritable skin disease to Dr. Owen, and finding it was contagious, informed his mother it would be advisable to keep him at home for a time.

Mr. Denton paid a visit. The average attendance for the week 231.

Several boys admitted today. The average attendance is already equal to the accommodation. Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Spencer.

Mr. Tomkins came into School in the morning informing the lads that there was an entertainment in the evening at the Old Baptist School rooms.

Average attendance for the week 230

Mr. Knight paid a visit accompanied by Mr. Bailey a visitor to Rushden

The boys in the 1^st class did some very good freehand drawings

Visited by Mr. Knight

Very full school today

Average attendance for the week 234

Sent absentee notes to all away

Recitations taken today

There is not sufficient desk room when drawing – more desks are required in the large room & standard I class room.

Visited by Mr. Knight Took Standards 3 & 4 together for drawing.

Average attendance not quite so good this week 224

Miss Gadsby, assistant mistress away this week attending certificate examination. Miss Cowlins helping in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Colson

Threw all the lower standards together in the afternoon & gave them a long singing session.

A good full school today. 232 present in the morning.

Mr. Craddock away today, not well

Took all the upper standards together as Mr. Craddock was absent. Explained what is meant by the metric system of weights and measurement. Closed school for the Christmas holidays. Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

Opened school , a very poor attendance all day

Attendance a little better today. Visited by Mr. Knight

Mr. Knight paid visit.

Average attendance very low this week 200

Mr. Knight visited accompanied by a young lady

The attendance very much better in the afternoon 232 present.

Gave a lesson to the 1^st class on the metric system.

One family with scarletina in the house – sent home the lad coming to school.

Poor attendance in the morning. Mr. Knight visited in the afternoon.

Examined standard II today.

225 present in the morning 219 in the afternoon.

Received a letter from the factory inspector in regard to a lad named Arthur Clarke. Not having a boy of that name on the register – wrote informing him so that I had sent to the attendance officer to make enquiry at the National Schools.

Visited by Mr. Knight. The usual drawing lesson in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Cave. Received notice of the audit to take place on Feb. 4^th at Wellingborough.

The registers were examined by me this day and found correct. Arthur Cave.

Average attendance for the week 225

Mr. Knight visited.

Examined Standard I reading is the subject they are most backward in.

Gave Standard II an examination. Spelling is the weak point in this standard

Visited by Mr. Knight

Took charge of Standard III today. Mr. Tomkins came into the school to make an announcement.

The usual drawing lesson.

The attendance is still very bad. Sent notes to all that are absent.

Examining Standard III today. The arithmetic is good, spelling and reading very fair. Geography, fair. They are backward in spelling.

Mr. Stanton, a member of the Northampton School Board, looked round the school today.

Attendance a little better this morning. Mr. Knight 7 Mr. Bradfield visited this morning accompanied by another gentleman.

Examined Standard IV today

Examined Standard V & VI. The average attendance for the week is 234

Admitted two lads. Mr. Knight paid a visit.

The evening school examination this evening. There are 58 scheduled for examination.

Mr. Varnon, who examined the night school last evening, visited again this evening to examine in Physiology and shorthand.

The usual drawing lesson in the morning.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Very wet day and attendance thin

Very wet today also

Average attendance for the week 233

Mr. Cave paid a visit.

Taking two extra drawing lessons in the week, one on Wednesday morning from 11 to 12 and again on Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 to 4.30

Average attendance for the week 235

Mr. Knight paid a visit. A good number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank today

Received notice of the Drawing examination to be held on April 6^th. Made temporary alteration in time table making the last change to drawing.

Visited by Mr. Knight & Mr. Bradfield. Took drawing both morning and afternoon.

Mr. Knight visited in the morning.

Average attendance for the week 236

Mr. Cartwright H.M. Inspector visited the schools today.

Closed school for Easter. The drawing exam taking place on Thursday in holiday week. Told all to be sure to be present.

Drawing examination. 254 sat for the exam.

Registers examined this morning and found correct. C.L. Bradfield.

Punished two boys for being absent from school without leave from their parents

Visited by Mr. Bradfield. The scholars in The Evening School to the number of 97 met at the New Hall, where a meal was provided by the Board. This was followed by an entertainment and prize distribution. All seemed to enjoy the evening thoroughly.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

222 present in the morning. 249 in the afternoon.

Examined Standards V & VI

Average attendance for the week 231

The usual drawing less not taken today as the 4^th standard was having an examination.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Received notice of the date of the annual examination.

Today closes the school year, average attendance this quarter 232

Received the report of the recent drawing examination. Glad to find that the award of “Excellent” has been given. Mr. Knight visited the school

The annual average for the year amounts to 243. This exceeds the number for which accommodation is provided by 13.

Examined Standard III

Sent form IX to Mr. Heygate

Visited by Mr. Knight. Very thin attendance in the upper standards this morning.

Closed the school for two days – Whit Monday & Tuesday

Very poor attendance. The attendance officer went round to those away from school

Glad to find the attendance greatly improved today – a good full school

The average for the week 219

The annual examination commenced today. Mr. Gill examined the upper standards in the elementary subjects in the morning & the lower standards in the afternoon.

The examination continued. Mr. Knight & Mr. Denton visited. Mr. Spencer visited in the afternoon.

Mr. Gill gave the last visit of the inspection today.

The attendance was thin  in the upper standards today

Several scholars admitted today. Visited by Mr. Knight

Miss Gadsby took charge of Standard I in the Infant department today

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Received duplicate schedule today.

Miss Gadsby took charge of the new Standard I in the school room of the Congregational Chapel.

The average attendance for the week 271

Recitations approved by
H.M. Inspector for year ending April 30^th 1894

Standards V, VI & VII Extract from Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.”

IV “The Soldier’s return” and “The Arab’s farewell to his horse.”

III “John Maynard”

II “Lucy Grey”

H.M. Inspector’s Report on The Rushden Board Boys’ School Evening School.

The tone and discipline of the school deserves high praise and the work is good, but arithmetic is rather weak in the fifth standard.”

Visited by Mr. Knight

Admitted one lad. The usual drawing lesson.

Admitted two boys. Mr. Knight visited

Practised a new song.

Closed school for one week owing to scarlet fever being very prevalent in the town.  The schools were closed by doctor’s order for five weeks.

Opened school. 182 present in the morning, 185 in the afternoon. This does not include Standard I working in the separate room.

Mr. Bradfield paid a visit – attendance a little better today

Took a singing lesson in the afternoon

The drawing was good today on the whole, considering the lads have not drawn for some time.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Commenced the recitations this morning in all Standards

Better attendance today

The registers were examined 7 found correct. Arthur Cave.

Admitted two fresh scholars. Drawing in the afternoon.

Mr. Knight visited the school

H.M. Inspector’s report for year ending April 30^th 1893

Boys’ school

Good order is judiciously maintained and considering the circumstances of the school with its numerous half timers, the scholars have on the whole acquitted themselves well in the examination. The large first standard passed a most creditable examination in all subjects but the second standard is relatively much inferior in attainments. The spelling & parsing of the fourth standard show carelessness and the upper standards found some difficulty in reading from a book with which they were not familiar. The fifth standard should improve in composition. The boys show a creditable knowledge of geography and English is satisfactory. The singing has improved. The average attendance should not again be allowed to exceed the accommodation. H.M. Inspector reports that one of the boys’ classrooms is badly lighted and that their offices require more frequent cleaning.

G.J. Capon so recognised under Article 33 of the code and E.J. Harrison under article 50.

H.Jaques:- Grammar, composition, geography and history. Euclid practical skills and knowledge of method.

Walter Wood, certificated teacher of 1^st class

G.J. Craddock Ex P.T.

C.H. Gadsby Certificated teacher

E.J. Harrison Article 50

A.T. Bliss Ex. P.T.

James Heygate Clerk to the Board.

A good number away today. Admitted a fresh scholar

Average attendance for the week 275

A good number of bank deposits today

Sent absentee papers to all away from school

Admitted one boy. Mr. Knight visited the school

Received a parcel of books

Took some time with the 1^st class, explaining the matter contained in their temperance books.

School closed on Monday & Tuesday afternoons.

Attendance much below the usual average for the week.

Opened the evening classes for the season.

Took recitations in all the classes today

Several half timers have not made five attendances this week

Admitted one new scholar today

Gave the 1^st class a lesson on their temperance books

Have today examined the registers and found them correct. C.L. Bradfield

Mr. Denton checked the evening school register.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Examined Standard II(B) in arithmetic. They did not do as well as they should have done.

Average attendance for the week 223

Closed a few minutes earlier today to prepare the room for a lecture to be given to the Evening Classes tonight by Malcolm C. Powell B.A. on “Air”. About 140 were present at the lecture.

Examined Standard IV

Sent absentee papers to all away. Taught a new song.

The attendance a little better today. Gave Standard IV scale drawing.

Heard the recitations in Standard V & VI

Average attendance for the week 231

Admitted one fresh scholar. Mr. Craddock, assistant master absent from school (not well)

Went through the recitations

Assistant master still absent

Not able to have Evening Classes this week as Mr. Bliss was not able to assist, having a cold and sore throat. Mr. Craddock being absent from duties as well.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Took the usual drawing lesson.

Mr. Craddock still absent.

The attendance in the afternoon thin owing, no doubt in part, to heavy rains. In the evening 21 lads sat for the examination on the Temperance text book. Mr. Colson & Mr. Vorley were present.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Mr. Craddock returned to school.

Average attendance for the week 216

Mr. Edwards entered upon his duties as an assistant master.

Mr. Bliss absent from school today (Not well)

Received a letter from Mr. Cartwright H.M. Inspector sanctioning a slight alteration in the Evening School time table.

Visited by Mr. Knight. The average attendance in the Evening Class about 60 for the week. Mr. Craddock absent today.

Visited by Mr. Knight Mr. Harrison sent a note stating that he was not well enough to be at duties. Mr. Bliss being absent as well there was great difficulty in carrying on the school.

The attendance was poor today. 62 present in the evening class.

Took charge of Standards V,VI & VII today as Mr. Craddock was absent.

Mr. Bradfield paid a visit. Mr. Knight came in after school, was dismissed in the evening.

Two assistants away this week attending the certificate examination. Mr. Knight visited in the morning. Put all the upper standards together.

Took a long drawing lesson with the upper classes.

Very poor attendance in the afternoon.

Gave the upper classes drawing again. Spent some time in the afternoon in practising correctness and quickness in adding up money.

Mr. Craddock absent this morning. A great number absent this morning – more than one hundred.

The evening school registers were examined and the numbers checked by me this date. C.L. Bradfield.

Took Standard IV for scale drawing. Broke up school for the Christmas holiday – two weeks.

Opened school after Christmas holiday. 184 present in the morning. 190 in the afternoon.

Mr. Craddock absent today and yesterday – this is very perplexing as Mr. Edwards who assisted last evening in the night school is not able to do this evening.

Admitted two scholars. Made out a new time table for the day school. Mr. Craddock returned to his duties in the day school but was not able to assist with night school. Mr. Edwards took his place.

Two boys left school this week.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Sent notes to parents of all lads who were absent.

The excuse principally given in answer to absentee notes was sickness.

Mr. Knight paid a visit

Mr. Bradfield visited the school

The registers examined & found correct. Arthur Cave.

Drawing in the morning – sent a boy home as fever was in the family.

Admitted a lad from Chelveston.

Number present in the morning 215, in the afternoon 206

Received notice of pupil teacher examination to take place April 4^th

Average attendance for the week 214

Giving a little extra time for drawing in the evening classes as the hours are not made up in that subject.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Evening school inspected by Mr. Varnon

Drawing examination. Inspector Colonel hill – 45 present. Mr. Colson was in attendance.

Mr. Knight visited

Gave Standard III an examination. Arithmetic fairly good, spelling poor. Reading on the whole fair. There are eight bad readers. Geography good.

Examined Standard II today. Arithmetic fairly good. Writing and Spelling very fair. Reading – some read well but there are about 12 who read badly – they hesitate over the words and do not speak out distinctly.

Pupil teacher away today – not well

Visited by Mr. Knight

Gave an extra lesson to drawing in the morning.

Admitted one lad.

Mr. Bradfield paid a visit.

222 present in the morning. 215 in the afternoon.

Mr. Edwards absent today – not well

Mr. Edwards still absent. Drawing in the afternoon. Visited by Mr. Knight. Received a list of those who passed in drawing in the Evening classes from the Science & Art department.

Sent enquiry notes to all absent.

Visited by Mr. Knight, Mr. Cave & Mr. Bradfield.

Admitted two lads this day.

Made a change in the time table taking drawing during the last two hours of the afternoon.

Closed school for the Easter holiday

Visited by Mr. Knight. A great number away. Several parents came saying that they had measles in the family.

Drawing examination. 297 sat – Colonel Hill present. Mr. Knight & Mr. Bradfield visited. Arrangement was made with the Inspector to have the school examined in two batches, Standards 1 & 2 first and then the upper Standards.

The average attendance lower than usual this week owing partly to sickness.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Sent notes round to all away today.

Found from the absentee notes that two boys from Rushden hill were away from school yesterday without leave from their parents. Punished them for playing truant.

Received the certificates of merit from the Band of Hope Union. Two boys have gained 1^st class certificates and six 2^nd class.

Admitted one lad.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Average attendance low this week 200

Took charge of Standards V,VI & VII today

The registers were examined this day & found correct. Sam Knight

Average attendance for the week 200

Several families away still owing to having measles in the house.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Examined Standards V,VI,& VII

Taking the last change for spelling in place of drawing.

Took some time with the 1^st class in Geography & Mental Arithmetic.

Visited by Mr. Bradfield.

Selections of Poetry

Standard V,VI & VI Extract from Henry VIII

Standard IV Horatious (Macauley)

Standard III Napoleon & the Sailor

Standard II The Brook

Standards V,VI & VII Geography of Europe.

The school was examined today by Mr. Gill H.M. Inspector. There were 268 scholars present.

Examination continued to day by Mr. Gill

Closed school for Whitsuntide.

Poor attendance – admitted two lads. Visited by Mr. Knight.

Attendance better today

Took drawing in the morning.  Several still away having measles in the family. The pupil teachers gave a lesson on the adverb.

Admitted one lad from Earls Barton

Visited by Mr. Knight

Attendance very thin especially in the afternoon.

Mr. Knight 7 Mr. Bradfield visited school

Started the classes on their recitations for the year.

Supplied the new readers to Standards 2 & 3

Mr. Bradfield & Mr. Knight visited the school. The attendance very low again today.

The usual drawing lesson. Visited by Mr. Knight

Went through the recitations of Standard 3

There were thirty less in attendance this, Friday, afternoon than yesterday afternoon. the Pupil Teacher gave a criticism less on Yorkshire, its chief towns and manufacturers. The attention of the lads was well maintained – and by questioning the class after, it was found that the scholars could give correct answers to the information that had been given.

Mr. Knight paid a visit. There was  holiday in the afternoon as the Wesleyan & Succoth Baptist Sunday School treats took place today.

Received the Evening school report.

Average attendance for the week 240 & 20 additional for half timers = total 260

H.H. Inspector’s Report upon the Evening Classes for year ending April 30^th 1894

Boys’ school

The order is all that need be desired, but the board should take steps to prevent the annoyance caused by unruly boys and girls who assemble about the doors during school time. The lessons are given in a clear and interesting manner and good progress appears to have been made by the scholars. The boys numbered 36 in the first schedule 5 & 35 on the second 11, 21 ,23,27,33 & 35 on the third are disqualified./Art 13/by I of code.

Visited by Mr. Knight. Admitted one lad.

Took the upper standards for their recitation

Average for the week 240. find it difficult to take drawing properly being so crowded.

School closed today as a large proportion of the scholars are going to the seaside by the annual Band of Hope trip

Attendance very poor 7 the lads seemed very bored and sleepy owing to the long day they had yesterday.

A better attendance today. P.T. 2 gave a lesson on Subtraction of money

Took Standard V,VI & VII for a geography lesson. Closed the school in the afternoon. Old Baptist Sunday School treat.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for the Year ending April 30^th 1894

Boys’ school

The discipline is well maintained and the general results of the examination are satisfactory, although the spelling of the fourth standard and the composition of the fifth standard are still weak points. The arithmetic of the second standard is careless and inaccurate and that of the seventh standard may improve, but the other standards have been much more successful in this subject. The class subjects have been taught with good effect especially in the higher classes and the recitation of the first class desires commendation for its accuracy and intelligence. The singing has evidently received great attention but expression should not be neglected.

Average attendance for the week 231

Mr. Knight visited the school

P.T.1 gave a lesson on Lancashire, as towns etc. the scholars were attentive and in good order.

Average attendance for the week 225

P.T.2 gave a lesson on subtraction.

The registers were examined this day by me 7 found correct. Sam Knight.

Attendance thin in the morning.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Closed school for the Summer holiday – four weeks.

Opened school after the holidays -211 present in the morning and 224 in the afternoon.

Admitted two fresh scholars

Sent notes to all absent – found one lad had been playing truant.

The attendance better today. Mr. Edwards absent from school – the inspector having appointed to hear his recitations & reading at Northampton today

The attendance officer brought a lad into school who had been playing truant.

Mr. Knight visited the school. The first class took model drawing in the morning, the other classes freehand. Very poor attendance today – there were 93 absent in the afternoon.

Admitted one ld 214 present in the morning 225 in the afternoon. Took the first class for grammar. Mr. Knight visited the school

The writing of the lower standards is improving.

Average attendance for the week 219

162 present out of 306. Mr. Knight visited in the morning.

119 present out of 306. Mr. Cave visited the school. The school was closed in the afternoon.

The attendance a little better today. Mr. Bradfield visited.

Average attendance for the week 207

Admitted three fresh lads

The drawing of standards 2 & 3 was done well today

The room very cold today owing to the heating apparatus failing to act. Average attendance 218

Opened Evening classes about 80 present the 1^st night.

Admitted one lad

Mr. Knight visited the school

The 1^st class took model drawing.

The average attendance for the week 228

Admitted two boys today. Visited by Mr. Knight

Average attendance for the week 228

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

Examined Standard II today.

Mr. Fennemore gave a lecture to the lads on temperance. 240 present. Mr. Harper also came and spoke a few words.

The upper classes wrote an account of the lecture on temperance given by Mr. Fennemore on Wednesday

Visited by Mr. Knight

Admitted a fresh lad

Average attendance for the week 223

Visited today by Mr. Knight & Mr. Jenkins master of the New School

The New Board School was opened today. Some of my scholars were transferred to it, about 70 from the district lying nearest to the New School were drafted off to it. Standard I which had formed a separate department, came into this school. There are 59 of these making the total number on register 272. One of my teachers, H. Jaques 4^th year P.T. has gone to assist at the New School. Miss Gadsby is added to my staff, she was formerly assistant mistress in this school and has been taking charge of Standard I as a separate department in Church Street.

Admitted a fresh lad.

Took a lesson in geometrical drawing with the 1^st class.

A good full school today

Average attendance for the week 221

Admitted two lads. Visited by Mr. Knight

Mr. Bliss absent from duties today. Gave Standard IV an examination. The class did well in all subjects except writing. This wants attention.

Mr. Craddock absent today. Took charge of Standards V,VI, & VII. Put P.T. with Standard I who managed the class fairly well with the assistance of a monitor.

Gave Standard III an examination

Mr. Craddock absent from school today. Average attendance for the week 220

There are three assistants away this week. Mr. Cave visited. Standards V,Vi & VI have holiday. The other standards have come up very well. 185 present in the morning. 188 in the afternoon.

Mrs. Ball is assisting 193 present.

The registers were examined and found correct.

Average attendance for the week 188

Mr. Knight visited the school. All the assistants back to school again this week.

Admitted a fresh lad.

Broke up for the Christmas Holidays – two weeks.

Opened school after Christmas. 204 present in the morning & 214 in the afternoon.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Average attendance for the week 213

A good attendance considering the weather

Gave Standard 3 an examination

Mr. Edwards assistant master away today – bad cold- Forced to employ lads from the upper standard to teach one class.

Assistant master still away

The attendance in the morning only 202 present. Mr. Edwards returned to school today.

Very cold today – room fairly warm.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Average attendance for the week 202

Sent absentee notes to all away today. Some away skating.

Gave Standard 2 an examination. Very cold – school fairly warm.

Continued the examination of Standard 2

A good number away today. Sent enquiry notes to all absentees.

Gave Standards V,VI & VII an examination. Arithmetic is good on the whole. Reading, fairly good. Composition fair. The class subjects Geography and Grammar are the weakest subjects.

Continued the examination of the 1^st class.

Went through the recitations giving portion to be written to test the memory and the ability to write poetry correctly.

Gave Standards IV an examination. Mr. Bliss took charge of Standard 3.

206 present in the morning, 214 in the afternoon. Glad to find Pupil Teacher G. Capon did well at “the exam” held in Higham Ferrers being first for his year.

Good attendance today. Took an extra drawing lesson.

Made a little alteration in the time table, taking drawing on Wednesday afternoons

The average attendance for the week was 210

A good number of depositors in the penny bank today

Heard from Mr. Finnemore, temperance lecturer this morning. Glad to find so many lads have obtained certificates, 39 out of 50 having been successful in getting them. Mr. Spencer visited.

Visited by Mr. Bradfield

School closed as the rooms were required as polling stations for the school board election.

Received notices that the drawing examination will take place on April 2^nd at 9.15. filled up & despatched Form 6

Average attendance for the week 212

Took some extra time for drawing today

Visited by Mr. Bradfield. Average attendance for the week 212

A number away today. Eighteen absent in one class through sickness

Very thin attendance again today

Visited by Mr. Newell

Glad to find a better attendance today

A number came in late in the afternoon – ad been loitering about owing to a procession going through the streets – cautioned them not to stop on their way to school whatever may be going on.

Took an extra drawing lesson

Average attendance for the week 209. Mr. Craddock left today – he having taken another situation at Wellingborough. There is no other assistant appointed as yet to fill the place.

As there is no one to fill Mr. Craddock’s place the teachers have to be changed from their own class. Mr. Edwards to Standard III, Miss Gadsby to Standard II, the pupil teacher to Standard I. Took charge of Standards V,VI & VII myself. This change is very much against the progress of the classes just before the examination.

The annual drawing examination was held today by Mr. Wilkinson. There were 231 present, 26 absent. Mr. Colson & Mr. Cave were present.

Visited by Mr. Colson

Substituted a writing exercise for drawing.

Average attendance for the week 214

Received the papers for the annual examination

Several half timers coming very irregularly

Closed school for Easter. Open again on Wednesday morning. Spoke to the half timers again about being regular & urged upon them the advisability of  coming whole time, while they are not at work owing to a number of the factories being closed.

Opened after Easter – a fair attendance. Sorry to hear there has not been an application for the assistantship although it has been advertised for some weeks.

Glad to find a hearty response from a number of manufacturers to my application for specimens of the process of their manufacturing. Having received quite a choice assortment.

P.T. Examination at Wellingborough

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

Average attendance for the week 216

Commenced the new registers today

Visited by Mr. Knight

Average attendance for the week 219

Miss Souter assisting in place of Mrs. Bull

Mr. Whitehouse entered on duties as assistant master

Spent a good deal of time in classifying for the examination, dividing the Standards into A.B. & C groups

The school was examined today by Mr. Gill. There were 255 present.

Examination continued

Mr. Gill examined the school in music in the morning and heard the singing and saw the scholars go through their drill. Mr. Knight was present.

Selections of poetry for recitation for Year ending April 30^th 1896

Standard I “Discontentment” or “Gentleman John”

Standard II “The Children’s hour”

Standard III “The slave’s dream” or “The Soldier”

Standards V,VI & VI A selection from Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”

Geography as in Schedule II

Standard VI Geography

Standards V,VI & VII being grouped.

Admitted 36 lads from the Alfred St. Infant  School. 18 from Moor Rd. Infant School & 6 from North St. Infant school

Very full school, not sufficient sitting accommodation

Visited by Mr. Knight – glad to hear that some of our scholars are to be drafted off to Newton Road School.

The award for drawing this year is “Good”

Closed school for Whit week.

Opened after Whitsuntide. Mr. Edwards left on the 31^st, there is no assistant to supply his place as yet.

Mrs. Ball came today and took Standard I

There a good full school now 217 present in the morning. Visited by Mr. Newell

Attendance rather less than usual in the afternoon.

The school closed in the afternoon as it was the Wesleyan Sunday School treat.

219 present in the morning, 217 in the afternoon.

Gave Standard 3 special attention in drawing today.

Band of Hope trip to the seaside (Holiday)

Have this day examined the registers and found correct. J. Colson. Mr. Symons commenced duties July 2^nd

Average attendance for the week 207. This is a little lower than usual, no doubt owing to there being so many feasts in neighbouring places.

The school was closed in the afternoon. The Independent 7 Congregational Sunday School treat.

Gave Standard IV an examination in the elementary subjects.

The usual drawing lesson in the morning – the first class took geometry

Received a capital case of specimens of the process of lead pencil manufacture from Faber & Co. Also received some four days ago a good specimen box of the process of Emery paper, lamp-black, black lead etc manufacture – from Okey & Co. Wellington Mills, London.

Good attendance today in the morning. No school opening in the afternoon as the Old Baptist School treat took place.

Standards 1,2, & 3 had an object lesson.

Standard 1 on sugar

Standard 2 on cocoa

Standard 3 a lead pencil

Admitted one scholar. Took model drawing with the 1^st class.

Parliamentary election. As the schoolrooms were required for the purpose of polling stations – the scholars had a holiday.

Evening School Report of Year Ending April 30^th 1895

Boys' school

The number attending this school has seriously decreased since the commencement of the session but the lads who were present on the evening of inspection are attentive & interested in their work and have made satisfactory progress. James Heygate. Clerk of the Board.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for Year ending April 30^th 1895

Boys’ school

The order continues satisfactory although greater precision in the musical drill is desirable. Great improvement has been made in the elementary subjects and the weak points noticed in last year’s report have widely received increased attention. The boys of the third, fourth and fifth standards found some difficulty in reading from an unfamiliar book. The class subjects have been creditably taught on the whole and the recitation throughout the school is again meritorious. In singing by note the highest division had not completely mastered the requirements of the code. A vigorous attempt should be made next year to merit the higher grant under article 101 (a).

G.J. Capon has passed fairly

B.Lack is recognised under Article 33 of the Code.

W.Wood, certificated teacher of 1^st class.

Mr. H. Whitehouse, certificated teacher

C.H. Gadsby, certificated teacher

A. Symons Ex. P.T.

B. Lack, candidate on probation.

James Heygate Clerk of the Board.

Opened school after the holiday. The attendance not very good the first day. Admitted two lads.

Attendance a little better today. The usual singing lesson.

Sent a list of all those who have not been in attendance this week to the attendance officer.

Admitted two fresh scholars.

I have this day examined the registers and found the correct. Paul Cave.

The pupil teacher gave an object less – the subject of the lesson was matches. The class was attentive and orderly.

Mr. Symons gave an object lesson on candles to Standard II

The 1^st class took model drawing. Very hot in school today. Admitted on lad.

The attendance not so good today as it has been during the week especially in the afternoon when there were only 177 out of 257 present owing no doubt to their being a circus in Higham

The school closed during these two days – it being Rushden Feast week.

Opened in the morning but there was a poor attendance. The school was closed in the afternoon.

Heard the recitations in Standards 2 & 3

Better attendance today. Admitted two lads.

Visited by Mr. Newell

Average attendance for the week 212

Commenced with the hot water pipes today.

The first class commenced a new song.

Visited by Mr. Mantle. 213 present in the morning 210 in the afternoon.

Punished some boys for throwing stones.

Poor attendance in the afternoon.

Admitted one lad. Examined the 1^st class today

The pupil teacher gave a lesson on cotton.

Continued the examination of the 1^st class

Took Standards V,VI & VII in Geography and Grammar.

Visited by Mr. Colson.

Admitted one lad. Examined Standard IV today. Good full school.

Punished a boy for using bad language in the playground.

Admitted one lad. Took some time in teaching some fresh physical exercises.

The usual drawing lesson

Average attendance low this week owing to so many being away ill.

Admitted a fresh scholar.

The usual weekly object lesson given by the teachers – the subject “A Lead Pencil.”

A very poor attendance today owing no doubt in part to a circus being in the place.

Supplied all classes except the lowest with drawing books.

The attendance for the week has been very poor – the lowest for a long period.

Sent absentee notes to all who were absent.

As there was a procession and tea in connection with Co-operative Society and a great number of the scholars were taking part , a holiday was given in the afternoon.

Average attendance this week 200

Commenced an examination of the classes. Examined the 1^st class.

Continued with the 1^st class. Examined them in Geography, Grammar, Map Drawing, Mental Arithmetic. Examined Standard IV

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. Paul Cave.

Mr. Symons assistant master away from School this week attending the scholarship exam.

Broke up for the Christmas Holiday.

Opened school after the holiday with a very fair attendance. Visited by Mr. Cave.

Admitted five new scholars. Two of them are very backward, one especially so, not being able to do the work of Standard I.

The usual singing lesson. Visited by Mr. Newell.

The average attendance for the week 207.

Admitted one scholar.

Took some extra time for drill today.

Very heavy rain in the dinner hour, sorry to find some of the lads got very wet, having no shelter.

Average attendance for the week 206

Gave some extra time for singing. Visited by Mr. Vorley. Admitted one lad.

Visited by Mr. Mantle. Received a parcel of materials. Worked out some problems in arithmetic with standard 3. After which P.T. did some more with the class.

Tomorrow is the Pupil Teacher’s Quarterly Examination Day

A fair number brought deposits for the bank.

Sent to all absentees – several are away ill.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

Admitted one lad

Standard I – took some colouring with crayons

Visited by Mr. Vorley

Pupil teacher gave a lesson on leather

Mrs. Gadsby gave a lesson to Standard I on poems.

Sent home one lad who had ring worm very badly on the head.

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

Sent enquiry notes to all absentees. Visited by Mr. Cave. The pupil teacher gave a lesson on pans.

Visited by Mr. Newell

Received notice today of the Drawing Exam, fixed for April 28^th at 1.40

The usual singing lesson. Received notice of Pupil Teacher Examination, to be held in All Saints’ schoolrooms, Wellingborough April 18^th at 9.15 (Saturday)

Examined the 1^st class in the Elementary subjects today.

Examined 1^st class in the class subjects.

Made a change from the time table taking drawing for the last lesson.

Attendance thin in the morning – school not opened in the afternoon.

Admitted one lad. Fairly good attendance.

Visited by a gentleman who was formerly a schoolmaster who is now a temperance lecturer.

Took an extra lesson in drawing.

Attendance thin in the afternoon.

The 1^st class took model drawing.

Received a letter from Mr. Wilkinson the drawing inspector fixing the date of the drawing exam to April 2^nd.

Average attendance for the week 204

Gave an extra drawing lesson. Sent to all absentees to see those who could not be present tomorrow.

The annual drawing examination. Had to divide the school into two parts. The upper standards taking their exam first, afterwards the two lower standards; as there is not sitting accommodation sufficient to seat all at the same time. Mr. Knight, Mr. Colson and Mr. Mantle were present. Closed for Easter. The holiday consists of Good Friday, Easter Monday and Tuesday.

Opened school with a poor attendance – 163 in the morning 142 in the afternoon. 250 on the books.

Attendance better today.

Admitted one lad. Better attendance today.

Punished four boys for playing truant.

Average attendance for the week 205

Admitted one boy.

Visited by Mr. Knight & a gentleman from Keysoe.

Mr. Gill H.M. Inspector paid a visit

Admitted one lad. 219 present in the morning. 215 in the afternoon.

The school year closes today.

Commenced marking in the new registers. Went over the recitation of Standards 2 & 3

The school examination took place today. Mr. Brindle was the examiner.

Examination continued by Mr. Gill 226 present.

Received 65 fresh lads from the various infant departments.

The school is very much crowded having 316 on the books and an average attendance of 261 for the week.

Selections of Poetry for recitation for Year ending April 30^th 1897

Standards V, Vi, VII A selection from Shakespeare’s “King John.”

IV An order for a picture (Alice Curry)

III “The Inchcape Rock.”

II “Casablanca” or “The River”

I “The Children’s Hour

Geography as in Schedule II (Article 101 E) Standard V Geography

Standards V VI & VII being grouped.

Several have left school 7 a number have applied for to become half timers.

All the classes were photographed today.

Closed school for Whitsuntide holiday – one week. Average attendance for the week 261

A number of scholars were transferred from this school to Newton Road School. Those living in Victoria Street, Denton’s Row and The Orchard.

The transference of about 30 lads – has remedied to some extent the overcrowding. 227 present in the morning and 222 in the afternoon.

The subject for the object lesson was “Water”

Admitted one lad.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

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

The subject for the object lesson was “Coal.”

As there were three Sunday School treats taking place today, a holiday was given in the afternoon.

Average attendance for the week 227

A good number away today, sent notes to all the absentees

Visited by Mr. Knight

School closed in the afternoon.

The lower classes took “Coal Gas” as the subject for the object lesson. With the aid of some sample apparatus some gas was made.

The school closed – as it was today for the Band of Hope trip to the seaside.

Poor attendance in the morning, a little better in the afternoon.

Average attendance for the week 219

The annual Sunday School treat in connection with the Old Baptist Chapel. There was a holiday in the afternoon.

Very sultry in School today. Very full school.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for Year Ending April 30^th 1896

Boys’ School.” The order is good and much of the boys’ work is very creditable. Handwriting, spelling and composition have evidently received great attention and the arithmetic of the first and fourth standards is praiseworthy. The reading is lacking in fluency and expression in the lower standards, but it is fairly good on the whole. The class subjects have been successfully taught and the recitation deserves commendation.

G.J. Capon – Arithmetic, Geography, History, Teaching (knowledge of method) & music (theory)

Mr. Bliss & Mrs. Gadsby will receive their certificates in due course.

School Staff. Walter Wood Certificated teacher of 1^st class

W.H. Whitehouse certificated teacher.

A.J. Bliss certificated teacher

C.H. Gadsby certificated teacher

A. Symonds Ex. P.T.

G.J. Capon 3^rd year P.T.

B. Lack 1^st year P.T.

James Heygate Clerk to the Board.

Visited by Mr. Cave

Mr. Finnemore lecturer for the Band of Hope Union, came from 9.30 to 10.15 and gave the scholars an address on intoxicating drinks.

Gave Standards V, VI & VII an examination. Visited by Mr. Knight

Examined Standard 3 today

Good full school.

Examined Standard II

Visited by Mr. Knight. Closed school for the summer holiday – four weeks.

Opened school for the holiday. 231 present in the morning. 232 in the afternoon. Visited by Mr. Knight accompanied by Mr. Chandler.

Mr. Symon’s place, who left July 31^st has not been filled as yet.

Admitted several lads this week.

Not quite so full this morning.

Visited by Mr. Knight.

Admitted two boys who are very backward indeed and cannot read little words and seem never to have been to school.

Two more boys admitted.

Mr. Knight paid a visit.

Being Feast Week the school was closed in the afternoon. 177 present in the morning.

School closed in the afternoon being Feast Week.

Attendance better today

The pupil teacher gave the usual criticism lesson – the subject was bread making.

The average attendance for the week was 221

Admitted three boys.

Very wet – heavy storm in the morning, made some lads wet & prevented others from coming.

Admitted two lads.

The usual drawing lesson. Gave Standard 2 its object lesson – The subject “A Fish”

Took a little extra time for drill

A number of lads away with colds and sickness.

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

Admitted four lads this morning. Visited by Mr. Knight. Mr. Bishop commenced duties as assistant master.

Examined the 1^st class today in Arithmetic, writing, composition 7 reading.

Continued the exam of the 1^st class in class subjects.

Admitted one lad who is very backward, not knowing the alphabet or anything of figures.

Examined Standard 3 today in the elementary subjects.

Visited by Mr. Knight

Good full school in fact too full to work properly. Commenced examining Standard 2

Average attendance for the week 222.3

Two boys admitted.

Received the sad news of the death of Mr. Knight, the chairman of the board.

One boy admitted this morning. A good attendance.

The school was closed in the afternoon as the funeral of Mr. Knight took place.

Average attendance for the week 225

There are  number of lads away with measles or away on account of others in the family having them/

Visited by Mr. Newell.

One of H.M. Inspectors inspected the school today.

Attendance much below the average today.

Nearly 100 away today owing to sickness & the severity of the weather.

Closed school in the morning for Christmas holidays.

Opened school after the holiday with 205 present in the morning & 219 in the afternoon.

A good number of scholars returned after being away ill.

The first class took drawing in place of recitation.

Rather heavy fall of snow which somewhat affected the attendance 200 present in the morning. Visited by Mr. Newell.

School room required for the purpose of a polling station “Election of a Guardian”. A holiday was given on this account.

204 present in the morning and 211 in the afternoon. Mr. Colson paid a visit.

Better attendance than for some time past.

Made a little alteration in the time table taking drawing on Thursday morning.

Admitted two lads.

The usual drawing lesson. Herbert I Clarke left school. Attendance fairly good.

Visited by Mr. Bradfield. Attendance poor especially in Standard 2

Received a parcel of books.

Sent absentee papers out to all away, as the attendance was very poor.

Admitted one lad.

Average attendance for the week 215

Some have returned to school who have been away some time through sickness.

Examined Standards V & VI in the elementary subjects.

Continued the examination of the 1srt class.

Examined Standard IV

Admitted two lads. Gave an examination in drawing – giving Standard 3 cards to draw from

Gave Standard 3 an examination. Examined Standard 2.

Average attendance for the week 223

The school is very crowded – there is not sitting accommodation in writing & drawing lessons.

Average attendance for the week 226

Took a little extra time for singing today. Good hearty singing.

Went through the recitations of the lower standards.

Very full school, feel the need of more sitting room very much.

Examined registers. Mr. Colson.

School closed as the rooms were required for the Election of Urban Council.

Admitted one scholar.

Noticed two boys who had not come to school clean.

Admitted one boy.

Took a little change in the order of lessons by taking drawing from 10 – 11. Closed school for Easter.

Opened after Easter – The drawing Examination took place in the afternoon. 234 present. Very crowded not sufficient sitting room to accommodate all properly. Mt. Colson & Mr. Reid present.

The scholars from Alfred Street, Moor Road & North Street Infants School were transferred to this school today.

There were 238 scholars present in the afternoon. Mr. Colson visited.

Prepared the papers of the “Labour Exam” to be held tomorrow. 57 to be examined.

263 present. Several applied for admission. The “Labour Exam” took place on Saturday last May 8^th.

Very full school. Visited by Mr. Colson.

P.T. gave lesson on the parts of a plant.

Visited by Mr. Cave

Average attendance for the week 260

A number of half time certificates were granted.

Several whole time scholars left school.

Average attendance for the week 260

Practiced a song appropriate to the Jubilee Year.

Took an additional singing lesson.

Closed school for Whit week.

Glad to find that the award of Excellent has been given for drawing.

Mr. Whitehouse absent from school. Took charge of Standards V & VI

Practised several songs for singing on the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Closed school for Jubilee week.

Opened school with 247 present.

Regret to hear of the death of Joseph Coles who was a scholar in this school.

The attendance much below the average in the morning 216 present.

Checked registers. J. Colson.