Re-opened on Monday after the Christmas vacation with attendance somewhat improved.

Admitted 5 children since the 1^st inst.  The Inspector’s assistant paid the school a surprise visit on the 4^th.

Progress as usual.

Progress as usual.

Admitted 5 children since the 16^th ult.  On the 4^th Messrs Oram and Wood, Factory Inspectors, visited the school and, I understand, some of the factories in the village.

Find that some of the factories are not carrying out the Regulations left by the Inspectors.  Two boys who had left school forced back again being under 13 years of age.

Miss Clayden visited the school and assisted Mrs Warren with the needlework class.

Miss Clayden assisted Mrs Warren several days last week.

Progress as usual, school rather thin.

Gave notice of the Diocesan Inspection which is to take place on Thursday 18^th inst.

The Factory Inspector visited the school on Friday last the 5^th inst.

Mrs Warren not at school since Monday being too ill to attend.

The Diocesan Inspection took place consequently the registers were not marked.  In the afternoon the school had a holiday.

The Rev’d J T Barker gave his usual lesson yesterday.  Infant school very thin, measles being very prevalent.  Mixed school filling a little, many of the children being now convalescent.

Broke up for the Easter holiday.

Opened school after the holiday with increased attendance.

Average attendance last week 238.

Received notice that the Examination would take place on Tuesday May 3^rd and the Pupil Teachers exam on 24 inst.

Attendance hardly as good today though the number in the Infant Dept is greater.

Today may be considered the 10^th anniversary of the opening of these schools.  By a reference to the entry made on that occasion I see that 145 children were entered.  Today over 280 children have been in attendance and upwards of 340 are on the books not including those in the branch school probably 60 or 70 more.  A greater difference still is to be seen in the work of the different classes for whereas 10 years ago children of all ages did much the same work, they now range through all the Standards of the Code.

On Saturday last the 24 inst. The Pupil Teachers examination took place at Northampton.

Ten years ago the premises consisted of

School not very full this morning.  The registers being newly arranged gave some trouble this morning, the classes awaiting the result of the annual examination before taking their places in their classes for 1880-81.

Mrs Knight called at the school and informed me that her son Harry who has been to the Infirmary with sore eyes has returned somewhat better and will come tomorrow if possible.

Harry Margetts and Herbt J Bandey are I fear too ill to come.  Eliz Harris and Ch Allen both in Standard 1 have met with accidents which will probably prevent them from attending.

Mr Simpson Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Assistant arrived at the school on Tuesday morning last the 4^th inst. At about 9.15am.  He began at once the work of Examination.  There were I think 290 children present in the 2 depts about 50 of whom were sent home not having made sufficient attendances.  Jos Bailey, Miriam Bayes and Fred Evans were absent from examination without reasonable excuse and I have reported them to the Managers.

The results of the examination except for as regards Standard 1 and the Reading of the whole school are of course unknown as yet but the reading was satisfactory there being no failure in the 180 children presented.

On Wednesday morning the 5^th inst. H M I of School W E Curry Esq. visited the school in company with Mrs Curry and the Rev’d J T Barker.  Mrs Curry I believe almost entirely examined the infants while Mr Curry took Standards 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Geography and Grammar.  Mrs Curry also took the needlework and was not at all sparing of blame to Miss Fisk before the children even in that teacher’s absence.

The examination was over by 12.30.

                                                                J T Barker

The duplicate examination schedule was received by the Rev’d J T Barker on the 11^th May.  Of the 180 examined 180 passed in Reading, 166 in Writing, 158 in Arithmetic.

In addition to the above 3 children not presented for Grants passed in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.

Of the 36 single failures 15 were made by half timers, and 15 other failures by irregular whole timers all of them being absent from 80 to 150 times.

Yesterday the 12^th Mrs Barker, Mrs Currie and Mrs Sartoris visited the school yesterday afternoon to give rewards to those girls who had made most progress in needlework during the past school year.

Re-opened after Whit week with large attendance.  Wm Munns being out of his time has left and we have all more than plenty to do.

Admitted several children this morning, most of them infants.  School still very full.  William Munns has obtained temporary work as master of Higham Board School, Mr Turner the master having rheumatic fever.

Average attendance still very large but diminishing slightly I think.

The Rev’d J T Barker visited the school for the first time since Whitsuntide and took the first class in Scripture.

Declined this morning to admit as half timer April who had passed Standard 1 only and also an infant under age.

Gave a holiday on Friday last as I wished to attend the Handel Festival.

The Report of Her Majesty’s Inspector received today.  It is generally satisfactory.

The Rev’d J T Barker gave his usual lesson in Scripture to Class 1 on Tuesday last.  Miss Wyatt had half a day leave on Monday to visit her friends in London.

The Rev’d J T Barker took his usual Scripture lesson this morning instead of yesterday.

On Thursday last the Sunday School Centenary was celebrated at Peterborough.  None of the day school teachers could however be spared from their duty.  Admitted two children this morning but attendance very slack, probably in consequence of the numerous feasts in the neighbourhood.

Progress as usual.  School rather slack.  Miss Marks from London visited the school.

Fred Denton 1^st class told me a lie this morning.

School rather slack especially in Standard 1 Class 4.

Sent another absentee list to Clerk last week, the attendance being very bad.

Copy of Inspector’s Report for Year ending April 30^th 1880

Mixed School The discipline is excellent and the examination work has been very creditably done.  The Infants under Miss Fisk’s charge are well managed and taught.

Infants School The school is well conducted.  My Lords have upon this occasion allowed payment for scholars presented under Art 20(a.1) in Standards below that prescribed by the bye laws for partial exemption from school attendance.  Henceforth however payments under this article will be made in accordance with the enclosed memorandum (17aN).

The scholar numbered 14 on the Infants examination schedule is disqualified (Art 19B1).

The scholars for whom Honour certificates are claimed do not satisfy the requirements of the regulations applicable thereto.

W Munns and G Wagstaffe have passed fairly.  They should be informed that they are now qualified under Articles 60 and 79.  Miss Fisk will shortly receive her certificate.

Staff

                                                Signed
                                                John T Barker
                                                Manager Correspondent

Weather still unsettled and harvest apparently still a long way off.

Progress as usual.  Attendance of children now very irregular especially in the lower classes.

Children rather excited at the thought of the Annual Festival to take place tomorrow.

Including Sunday scholars I find there are 537 names on the books of children in attendance.

The Festival was held in dry but dull weather on 18^th.  518 children sat down to tea.  The school prizes were given by Mrs Sartoris

Shall break up this afternoon for the Harvest holiday.  Weather still dull.

Admitted 8 children on Monday last the 4^th inst., all of them under 7 except a lad from Knuston named Forster who is 10 and well advanced for his age.

Admitted 3 children on Monday last.  Not so many children have left school as I expected.

Admitted two children on the 18^th.  The Rev’d J T Barker has not attended to give his usual lessons since the holiday, he proposes beginning in November.

The night school which was opened on the 11^th inst. does not promise to be very successful, the number in attendance now scarcely exceeding 40.  Most of that number are in the higher standards.

School rather full, weather being fine and bright for November.

The Rev’d J T Barker here yesterday and this morning to take classes 1 and 2 in Scripture.  192 present in Mixed School yesterday afternoon.

Admitted 7 children on Monday last.  Arranged that night school should open 3 times each week instead of 4 as hitherto.

Annie Woodward commenced duties as Monitress on the 15^th inst.

The Rev’d Dale, Rural Dean and Rev’d Canon Barker visited the school yesterday.  Today Mrs Hayes of Wollaston and Mrs Wood of the Board School Rushden visited the school.  Attendance good but many are still absent through illness.

Received application from a woman from Wymington for the number of attendances made by her son in this school 5 years ago.  Mr Packwood the Attendance Officer for the Union School Attendance Committee called at the school and mentioned the difficulty of employing children at Wymington, there being no chance there of the children qualifying themselves by examination.

Progress as usual.  The Rev’d J T Barker on behalf of the children presented Miss Wyatt with a testimonial.

Broke up at 4pm for the Xmas holiday – Miss Wyatt’s last day.

Re-opened after the Xmas holiday with good attendance.  Admitted several children.

The Rev’d J T Barker visited the school and gave his usual lesson in Literature this afternoon.

Obliged to give holiday this afternoon that the school might be got ready for the entertainment tonight.

The entertainment given on Friday evening last was very successful but the night was bitterly cold.  The pay of Henry VIII was given by the scholars and others.  Emmie Knight took the part of Queen Catherine.  Mr G Wagstaffe Henry VIII, Herb Norwood Buckingham, Master W Barker Wolsey, Master E Barker Griffiths, Wilhem Lewis Cromwell.

A terrific snow storm yesterday evening has filled some of the roads and seriously affected the attendance.  This morning only 100 children put in an appearance.  The weather is dreadfully cold also and seems as if it would continue for some time.  It is again snowing – 4pm.

School still very slack the weather having continued wonderfully severe till this morning, a thaw seems now to have set in.

Miss Clark who commenced duty on Jan 3^rd 1881 will leave tomorrow 28^th her trial month expiring then.  She has evidently not been accustomed to large classes or to keep order without assistance.  A Rapid thaw has set in.

Miss Wagstaffe visited the school this afternoon.  The Managers propose her taking Miss Clark’s place for a time subject to the approval of H M I.

Miss G Wagstaffe succeeded Miss Clark this morning.

Order somewhat better in Standards 1 and 2 than for the last month.  Many children away especially among the younger children, bad feet being the most common cause of absence.

A test examination shows the 1^st Standard to require some additional attention to Arithmetic. In Reading and Writing they are fairly prepared.

Find that Standard 3 are well up in Arithmetic, fairly in dictation but require more attention to Reading.

Progress as usual.  School filling again.

Mrs Warren not well enough to assist with the infants this week

Annie Woodward ill, she must by the Doctor’s advice take a week’s rest.

Annie Woodward still too ill to be at school.

School very full indeed, the weather being favourable.  On Tuesday last I found that 347 children were in actual attendance this week while several times upwards of 300 have been present.  Mrs Wagstaffe has also I understand upwards of 50 in attendance at the branch Infant School.

The new rooms will soon be ready for the infants.  Miss Fisk will doubtless find them very useful as at present she cannot separate her babies from the older children, having no classroom.

Progress as usual.  School still full.

Could not keep school yesterday morning.  Wombwell travelling menagerie passing through the village.  Attendance not so good this week.

Broke up this afternoon for the Easter holiday.  Alice Lewis monitress at 1/6 per week.

Re-opened after the Easter holiday with good attendance.  Miss Fisk occupied the new rooms for the first time.

Busy preparing for the coming examination to commence on Wednesday next the 4^th inst.

H M I Mr W E Curry visited the school on Tuesday the 3^rdand took the Geography and Grammar of all the Standards.  Mrs Curry accompanied him and partly examined the infants under Miss Fisk.

On Wednesday the work of examination was commenced by Mr Simpson. 

194 children were examined in Standards and 61 infants were also scheduled.

Of the Standard children the 2^nd seemed to be the best.

Received the schedule (duplicate) today and find there were 9 failures in Reading, 12 in Writing, 22 in Arithmetic.  24 failures were by whole timers, 19 by half timers.  Of the 24 failures by whole timers 15 were by children absent from 100 to 160 times.  The percentage passed is between 92 and 93.

The Reverend Canon Barker has not given his usual lesson this fortnight.

Infant dept very full.  Mixed dept a fair average.  The attendance of some children has become rather irregular.

Admitted one girl this morning.  Several others admitted to the Infant Dept.

The Rev’d Canon Barker not being at home I have given the 1^st division their Scripture lesson.  Attendance falling off somewhat, the weather being very hot, some of the children are suffering from diarrhoea.

Broke up this morning for Whit week, weather very hot.

Re-opened school after Whitsuntide holiday. 

Miss Clark commenced duty as assistant under Art 32.c.3.  She takes the sewing with Mrs Warren and assists with the lower Standards.

Formed the classes for the year ending April 30^th 1882.

Report received from the Education Dept.  Results generally satisfactory.  13 children struck off the schedule under Art 21.a.1.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited the school both yesterday and today.

Nine new desks place in position in the new wing of schools yesterday.  Find them convenient but insufficient.  4 more are to be made as soon as possible.

Mrs Barker visited the school on Wednesday the 22^nd inst. and gave some prizes to the younger girls for proficiency in needlework.

Miss Wagstaffe ill since 27^th, somewhat better this morning so I trust she will be with us again this afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his usual lesson yesterday morning to the 1^st class.  Considerably over 300 children present yesterday afternoon in the Mixed and Infant Departments.

Many children absent this morning, large numbers having gone to Skegness.

Copy of circular issued last week.  The Managers of these schools, Rushden National Schools, considering the growing importance and increasing population of Rushden have decided to offer the parishioners opportunities for a higher education than Public Elementary Schools in villages generally afford.

The school accommodation having been increased by upwards of 100 school places, the teaching staff increased and separate provision made for the Infants, the Managers propose to divide the school into upper and lower Departments.

Scholars will be admitted into the Upper Dept after passing Standard 3 and will be taught in addition to the ordinary subjects Drawing, English Literature, Euclid and Algebra.

The payment in the Lower Dept will remain as before but will not be less than 3d per week in the Upper Dept and scholars will be required to find their own book and materials for the extra subjects.

The Managers being anxious that no children should lose the opportunity of higher education through parents being unable to pay the higher fee will carefully consider all applications for its permission.

The scholars of the Upper and Lower Depts will be entirely separate from each other both in school and in the playground.

The Managers trust that all parents will assist in making this experiment a success.  The alteration will take place on July 11^th.

The report on the schools received from H M I has again given great satisfaction to the managers and encourages them to aim still higher.

The Parliamentary Grant shows a steady increase having been £210.15 in 1879, £226.11.0 in 1880 and £243.11 in 1881

The alteration took effect this morning and bids fair to be a success.

Progress as usual.  Had to give a days holiday on Wednesday, Miss Sartoris of the Hall being married to E Craven Esq.

Weather not nearly so hot but the children very troublesome and the school full.

Bank holiday

If the attendance becomes as a rule as small as the morning we shall be compelled to call it school holiday as well as bank holiday.  Must give holiday this afternoon.

The Penny Bank money taken on Tuesday last instead of on Monday.  The no. of investors is still small but increases slightly.

The Rev’d J T Barker gave his usual lesson yesterday morning to a small class.  Busy preparing prize list and sports entries for School Festival to take place tomorrow (Aug 11^th)

Re-opened the school after the harvest holiday, very slack attendance the harvest having been badly delayed by wet weather.

Miss Wagstaffe not at school since Tuesday last, her mother being ill.

Mrs Wagstaffe still ill so her daughter is obliged to remain at home.  School exceedingly thin.  I think it may be taken for granted that the harvest holiday must in future include the Feast week as it is no use trying to hold school between it and the Feast.

Re-opened school after Feast week with a much larger attendance, though many are still absent.  The Rev’d Canon Barker called at the school this afternoon.  Admitted several new children 3 of them not belonging to Rushden.

Examined Standard 2 in Arithmetic this afternoon.  52 present gave 3 sums

Examined Standard 3 in Arithmetic this afternoon.  54 present, gave 3 sums (not problems) Long Division Compound addition and Subtraction

Clarke the attendance officer visited the school on Monday and again today in reference to prosecution for irregular attendance.

Sent yesterday to the Factory Inspector a list of the most irregular half timers.  It must be nearly a year since that official paid us a visit and the attendance of the half timers is becoming very irregular.

Sent also a list of irregular whole timers to Clark.

Examined yesterday some of Standard 1 in Reading.  The result was satisfactory.

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his usual Scripture lesson yesterday to class 1.  He brought some new Bibles.

Examined Standard 1 in Arithmetic.  40 present.  Gave 3 sums 2 addition 1 subtraction

The Rev’d J T Barker at school this morning.

Had a visit this morning from Mr Moore, Inspector of Factories.  I don’t think I have seen him since the end of last year.  He took with him a list of irregular half timers with the intention of looking them up.

Had another visit from the Inspector of Factories yesterday. 

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his usual lessons this week.

Examined Standard 3 in Geography this afternoon.  Find they have made good progress.

Standard 2 very backward in Arithmetic, tables extremely weak.  First Division went hunting on Tuesday morning last the 8^th inst. as the hounds met at the windmill.

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his usual Scripture lesson this morning.  I’m sorry to hear that whooping cough is spreading in the village.  As yet it does not seem to have affected the attendance very much but I fear it will soon do so.

The Rev’d J T Barker visited the school this morning and gave his usual lesson.  Took Standard 2 again this afternoon in Arithmetic and find them still very backward.

The Rev’d Canon Barker not at school this morning.  School very full this afternoon 220 being present in the Mixed School including 70 in the higher dept and 60 in Standard 2.

Mrs Warren not at school yesterday to assist with the needlework as she was very unwell.

Report received June 14^th

Mixed School Order good, Instruction uniformly good.  The infants are very well taught and managed.

Infants School  The school is doing very well.

Disqualified in error, afterwards admitted by Dept

The scholars numbered 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 107, 110, 123, 125, 126, 129 and 130 on the Mixed School examination schedule are disqualified (Article 20(a))  

G Way   Arithmetic and History

G Wagstaffe is recognised as qualified to serve under 32(c)3.

Staff

Whooping cough has seriously affected the attendance in the Infants Dept though the attendance in the Mixed School is still good.

Mrs Hulatt visited the school yesterday to make arrangements for the tenants’ supper to take place in the evening.

The Rev’d Canon Barker at school today.

Gave the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Standards a composition exercise yesterday.

63 papers were worked and I examined them last night.  This morning only 27 of those present received back their papers, all the rest being absent.  I therefore have 36 papers still to distribute some of which I shall be able to give this afternoon and others Monday or Tuesday.  It will still more completely show the difficulty of teaching this division when I state that more than 30 children were absent yesterday afternoon consequently did no papers.

Attendance not so good this week.  Infant School is about half full.

The Rev’d Canon Barker at school this morning to give his usual lesson.  Mrs Warren not able to assist with the needlework last week or this through illness. 

Thomas Bagnall Esq. of Milton Ernest visited the school this morning and expressed surprise at the extensive premises.

Broke up for the Christmas holidays (fortnight) to the delight of the children.

Re-opened the school after the holiday, many children absent.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d Secker visited the school this afternoon.

Allowed the scholars to leave at 11 yesterday morning to see the meet of the hounds at Four Roads.

School not full.  Many children ill.  Mr Allen, a French teacher, called yesterday.  He considers himself the finest teacher in the world – [vcl say]

The Rev’d Canon Barker at school this morning.

Rev’d Secker visited the school yesterday afternoon for a short time and the Rev’d Canon Barker on Tuesday (7^th)

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited the school yesterday.

A heavy snow storm this morning has seriously affected the attendance, only 140 present in the Mixed School.

The Rev’d Canon Barker did not give his usual lesson this morning.  The Diocesan Inspector, the Rev’d Lawson, visited and examined these schools in Scripture on Friday the 10^th.  About 270 children were present and the results I think fairly satisfactory.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d G Secker were present during most of the examination.

Gave holiday on Friday afternoon last to prepare the room for the concert which took place in the evening.  This was the 4^th concert given by the children and teachers and I think it may be considered to have been very successful.  After the concert was over The Rev’d Canon Barker presented to the master a handsome tray and the whole of Shakespear’s plays in small volumes.  This testimonial was subscribed for by about 60 mothers of the scholars.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took my class (Standards 4, 5, 6 and 10) on Friday afternoon last while I attended a rehearsal in the new Hall for the concert which took place in the evening.  Have not allowed the children any recreation on two or three mornings lately on account of the illness of Mr Moore who lives opposite.

Many children absent with mumps.

Took Standard 2 this morning in Grammar and Geography.  Find they have much improved since last I took them.

Admitted one boy named Whitney, says he has passed Standard 3.  Find him very backward.

Great fire at Higham yesterday affected the attendance especially in the higher classes.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d Collins of Daventry visited the school yesterday morning but the Rev’d Canon did not stay to give his usual lesson, a vestry meeting intervening.

Mr Wagstaffe unable to get to school yesterday and today having sprained his ankle in a football match played on Saturday last.

Mr Wagstaffe returned to school yesterday.  Examined Standards 4, 5 and 6 in Arithmetic and Dictation.  Results fairly good.

The Rev’d Secker visited the school this morning for a few minutes.  Shall break up tomorrow for Easter holidays.

Re-opened after the holiday with a fair attendance.

Examined Standards 4, 5, and 6 this morning, spelling rather weak but arithmetic generally well done.

Mr Wagstaffe examined Standard 2 yesterday.  Of 48 examined 25 passed in Writing and 39 passed in Arithmetic.

Reading was not marked, these results are very bad but the dictation exercise was difficult.

An examination of 56 in Standard 2 has resulted in 10 failures in Arithmetic and 11 in Writing.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited the school this morning accompanied by his eldest son.

School very full.  Yesterday afternoon 222 were present in the Mixed School and I understand 128 were present yesterday morning in the Infant Dept.

Mr Peate of Wymington called to enquire as to the attendance at school of Joseph Rich who has been summoned for irregularity.

Began the school year with a good attendance.  The separation of half timers from whole timers in the registers seems a little awkward at present but I believe it will ultimately prove an advantage in every way.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited school this morning and took Standards 3, 5, and 6 in Old Testament history.

Miss Wagstaffe ill since last Wednesday and not at school.

Mrs Warren unable to take needlework yesterday through illness.

Miss Wagstaffe returned to school yesterday afternoon after 10 days illness.  The Rev’d Canon Barker called this morning but could not stay.  The Bishop of Peterborough is to open the Mission room this afternoon and to give an address in the Church this evening.

The examination of the different Standards shows a decided improvement.

The 2^nd Standard especially seems to have picked up during the last months.  We should now pass 90 pc I think.

Mr Simpson the Inspector’s assistant has I believe finished the examination of all the infant scholars.  He is to take the older scholars tomorrow Wednesday.

The examination was completed about one o’clock today but of course the results are not yet known.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d A Secker were present during part of the examination.  H M I Mr Curry has not yet visited the school.

Broke up this afternoon for the Whitsuntide holiday.

Re-opened school after the holiday with rather slack attendance.  Shall not I think rearrange the classes till next week.

H M I of schools W E Curry Esq visited the school this morning and finished the inspection.

Parchment received on Sunday last satisfactorily endorsed.

An analysis of the examination schedule gives the following results

Above Standard 2 there were 4 single failures among 64 whole timers and 21 among 46 half timers.

Of the 21 examined in Literature 20 passed but 2 presented in Domestic economy failed.

Complaint made that Mr Wagstaffe inflicted corporal punishment.  Forbad it altogether.

The Rev’d Canon Barker still from home.  Average attendance fairly good this week.  95 present in 1^st class this afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited the school this morning but did not give his usual lesson.  The 1^st class will probably be divided for Scripture.

Mr Wagstaffe went to Culham this morning to sit for a scholarship with the view of entering as a student at Cauis if successful.

Nearly half the scholars went to Cleethorps this morning so I have given the school holiday this afternoon.

The Rev’d A Secker came and offered his services this morning But as Mrs Warren was taking Standard 1 and we were also very slack, he did not remain.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d A Secker have taken the Scripture this week of the First class, the first named taking Standards 5, 6 and 7 and the latter the 4^th Standard.

A tea at the Baptist Chapel made the attendance very slack yesterday afternoon.  It is somewhat better today but the very wet weather has doubtless kept some away.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A Secker at school this morning.

School Report not yet received.  Attendance still very irregular though I have sent a list of irregulars every week for some weeks to the attendance officer.

The Rev’d A Secker not at school this morning so I took Standard 4 in Old Testament.  The annual feast of the school took place on Friday last in the Rectory grounds.  I believe fully 800 scholars, teachers and friends had tea.  The sports were fairly successful, the weather being delightfully fine.

The following were the school prize takers –

First Class  May Packwood, Jesse Bird, Wm Robinson, Willie Tassell.

Second Class  Em Whitbread, Em Perkins, Wm Pettit.

Third Class  Louisa Sears, Louisa Childs.

Fourth Class  Ada Whitbread, Em Cave, Rose Campion, Flor Perkins, Ivy Bollard,

Alf Packwood

Extra prize takers

First Class  F Denton, W Cave, H Warren, Bes Herbert, Jno Austin, Fr Ward, E Mole.

2^ndClass  Eliz Barwick, Thos Burfield, F R Margetts.

3^rdClass  Wm Gross, E Warren.

4^thClass  Em Chettle, Maria Childs.

Half timers  Jane Clayton, Mary Freeman, Caroline Campion

Infants  Jane Campion, Syd Brightwell, Wm Cave, Ed Robinson.

Report received July 28^th 1883

Mixed School  The discipline is excellent.  All the work is accurately, neatly and intelligently done.

First Infant School  Instruction and discipline satisfactory.  Some more pictures are wanted.

Second Infant School  The school is well conducted.  Some more pictures are wanted.

G Way has passed fairly.

A L Clark is recognised as qualified to serve under Art 84, Code of 1882 and G Wagstaffe is confirmed under that article.

                                                                John T Barker
                                                                Corresponding Manager

I have suffered so much with liver disorder that my attendance at school has been very irregular this week.  Yesterday I was here but half an hour.  Feel much better this morning.

Had half holiday yesterday being Bank Holiday.

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his usual lesson this morning.

Attendance rather smaller owing I suppose to the commencement of the harvest.

Had to give up today, having congestion of the lungs.  Left the school in charge of Mr Wagstaffe.  The Rev’d Canon Barker will assist.

The school broke up on Friday morning the 18^th August for 6 weeks.  The Rev’d Canon Barker announced this to the school.

Re-opened this morning after the holiday with very fair attendance.  Admitted 4 children.  About 200 present.  Miss Wagstaffe absent through the illness of her mother.  Mrs Warren assisted with Standard 1

Miss Waagstaffe still absent.  Mrs Warren too unwell to take her place.  The Rev’d Canon being out, his lessons are taken by Rev’d A Secker.

Attendance fairly good.  Miss Wagstaffe still assisting her mother.  Mrs Warren took needlework this afternoon.  Mr Secker took the Rector’s lesson on Tuesday last but had some trouble in controlling both his and the Rector’s class.

Standard 1 still without a teacher.

Admitted several children this morning, 4 of them being from the Board School. 

Miss Charity is engaged to take Standard 1.  She will commence duties on Nov 1^st.

Miss Charity began duty yesterday morning.  The Rev’d J T Barker and the Rev’d A Secker took the higher Standards in Scripture yesterday as usual.  Miss charity born 21^st Jan 1863

Progress as usual.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d A Secker called over the registers of the classes this morning.  All was found correct except that L George a girl in Standard 2 who was absent was marked present.

203 present signed.

Mr Wagstaffe heard today from Culham Training College that he could be received there as Student the 29^th January 1883 being the date fixed for his appearance there.

The nights are now getting so very dark that I think it will be necessary for a few weeks to open school at 1.45 in the afternoon instead of 2 as at present.

Have opened at 1.45 each afternoon this week but the children are not very punctual in their attendance.  It is however quite dark by 4 so we must continue to open at 1.45 for the present.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A Secker both took Scripture this morning.

The Rev’d Canon and Mr Secker both at school this morning though the former was not here on Thursday last.

Miss Charity absent ill all this week since Monday 26^th.

Miss Charity still too ill to be at school.  Weather wretched, attendance rather slack.

Miss Charity returned to school on Monday the 11^th.  Weather very cold and snowy making attendance irregular.

Examined Standard 2 in Arithmetic and Reading.  42 present, 9 only passed in Arithmetic, Reading is but poor.

Gave copybooks to Standard 1 on Friday last.

Examined Standard 3 in Arithmetic and Reading.  Results only fair.  The Reading was from the George Reader and was perhaps rather too difficult for a fair test.  Caned Charles Allen a re-admitted boy for disobedience on Monday 18^th.  Propose breaking up for Christmas holiday tomorrow.

Re-opened school after the Christmas holiday.  Admitted several scholars but attendance is below the average.  All the assistants began duty yesterday.

Weather very wretched, attendance somewhat slack in consequence.

The Rev’d Canon Barker at school on Thursday and Friday last.

Mr Secker who has assisted Mr Barker for the last year is leaving Rushden this week.  He gave his lesson last week to Standard 4.

The Rev’d Canon was not at school today but the lower division of the 1^st class was taken by Mr Disney who has succeeded Mr Secker as Curate.  Mr Geo Wagstaffe who was admitted a scholar to this school on 25^th April 1870 leaves next week for Culham Training College.

Mr Vaughan began duty this morning in succession to Mr Wagstaffe.  He is 19yrs of age the 21^st day of July next, served his apprenticeship in Nantmel Art School, Rhayader, Radnor and is provisionally certificated under 79 art.

Admitted 6 children last week and two this morning.  All but two are fit only for Standard 1.

The Rector took class 1 both divisions this morning, Mr Disney being out.

The Diocesan Inspector Mr Lawson examined the school in Scripture yesterday morning.  A half holiday was given in the afternoon.  The Canon and the Rev’d A E Disney were both present at the examination. 

339 children present in both depts.

The Rector was not at school yesterday in consequence of a severe cold.  The Rev’d Disney came but gave up his lesson at my request.

The Rev’d Canon Barker, the Rev’d … and the Rev’d Disney of Hinkley Leicester visited the school yesterday.

Examined Standard 2 in Geography.  Did very fairly.

Took Standards 3 to 6 in Geography of England yesterday morning.

The Rev’d Canon not at school this week.  The Rev’d Disney also gave up his lesson.  Gave 6, 5 & 4 an examination.  Mr Vaughan examined Standard 3 yesterday.  Miss Clark and Miss Charity Standards 2 and 1 this morning.

The Upper Division took Scripture as usual.  Examined the Upper Standard and passed about 70 pc on those examined.

Attendance irregular.

I gave home lessons to 75 children in the 1^st class on Monday afternoon.

Tuesday morning but 54 were present of whom 21 were not present to take the home lesson in addition to the above several others were not in attendance either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.  How can the requirements of the M… Code be carried out with such attendance as this.

Weather extremely cold for the season doubtless many children absent with colds as I understand from Dr Owen that many are ill.

Shall close school for a week this afternoon for Easter holiday.

Re-opened school on Monday the 2^nd after Easter holiday with poor attendance.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A E W Disney gave Scripture lessons to 1^st class this morning.

Have sent approximate return to Ed Dept.

Received notice that the Examination is fixed for May 7^th, 8^th and 9^th.  On the 7^th at

10.30am and on the 8^th and 9^th at 9am.

Wet morning, attendance poor, several children too late to be marked.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A E W Disney gave their lesson to 1^st Div’n yesterday morning.

The Rev’d Canon Barker checked the registers this afternoon and found all correct.

Heavy snow storm this morning about school time.

Thirteen years ago today since I opened these schools.  No. 1120 is the last number entered on the admission register.

Not many children away considering it is May Day.

Mr Simpson H M A I called and spent some time in the Infant Department.

Mr Simpson examined Standards 3 to 6 in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and English on Tuesday 8^th.  Standards 1 and 2 in the same subjects on Wednesday morning the 9^th and the girls in needlework the same afternoon.

W E Curry Esq H M I inspected the school this morning and examined all the scholars in Geography and Music.

Broke up at 1 today for the Whitsuntide holidays.

Re-opened school after Whit week.  All the teachers present.

Received upwards of 30 scholars from Miss Fisk and Mrs Wagstaffe.

Duplicate Exam schedule and my parchment came yesterday, the former shows that 229 examined 213 passed in Reading, 198 in Writing and 188 in Arithmetic giving a percentage of 87.  Class 4 under Miss Charity passed 96, 40 being examined.

Class 3 under Miss Clark passed 88pc, 42 examined.

Class 2 under Mr Vaughan passed 80pc, 55 being examined.

Parchment endorsed “The discipline is excellent and the instruction good throughout”.

All the scholars were photographed this morning.

Scripture Repetition for the year 1883-4

The following figures show the growth of the Mixed Dept of these schools since May 1874.

1874 on schedule 75

1875 on schedule 84

1876 on schedule 126

1877 on schedule 140

1878 on schedule 153

1879 on schedule 172

1880 on schedule 188

1881 on schedule 204

1882 on schedule 213

1883 on schedule 244

Rev’d A E D Disney gave Scripture lesson to Standards 5, 6 and 7.

Cricket match yesterday on the Wymington Road.  Had the children in early and gave them half an hour to see the Match.

Today the Rector and Mr Disney took Standards 4 to 7 in Scripture.

Attendance not so good, neighbouring feasts affecting it no doubt. 

Admitted several children from Wymington last week.

Gave up charge of the Rushden National Schools, Mr Ridpath succeeding me as Head Master.

                                                                                John Warren
                                                                                June 18^th 1883

This morning I took charge of this Mixed School.

This morning the Rector and Mr Disney gave Scripture lessons to Standards 4 to 7.

This morning the Rector and Mr Disney gave Scripture lessons to Standards 4 to 7.

The average attendance for the past week has been 211.  I find there are a large number of half timers, but the difficulty exists in the irregular method in which they attend school.

The Rev’d A E Disney gave a Scripture lesson to Standard 4.

Admitted a girl, Annie Greaves from Rushden Hill.

The Rev’d A E Disney gave a Scripture lesson to Standard 4.

The average attendance for the past week was 212.

An excursion to Yarmouth has taken so many children from school that a holiday has been given.

The Rev’d A E Disney gave Standard 4a Scripture lesson.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A E Disney gave Scripture lessons to Standard 4 to 7.

This week has been a very slack one for attendance, there being so many village feasts in the county, the average attendance being only 192.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d A E Disney gave Scripture lessons to Standard 4 to 7.

The average attendance for the past week has been 207.

A Chapel tea this afternoon reduced the attendance to 143.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took the Scripture lessons this morning with Standard 4 to 7.

The average attendance for this week was 201, which is very fair considering the amount of wet weather we have had.

I have taken on the staff the … temporarily, Mr Wagstaff found p-1 to assist until other arrangements for staff are settled.

The Rev’d Canon Barker has taken his usual Scripture lessons this week.  A Lewis, the Monitress left me this week.

The Rev’d Canon Barker has taken his usual Scripture lessons this week.

Monday being Bank Holiday the school was closed for the day.

Copy of H M Inspector’s Report on the School

Mixed School  “The discipline is excellent.  All the work is very accurately, neatly and intelligently done.”

A L Clarke is recognised as qualified to serve under Article 84, Code of 1882.

Amount of Grant earned by Mixed School 182.17.0

Copy of H M Inspector’s Report on the School

Mixed School  “The discipline is excellent and the Instruction good and thorough”.

                                                                                                John T Barker

This being the annual treat day the children had a holiday this afternoon.

This morning the school closed for 5 weeks holiday.

The school this week has been very slack in attendance, it being Higham Feast week.  The average for the week was quite 30 below the usual average.  Mr Vaughan, the Assistant, left this week.

Opened school this morning after 5 weeks holiday.  Some few children will not return but I have admitted 24 from the Infant dept.  During the holidays various improvements have taken place.  The dividing wall between the two classrooms has been removed, giving now one good classroom which I intend giving to Standard 1 which is now very large there being 90 on the books.

Mr T Ellis, the new Assistant Master, came to work today and I have given him Standards 5 and 6 in the large classroom and I with the Monitor Denton, who also commences this morning, am going to work particularly with Standards 3 and 4 who are very backward particularly in their ground work.

Admitted one boy and re-admitted one girl.

The average attendance for the week has been 219.

This week has steadily progressed as last week.

This afternoon there was a large attendance, the number being 252.  This is partly owing I think to the Attendance Officer.

The average for this week has advanced 24 upon the two previous weeks, it being 233.

The average attendance for this week has been 229.  There was a great reduction on Friday afternoon, there being a grand circus at Higham.

This afternoon the Factory Inspector came to school to see how the children in the factories attended school.

Mr Barker took Standards 5 and 6 in their Repetition.  He also checked registers.

The attendance today has been meagre, it being an exceedingly wet day. 

Admitted T Knowllan from Podington?

This being a Fox hound meet at the Four Cross Roads this morning I dismissed the children at 11.10.  Admitted T J Desborough from Wymington.

The school average for the week has been 220.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d Disney took Standards 4 to 6 in Scripture, also on the 13^th.

The attendance this week has fallen off.  I presume owing to the filthy dirty roads.

This week we commenced to open the schools in the afternoon at 1.45 because the children living at a distance want to leave earlier and because the school gets too dark for good work after 4pm.

The attendance this week has again been very slack; the younger children falling off very much.

The average attendance for the week has again decreased having fallen to 222.

I have this week examined Standards 2 to 6 with the result of only passes to the extent of 50pc.  But I find better ground work than before particularly in the lower Standards.  The result shows the necessity after the holidays for regular attendance and hard work.  Closed school this morning for a weeks holiday.

Opened school this morning with an attendance of 209.  Admitted 5 new children