National School, Compton Bassett

In 1858 the school, erected in 1854, was described as ‘picturesque with a commodious schoolroom’ when H.M. Schools Inspector William Warburton also wrote that 50-60 children were taught remarkably well with music especially good. The schoolroom had a wood floor and parallel desks while the master’s residence had been “lent” by the principal proprietor in the village. Teaching was by an uncertificated master and his mother and the school was said to be doing its work well.

A further inspection in 1893 notes that the National School classroom measures 15’ x 12’ but states that the ‘offices’ [toilets] do not satisfy the requirements of Rule 7, which states they should be separate. At this time the average attendance was 68, and holidays at harvest time were 5 weeks. In October of the same year children were absent because of diphtheria and whooping cough, by November new ‘offices’ for both boys and girls were completed. At this time the rector was visiting 3 or 4 times a week giving children scripture lessons, other regular visitors were Major and Mrs Heneage.

We only hold log books for the school from 1894, education had become free from 1891, but these provide a wealth of information about activities in the school.

The list of subjects for object lessons to be taught to the infant class during 1894, submitted to H.M. Inspector, were – a candle, cotton, orange, cow, tiger, dog, garden, glass, cat, coal, the oak, sheep, pig, water, lead, elephant, coffee, basket, the grocer. In July inclement weather prevented several children from attending school and after the 5 weeks harvest holiday some children were still absent due to harvest work. In November of that year the school closed for a time as the roads were impassable due to floods.

In February 1895 two children were sent home as their heads were full of vermin and later in the month they were still infested and contaminating other children. Even at the end of March it was reported vermin were still affecting children. In November of this year a four year old died of ‘a throat disease’ and several other children were absent with sore throats. The Medical Officer ordered 16 scholars to remain absent due to diphtheria and sore throats. In February of the following year one third of all pupils were absent due to illness and in June a truant pupil was reproved by the rector for misconduct. The Inspector’s report in August stated that the children were orderly but the instruction they received ‘in no way appears to develop intellects’. On Christmas Day of 1986 the teacher resigned after 24 years.

The new Headmaster, who arrived in January 1897, found the children to be backward and lacking in intelligence. The girls had not learned needlework or knitting. The slates were in bad order and new ones had not arrived two months after an order was placed. It took supplies four months to arrive; in May the new Headmaster resigned, and a temporary one was engaged until July. H.M. Inspector notes the children have improved in elementary subjects since last year but they were having no P.E. If this subject was not included, the grant would be withheld next year. The new Headmistress introduced P.E. when she commenced duties in September and extra holiday was allowed to help with the potato harvest, as rain was expected. During December many children were absent because of measles, and the school was closed for several days because of bad weather. The Christmas holiday had to be extended as many pupils were ill, only seven pupils escaped measles.

In February and March of 1899 there were poor attendances because of snow, though the average attendance for the year ending in June was 42. January 1900 saw the Managers again searching for a new mistress and on February 19th a new certificated mistress took charge. The death of Queen Victoria saw the school closed, and it was again closed for the death of Major Heneage, both during 1901.

January 27th to 28th of 1902 saw half the pupils absent due to illness and also heavy rain. In June a holiday was declared to celebrate peace between England and South Africa after a three year war. At this time H.M. Inspector’s report said ‘the children were in very good order and have received careful instruction and progress is very satisfactory’. During November diphtheria was again present amongst pupils, whilst in December several children were absent attending a cattle show in Calne.

The Schoolmistress died suddenly in March 1903 and the rector conducted school until the appointment of a new mistress. During May heavy rain prevented children attending and in July the school opened early to enable boys, who had to take tea into the hayfields, to attend. During June and July 1904 Drill was not taken due to great heat, and on July 22nd 33 pupils visited the seaside. The report by H.M. Inspector said good general progress had been made, but the school should be properly heated and ventilated. In September several children were absent due to whooping cough and on October 31st,as only 7 children were present, the Medical Officer closed the school.

During April 1905 19 children were absent because of measles and the Medical Officer closed the school for 3 weeks. In May the children gave a concert, the proceeds of which were to pay for a trip to the seaside. During June and July the schoolmistress had no assistant, though pupils numbered an average of 38. In October a new assistant was engaged but left after 10 days, and in December the mistress herself resigned. In September the children were warned of the dangers of being run over by a motor car when journeying to and from school. In October the rector again warned of the dangers of motor cars.

In 1906 overall control of the school passed to Wiltshire County Council and further information will be found under Compton Bassett Church of England School.