Early Schools, Clyffe Pypard
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During the early part of the 19th century, Clyffe Pypard contained several small schools which would have been spread throughout the parish. This was typical during this period and partially due to the various hamlets dotted around the area. This enabled the remotest families to gain an education. The first mention of any educational endowment within the parish was to be found in the will of Sarah, Dowager Duchess of Somerset. In 1686, she bequeathed the manor of Thornhill for the foundation of scholarships at Brasenose College in Oxford. She also gifted the neighbouring manor of Broad Town in order to provide apprenticeships for poor boys. Neither of these provided a school in the parish.
As well as the ‘free school’ (see entry for Thornhill Free School), there was also a ‘petty school’ in the parish in 1808. In 1825, another school gave private education to 25 children. This education had to be paid for by parents so was exclusively used by the more affluent residents of Clyffe Pypard. In 1859 there was a dame school for young children at Bushton. Here, there were only ten pupils and it was said that they were ‘kept out of mischief’. In December 1865 a night school was started by a Mr. Bradford to educate the local plough boys.
As well as the ‘free school’ (see entry for Thornhill Free School), there was also a ‘petty school’ in the parish in 1808. In 1825, another school gave private education to 25 children. This education had to be paid for by parents so was exclusively used by the more affluent residents of Clyffe Pypard. In 1859 there was a dame school for young children at Bushton. Here, there were only ten pupils and it was said that they were ‘kept out of mischief’. In December 1865 a night school was started by a Mr. Bradford to educate the local plough boys.
Apart from the schools already mentioned, there were also several Sunday schools run by both the Church of England and Methodists within the parish. In 1818, the Church Sunday school was attended by around 50 children. At the same time, there were also two Primitive Methodist Sunday schools in the parish. One of the Sunday schools was attended by a large number of 118 mixed children in 1846. It was funded by subscriptions and the master was paid £5.4.0d annually.