Conigre Infants' School, Trowbridge

This school started in The Conigre in 1830 as a non-conformist school with 198 children. The oldest log book dates from 1874 when there were 4 classes and a nursery for those less than 3 years old. The mistress was Flora Burnett, though she was not certified until April 1875 and she was aided solely by one monitress. Miss Burnett followed the local traditions of a half-holiday for the coronation day and for the local flower show. The children were taught reading, numbers and figures, writing and basic grammar, geography, needlework and knitting, singing, recitation, object lessons and history. A pupil teacher was present from 1876 with a second  a year later which shows the school size grew regularly. Christmas treats occurred from 1876, regular gifts from the managers on the first day of school in January and regular attendance prizes. School meals, both breakfast and dinner were available from 1893. However, repeated negative inspection reports about the suitability of the premises meant that renovations began in 1901. There were regular monthly half-holidays and lessons were expanded to include nature knowledge and free arm dancing. Inspite of the renovations to the school, it was closed in 1907 and the 78 children over 4 years old were sent to other schools.