The British School, Wootton Bassett
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The school was built on to the Primitive Methodist chapel, at Mount Pleasant, in 1842 at a cost of £400. The first headmaster was Mr Tuck and by 1845 there were 45 pupils. The financing of the school proved something of a strain for the Methodists, who were not a wealthy congregation, and in 1858 they were glad to accept an offer from the British and Foreign Society to take over the school and run it on non-conformist principles. From 1858 the school became known as the Britsh School. In 1867 the schoolroom behind the master's house was pulled down and a larger one built. More land was also bought to extend the playground and to build a separate infants' school. Another classroom was added a little later.
From 1873 to 1910 the school benefitted from a long serving headmaster, James Smith. Another classroom and a cloakroom were added in 1891 and more improvements were carried out in 1897. In 1902 it was reported that the children were 'being taught with care and intelligence'. There were 170 mixed pupils and 99 infants in 1903. In 1904 Wiltshire County Council took over the school as the local education authority and from then onwards it became known as the County School, under which heading further information can be found.
From 1873 to 1910 the school benefitted from a long serving headmaster, James Smith. Another classroom and a cloakroom were added in 1891 and more improvements were carried out in 1897. In 1902 it was reported that the children were 'being taught with care and intelligence'. There were 170 mixed pupils and 99 infants in 1903. In 1904 Wiltshire County Council took over the school as the local education authority and from then onwards it became known as the County School, under which heading further information can be found.