Henley Girls' School, Box
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By 1851 infants and girls had been separated from the boys, at the Charity School in the workhouse, and moved to Henley into a building later known as Henley Cottages. They were accommodated in a room 40 feet long by 24 feet wide and 23 feet high, heated by a coal stove. The infants were in a gallery in the same room and there were frequent complaints that it was too noisy. In 1863 there was one certified teacher and three pupil teachers with 131 girls and infants. The vicar gave scripture classes and a lady came in to take knitting classes. For the mistress the school day began at 7.00 a.m. when she gave lessons to the pupil teachers, who were aged 13 years or older. She continued with their lessons, after school for the younger children had ended, until 5.00 p.m. The pupil teachers could eventually pass exams and do approved work to become monitors and earn between £20 and £30 a year.
In 1869 the sewing work included making a pinafore, a chemise ( undergarment a little like a petticoat or slip), and a nightdress. Some classes also made samplers and by 1870 the girls appeared to be doing homework. It was noted that school numbers were always low on wet days and at other times when the weather was bad. Attendances were also low when it was Club Day in the village. After the church school opened in 1875 the girls and infants were transferred there.
In 1869 the sewing work included making a pinafore, a chemise ( undergarment a little like a petticoat or slip), and a nightdress. Some classes also made samplers and by 1870 the girls appeared to be doing homework. It was noted that school numbers were always low on wet days and at other times when the weather was bad. Attendances were also low when it was Club Day in the village. After the church school opened in 1875 the girls and infants were transferred there.