Our school is very lucky to have old log books of events which go back to 1863, and so we know quite a lot about the school, it's master and it's pupils. It was founded in 1852 when the National Society for promoting the Education of the poor in the principles of the established church together with the Ripon Diocese purchased a piece of ground on the village green for a school.

In 1863 the school consisted of only one room,divided by a curtain to separate the boys and girls in the afternoon. Attached to the schoolroom is a four room dwelling as residence for the master, with a piece of land for the garden.

The master was James Plews and his sister taught the girls needlework. There were 101 pupils from 3 -14 years old. It was not often that all the pupils actually attended. They had time off for all sorts of reason,sometimes illness,but more often to work on the land.

Here are some entries from the log book in the 1860's

SCHOOL RULE NO 1

The children to attend with their hands and faces washed clean and their clothes well mended and the weekly pence due by each child to be punctually brought on every Monday morning.

RATES FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN

2 pence per week by the majority of them

3 pence for those whose circumstances allow of it.

A reduction of 1 pence per week where more than two children are sent from one family.

1pence in 1863 is worth 50p today.

The average farm worker was earning only £35 per year.

1863

MARCH 10th - A holiday from half past ten on account of the marriage of the Prince of Wales. J Pulleine Esq.(at the hall) in their honour thereof.

MARCH 16th - One of the scholars has died of the Scarlet Fever and many of the parents will not allow their children to come to school for fear of the fever.

AUGUST 10TH - Many children returned who have been absent haymaking , turnip thinning and tending. Four excused on account of harvesting.

1864

NOVEMBER 22nd - Children had a treat this afternoon, several views were shown to them through a magnifying glass.

1865

MAY 23rd - Several children absent this afternoon through stopping to see the sheep washed

1869

FEBRUARY 12th - Two or three children absent, gathering sticks. During a storm on Saturday night three trees were blown down on the village green Thomas Rogers was climbing on the trunk of one when he fell off and broke his leg.

OCTOBER 25th - The Vicar visited and promised to go round the village with the master to look for absentees.

NOVEMBER 26th - Attendance is not good owing to gleaning and the potato season.