| Description | Log book, John Street Boys' School, becoming Star Lane School, Boys' Department.
30 June 1876 Head teacher [R E Cranfield] was assailed on his way home "by a woman named Small with a storm of abuse and threats" and a policeman was called. Her children were refused further admission to school until her husband came to apologise for his wife's conduct.
25 Sept 1876 "During the week we have had to use corporal chastisement to many because all our efforts to get anything like due discipline were in vain without it. A great improvement was visible."
23 Oct 1876 A list of 12 songs taught during the past year and presented to Inspector,
including Rule Britannia, Men of Harlech and The Minstrel Boy.
18 Dec 1876 "Very thin school, owing to fear of smallpox which is now in several houses
near the school."
8 Jan 1877 Report: "The boys belong to the roughest and most neglected class of a very
low locality."
List of teaching staff.
13 Sept 1877 "Several boys are away in Kent, hop-picking."
25 Sept 1877 Children asked to contribute to Indian Famine Fund, "with fair results."
18 Dec 1879 "Final closing of these schools."
Head Teacher presented with a stationery cabinet and several classical works.
5 Jan 1880 Star Lane Board School (Boys) opened with 198 boys. By end of week
277 on roll. Head Master: Robert Headley. [Former head, R E Cranfield, not appointed
as had no college training but took post as assistant master].
30 Sept 1880 Report: "This school is well begun and will probably prove one of the
most important schools in the district."
List of teaching staff.
29 Sept 1882 Report: "The school is still progressing in importance and usefulness. Many difficulties are being strenuously surmounted by the energy and judgement of Mr Headley and his hard working staff. The children are rough and attendance is very irregular, but they are well disciplined and receiving a sound and useful education."
30 Sept 1886 Report: "This school continues to be in a very high state of efficiency both as
to Discipline and Instruction."
23 July 1892 "Took 48 children to Paddington. CHF [Country Holiday Fund] (2 weeks in Wiltshire)."
30 Sept 1892 Report: "The tone and order of this school are thoroughly good."
At back: copy letters, lists of boys exempted from examinations |