Page 9 - Natioinal School

The National School Redditch Heritage

On the southern end a display of dahlias read
MAY GOD

PRESERVE OUR

PATRON'S

a curious choice as one of the chief patrons, the Vicar of Tardebigge, had just passed away. 470
children were seated at tables for a feast of roast beef and plum pudding.

Redditch schools were described bv John Noake in 1855:

"The schools established at Redditch form one of the most interesting and cheering features of that
town. The National Boys' School numbers about 200 scholars; it was established by the Earl of
Plymouth... The Girls' National School is independent of the above and contains about 50 girls; it had
then been established about twelve months and is supported by contributions and payments of the
children. The infant school numbering from 60 to 80, is supported in a similar manner. It is estimated
that 350 children are in course of daily education here, and in the Sunday schools are 257 boys and
229 girls. The National school is a handsome and capacious structure, built in 1846 at a cost of £
1,600, the ground having been given by the Hon Colonel Clive. Here is a large enclosed playground,
containing horizontal and perpendicular swings, leaping bars, and such a variety of means and
appliances for the recreation of the young fry as would have called forth a stare of astonishment from
our ancestors of birch and foolscap notoriety, had such things been introduced in their day."

He goes on to say that the discipline was impressive - without the cane. Directly in front of the school
was an allotment, ' adorned with shrubs and flowers and planted with vegetables'

.When Alice Oakton arrived as Headmistress at the National Girl's School in the late 1880s. she faced
a school of 350 pupils and eleven staff. Only two of the staff were qualified, the rest were monitors
and pupil teachers who had to learn and teach at the same time. Miss Oakton was small, quietly
spoken and energetic. She remained at the school for 25 years and during that time there were only
three references to punishments in her log book.

The enlarged National School became St. Stephen's First School

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