During the latter part of the 18th century, education was only provided for those boys who were able, and those whose families could afford it. Happisburgh had the following schools:
The Free Grammar School was held in the pebble and thatch building known today as Tithe Barn, and was the oldest school in the village.
Lower Happisburgh School, built by subscription for the children of Happisburgh and Lessingham, was opened in 1770. It was situated at the lower end of Whimpwell Street in the area known as School Common. Robert Summers was the master for 61 years. His salary was £10 per annum plus the penny or two each pupil paid weekly. He appears to have had complete charge of the school from its opening until his death at the age of 85 years. His son then claimed both building and land as private property. Other masters followed, but by the mid 1860's the building was in ruins.
The Church of England or the National School replaced the Free Grammar School in 1811. It occupied the same building, but admitted girls as well as boys, if their parents could afford to pay a few pence each week for the child's schooling. However, several children received free education through the bequest of the Rev. Jonathan Chaloner.
A New National School was built in 1861 to accommodate the increased number of pupils. The 'large and handsome red brick structure' (White's Directory) cost over £600. This sum was raised partly by public subscription and partly by a government grant. There was said to be room for 140 pupils, although the average attendance was 95. At this time there were only two rooms. Children could leave upon reaching the age of thirteen, or earlier if the required standard had been reached. A succession of single ladies ran the school, assisted by a pupil teacher and a monitor. The headship changed hands six times during the first fourteen years.
The five week summer holiday always coincided with harvest, for the children's help was needed in the fields. In one very late season school did not break up until September 4th. In the early days, Easter was not always marked by even one day's holiday, although school was closed for Christmas, and Trinity Tuesday was observed as a holiday so that all might attend the annual Fair. Truancy was common during haysel (haymaking season) and at turnip thinning time, or when a wreck off the coast meant that coal and wood could be picked up on the beach.
In 1896 a master was appointed, with an assistant school mistress and an infant teacher to help him. By this time all fees had been abolished.
In 1938 Happisburgh School became a Primary, with children moving onto Grammar Schools in North Walsham or to the Secondary Modern at Stalham at the age of 11. It is now a Voluntary Controlled First School and takes pupils from the ages of 4 to 8.
Files:
School Logbooks
