The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 40
Parents Revolt As School Fees Double
In January 1875 fees at Fernhurst National School were doubled from one penny a week to two for the over sevens, although fees for the infants remained at one penny as before. As most of the workers in the village were agricultural, forestry or general labourers, this was potentially a cause of some hardship to poorer parents, who might have two or more children in the affected age range.
Ten days after the initial announcement many parents were still refusing to pay the higher fee and in some cases were keeping their children off school, even though it was a punishable offence to do so. The school managers decided that no child that did not bring the correct fee would not be allowed to come to school, which resulted in stalemate.
By the end of the month it was reported in the School Log Book that ’there are now only a few children who have not paid the increased fee, these being of the poorest class, so the managers have decided not to refuse admission to the school until they have enquired into the means of the parents with a view to relieving them to a certain extent’. As no more was said, it is assumed that the fees were covered for them.
Note: Fernhurst was a School Board School and education was made compulsory in 1880 up to the age of ten. Education became free in 1891.
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
