entury of oolpit chool

When Woolpit School celebrated its centenary in 1994, a little booklet was produced which records especially the differences between the early years of the school and the situation today. Attendance was often a problem, either because the children were kept away to work in the fields, or because of severe weather. Epidemics of childhood diseases often led to the closure of the school for a month - it is worth remembering that a century ago many of these illnesses could be fatal; indeed several children died, and one of the teachers.

Some of the lessons were different - in particular older boys grew produce in the school garden, and girls had needlework lessons (sometimes cancelled because of soot and ashes from open fires blown around the room in stormy weather!), but the emphasis on the 3 Rs has persisted since the beginning.

Today, the local community takes much pride in its school, and the success achieved by the children. A support organisation, the Friends of Woolpit School, run mainly by parents, raises substantial sums every year to purchase additional equipment or books for the school, and organises events which are enjoyed by parents and children alike.

More information is available on the school's own web site.