1880-1 The School Board 

The Board continued to meet monthly to deal with the administration of the school. Attendance figures were reported at each meeting. John Lovett was appointed as the attendance officer in July 1880 at a salary of £20 plus railway fare: he was expected to attend the school three times a week. There were regular requests from parents for the remittance of fees, many people were agricultural workers whose work and therefore pay was seasonal. Parents also attended Board meetings to ask permission for their children to leave school early or to attend part time. Until education became compulsory children’s earnings were an important part of the family income. If children had reached the required standard this was normally granted.

Financial matters were also dealt with by the Board. In July 1880 it was agreed to purchase a harmonium at a cost of no more than £6.0. Letting fees for the school rooms were agreed, at 5/- for each room and 1/- for the cleaner. The rooms were not to be let for political or denominational meetings. The Adult School was based in the school. (See below)  

The grants to schools were dependant on pupils reaching the required standard in reading writing and arithmetic. The minutes for March 24th 1881 give the numbers presented for inspection, by visiting inspectors, and the results:

81 pupils presented

Passes in reading     54

Passes in writing       53

Passes in Arithmetic 55

On March 11th 1881 a new Board was elected. Those who received the most votes were Wm John Benton (BOS Gentleman), Thomas Briggs (BOS Licensed Victualler) Charles Cross (BOS Corn Dealer) Wm. Henry Ellis (Anstey Merchant) George Hull (Anstey Farmer) Mr. Ellis was elected Chairman.