Educational excellence for all in a Christian context

History of Education in Wraxall

Education in Wraxall

The first school in Wraxall was started by Betty Bowley in 1801, in a small cottage, which has now been demolished. This was a dame school where the children were taught "Criss-Cross" or "Christ-Cross", which was the alphabet in the form of a cross.

The Church car park, used by our parents,

was once the site of Betty Bowley's cottage.

Man o'War ships used to launch education in Wraxall

In 1809, Richard Vaughan Esquire of Wraxall Lodge built a school in the churchyard, this building is now known as the Library. Mr John Weekes was the builder and much of the timber used came from Man-o-War ships broken down in Bristol shipyards. The school was given in trust to the Rector "for the education of the children of the Parish forever".

The library is now used regularly

by the church for youth activities

The old boys school

The Boys' School is built

In 1856 a boys' school known as Trinity Boys' School was built. Sir Greville Smyth of Ashton Court gave the land and, Mr William Gibbs, (The late Lord Wraxall's great grandfather) paid for the building to be erected. The girls and boys remained in the Churchyard School and the boys moved to the Trinity school at the age of 7 years.

The building we see today.

The building currently used by Wraxall Primary School was started in 1863.

Sir Greville Smyth donated more land to build a new school for the Girls and Infants in place of the Churchyard school. Antony Gibbs Esq., (The late Lord Wraxall's grandfather) paid the expenses for both the Architect and builders. When the day arrived for the transfer to the new building, it is recorded that the children assembled at the old school at 2.00pm and then marched to their new school singing "Onward Christian Soldiers". Mrs Anthony Gibbs treated the children to tea.

Extract from Log book ...

"Only 23 present so many kept away by severe colds & very rough weather" 08.01.1866

First extension.

In 1902 the building was extended by the addition of a new classroom, porch and cloakroom. This school was known as "The Girls' School" and was for girls up to the age of 14 and Infant boys. In August 1938 the school was reorganised. It was designated a "Junior Mixed School" and took boys and girls up to the age of 11. Since this time Trinity Boys' School has been closed.

In 1958, the West Classroom, now the Lower Key Stage Two Classroom, was added to the school.

The 1902 extension can be seen built onto the left of the school with a red door.

The most recent addition to the school is home to KS1.

During the last 20 years, the school has been considerably modernised and much money has been spent on improving facilities, including an additional temporary classroom. In January 2002 a major building project was completed providing two new classrooms, additional playground, a new sports field, a library / computer suite, a secure play area for under 5's and a new administration and entrance area. To celebrate this completion, a service of thanksgiving was held in Church and, in true Wraxall style, the children marched from the church to their "new" school singing "Shine Jesus Shine"!