The much looked-for day of H.M. Inspector’s visit come and gone. On Monday, November 28th and the two following days, the Rev. B. Byrne and his two assistants, Mr. Shilton and Mr. Whitworth, arrived, and subjected the three departments of School to a most searching examination. On the whole, we are to be able to report that the result is good. The amount of the Grant earned is £328 2s. 6d., as compared with £320 7s. 9d. last year, an increase of nearly £8, and in many ways the Inspector expressed himself well satisfied.
The Boys passed well throughout the School, 93 per cent. of the maximum number of marks being obtained. Allusion is made in the report to “a great advance” having been made - “in the upper classes the paper work generally is good, “songs are sung with great energy”, “the boys are quiet and well behaved during the Examination.”
In the Girls’ School there have been great difficulties to contend with, especially the severe illness of Mistress, previous to and during the examination, and, in consequence, we are not surprised to find that in this department the result was not quite so good as last year. Still, it is gratifying to have to record the high commendation of the needlework. “The needlework equals or surpasses that of past years in quantity and quality. Again the neatness and finish of the work, with the good taste shown in it are to be to be remarked.”
In the Infants’ School we have, since June, had a new Mistress, to whose credit mainly (though we must not omit share to which the late Mistress is entitled) redounds the character the School, which we give in the Inspector’s own words : “The infants’ School is in highly efficient condition under its new Mistress, reading, writing and arithmetic, both mental and on slates, are all very good, especially the writing; and the knowledge the children show of things about them, and their readiness in answering, are much above the common. Recitation is much to be commended. Drill exercises are remarkably well done. Needlework, both during the year and for Examination, is considerably above the average. The Kindergarten specimens are better finished off than generally elsewhere. Singing by note is only just good enough, the songs would improve were there an instrument. Marching is very spirited. Discipline, especially in the principal schoolroom, excellent.” we add to this that (what is called) the “excellent” grant has been gained, and every possible penny earned throughout, we have every reason to be satisfied with the state of our Infant School."
Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - 1888 January
