View from the Archive – Education of the highest class

At the top of Oakwood, the Archive collection can be found. In it is a treasure trove of documents involving the history of the school.

Our archivist, Jo Coates, recently found an old prospectus dating from 1904.  It’s interesting to see that school hours were 9-1pm daily. Pupils were allowed to stay on between 2.30pm and 4.00pm to do their homework, under supervision and Music and Drawing lessons also took place in the afternoon as they were extras.

Fees were £3/10 shillings a term for girls aged 6-10, £4/10 shillings for 10-13 year olds and £5/10 shillings for girls over 13.  Stationery was an extra 5 shillings a term.  The Headmistress, Miss Benton, was available to see parents between 2.30 and 4.30 on Mondays only!

Unlike a modern prospectus with pictures of happy and engaged girls and teachers, the only photos were of the outside of the building and the school hall. There was no photo of Miss Benton.

The aims of the school were clearly set out: ‘To supply education of the highest class, and to occupy for Girls the position taken in the education of Boys by the great Public Schools’ and particular stress was laid on the formation of character by religious and moral training. Subjects offered were similar to today, but without Biology or Chemistry and Needlework was part of the curriculum. The Staff of the school were composed of ladies who had taken Degrees or Honours at a University.

As you can see, this prospectus bears little relation to a modern prospectus. There is no mention of pastoral care for example and our modern prospectus speaks of leavers seeking to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world. It states that ‘Students quickly feel at home in a place that is buzzing with activity and fun’.  Miss Benton would have been utterly bewildered!

You can view our current prospectus in full here.