Northleaze School turns 150

ABACUSES, slates and chalk will replace calculators and whiteboards during lessons at a Long Ashton primary school’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Monday (January 30).

Children and staff at Northleaze Church of England School will dress in Victorian clothing and take instruction in the three rs - reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.

The school’s 200 pupils will then walk from the Brook Close grounds to All Saint’s Church for a thanksgiving service led by Bishop of Taunton Peter Maurice.

Headteacher Steve Davis said: “Lessons will reflect the sort of things that went on in a rural village school in the 1860s and it will be a living history lesson for the children.

“Of course some of the practices, especially the discipline code of those days, will not be introduced.”

The church service, which will also be attended by families, marks the start of a week of birthday festivities.

Mr Davis added: “We are also keen to see old photographs linked to the school over the years so that we can get a complete picture of the last 150 years of education in Long Ashton”.

An anniversary ball will be held on April 28.

Backwell Junior School is also celebrating its 150th birthday this year and anyone with old photos or stories is asked to call 01275 462632 or email BJS150@LIVE.CO.UK

A prize draw called the 150 club, aims to raise funds to restore the historic structure, built in 1862.