Kirby Cane School

Built about 1861? and extended in1895, closed in 1970 (Carol Jacobs)

The log book opens May 1st 1876. Miss Gates was  headmistress and only teacher. By May 8th numbers attending had risen to 56, possibly aged 5-14 years, many unable to read or write. By May 1877 an Inspector reported that little had been done as regards either discipline or instructions. Few children have any notion of working formally and dictation and arithmetic are very weak. The supply of books is insufficient. Miss Gates left  at the end of her first year, following a deduction of one tenth of her salary.

Kirby Cane School Children 1920 ( Helen Kirby)

Kirby Cane School 1920 (Helen Kirby)

Kirby Cane School (Gwennie Moore)

Kirby Cane School (Joe Pye)

Kirby Cane Infants (Joe Pye)

Kirby Cane School (Derek Hinsley)

Picture from Joe Pye

This picture hangs in the Kirby Cane Memorial Hall, painted by Arnesby Brown RA PINX entitled 'Spring'. The plaque on the frame reads: "The scholars of Kirby Cane School under Mrs Bertha B Atkins in 1935 won the County Shield in the bird and tree essay competition"