Private Schools in Bourne

There are no private schools operating in the urban area of Bourne today but this was not always so. Prior to the Education Act of 1870, which provided for elementary schools to be built and run by the state, private schools thrived in Bourne although the life of many was short-lived. But there was an obvious demand for this type of education, particularly for girls whose parents sought the teaching of certain subjects required in their training to become respectable young ladies. Instruction was therefore given in such matters as social accomplishments, a subject that was not on the curriculum at the National School, the only other available to them because the grammar school was restricted to boys only. 

Local records show that in 1810, two sisters, the Misses Munton, ran a boarding school in the town and in 1819 there was another such establishment for young ladies in West Street. A Miss Dewey was running a boarding and day school in 1832 and by 1857, there were four private schools in the town, the most prominent being one which operated from the Red Hall and the principal of this distinguished boarding school for ladies was Miss Eliza Wood. These establishments, or at least their proprietors, were of a transitory nature because a county directory published in 1861 also lists four private schools but none of the owners mentioned before reappear. All of the names were different while the school at the Red Hall had vanished altogether although in 1885, Miss Charlotte Layton was still running a ladies' school in West Street and there was also a ladies' boarding school at Stamford House, No 75 West Street, owned by Miss Elizabeth Jane Smythe and Miss Mary Chamberlain, operating at the beginning of the 20th century. (See box below).

Another private school for girls based at Austerby House was run by Miss Elizabeth Burrows and was in existence in the early years of the 20th century. The school also had a kindergarten for boys and girls and the curriculum was a general one with an accent on music while many of the senior pupils were successful in Royal Academy and Royal College of Music examinations. This musical tradition was also perpetuated with an annual concert staged for the benefit of the town when pupils were given the change to show off their skills. An example of their work can be found in this news report from the Stamford Mercury on Friday 17th November 1905:

On Friday, the pupils of Austerby House gave an excellent concert in the Corn Exchange before a large audience invited by Miss Burrows. The first part was devoted to the graceful operetta entitled The Flower Queen by G F Root, which was well rendered. The choruses went with a swing and showed how well all had learnt their parts. Especial mention must be made of Miss Oswald who undertook the part of the recluse and sang charmingly, and of Miss Edie Bell, who made a pretty picture as the rose and sustained it well. The dancing of the Harebells was very pretty and was throughout enjoyed both by the audience and by the performers. Part II opened with a bright and well executed tambourine dance. The Misses Pettifor, Pearce and Andrew played a pianoforte trio followed by a duet on two pianos by the Misses Burt and March. An amusing recitation was next given by four kindergarten boys entitled "Our doggie and the doctor" which was encored. Miss March played a piano solo with skill and ease. The Misses Pettifor, Parker and Andrew gave a quartette on two pianos and a recitation by Miss M Berry entitled "Revenge" was well given. The programme ended with another trio by Misses March, Harrison and Burt and "God Save the King" brought a most excellent entertainment to a close. Miss Burrows deserves high praise for the manner in which the pupils performed, for the excellent display of paintings and for the needlework done by her girls which reached a high standard. The scenery was by Mr A Stubley and the names of the performers were: Recluse, Miss Oswald; Rose, Miss Edie Cullis; Crocus, Miss Dorothy Friend;  Lily, Miss Gladys Barrand; Carnation, Miss Coro March; Chrysanthemum, Miss May Burt; Violet, Miss Dorothy Essam; Dandelion, Miss Muriel Berry; Poppies, Misses Alice Bell, Eva Lloyd, Jenny Hare, Emmie Parker and Judy Ruffell; Harebells, Misses Gladys and Dreda Pettifor, Katie Andrew and Marjorie Pearce.

Private education remained a part of life in Bourne until the mid-20th century and at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Miss E Close was running her school for boys and girls from her home at No 3 Elm Terrace, one of a row of red brick houses just off North Road. Her establishment catered for about 35 children, from toddler age through to 14, with a staff of three. The standard of teaching was extremely high and many pupils left to continue their education at Bourne Grammar School, which was by now admitting girls, while others left to go out to work. 

Miss Close continued in business throughout the war years but closed down soon afterwards. Hers was the last private school in Bourne but by then, the town was being served by three other state schools spanning the entire age groups for both primary and secondary education that has been built on since to the system that we have today. 

WRITTEN MAY 2002

See also An Alien in the Classroom

Go to:     Main Index     Villages Index