Elementary education in south-east Northumberland 1918-1939: progress and change with particular reference to the Bothal and Woodhorn areas

Abstract

The study aims to examine and discuss the extent to which, if at all, the organisation of elementary education changed and progressed between 1918 and 1939, with particular reference to schools situated within the boundaries of the ancient parishes of Bothal and Woodhorn, Northumberland. The investigation gives particular attention to school organisation and re-organisation, class-size, staffing and the provision of new buildings. Having reviewed the existing literature and identified questions for further study, the methodology and procedures to be adopted for the study are formulated. The policy and work of the Northumberland Local Education Authority and the experience of two contrasting schools, Pegswood Mixed School and Longhirst School are then discussed, with reference to the initial question and in the light of material drawn from surviving documentary evidence. The conclusion is reached that there is evidence to show that between 1918 and 1939 Northumberland Local Education Authority pursued a policy of change and progress in elementary school organisation and did much to implement that policy in the area addressed by the study, despite several set-backs which were largely the result of financial difficulties.