A history of education in Stockton-on-Tees with particular reference to technical education

Abstract

The early Science and Art classes in Stockton did no practical work other than drawing and the two Mechanics’ Institutes were comparatively unimportant. Rapid expansion of the iron industry caused an influx of workers and their children so that the school board was initially fully occupied in providing elementary education. It was not until 1896, after much local controversy, that the Higher Grade School was opened – financed by grants from the Education Department, the Science and Art Department, The County Council, and the Borough's rates. Illegal financing of the Organised Science School was recognised as a danger but the practice continued. Aid from the County Council's "Whiskey Money" was also given to the original High Schools in the town and, later, to the Queen Victoria High School for Girls and the Stockton Grammar School for Boys. The Girls' High School flourished but there were many difficulties with the Boys' Grammar School which only just survived. Stockton Technical Institute began in 1896 in the Higher Grade School building. Grouped Courses of instruction were slowly introduced against much local opposition. The 1902 Act was opposed by both Borough and County Councils. There was for many years a lack of apparatus for truly technical classes - the County gave greater priority to the early establishment of a free system of secondary education. Local industry established the Stockton Continuation School in the 1920's - this school functioned on a day release basis for several years but soon after the parent firm ceased trading it was closed down by the County authority. Also in the 1920's, came the development of the Chemical industry at Billingham. Much work was then being done in rooms outside the main building - some in I.C.I. itself. The need for day and evening accommodation became acute. In 1933 a large Hut was given by I.C.I. and fitted out by local firms as the "Stockton Engineering Laboratory" enabling day classes in engineering subjects to be commenced. The Second World War delayed matters still further and it was not until 1954 that the first phase of the Stockton/Billingham Technical College was opened.