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Edwardain Schoolroom

In c1140 Christchurch's first school was founded but later with the dissolution of the monasteries disappeared. The Priory founded a free grammar school held in St.Michaels' Loft in the roof space of the Church as there was still a need for some form of education. Established in 1662 for local children until 1828 when it became an private academy under the jurisdiction of the vicar. This closed in 1869 when schooling became widely available via National Schools. There were a number of private schools around the town for those children whose parents could afford the fees. Christchurch's first National Schools were established in 1828 being built in the High Street holding 490 pupils. The land was donated by Sir George Rose

The girls school had a clothing society which collected one penny per week from each pupil. The buildings were sold to James Druitt for £340 who built a private residence on the land. The new school, Priory School, see below, was built in Wick Lane and is still in use today, a Church of England governed school it is a very popular with parents seeking a good school in the area. An Independent or Congregational school was formed in Millhams Street in the early 19th century, a day school that was enlarged in 1880 to hold 400 pupils. The attached infants school and head mistresses cottage were presented to the school in 1834. This school closed in 1926 when the Clarendon Road Infants School was opened with an initail intake of 325 children. Only recently has this school been completely rebuilt after years of a couple of red brick buildings and classrooms of portable-cabin type.

In the photo below is Priory School class of 1929. The website author's father is seen sitting bottom right of picture. The Priory school was constructed in 1867 by Joseph Lander for £2000 on land given by General Strathnaim and his brother William Rose. In 1907 it could hold 600 pupils. National schools were formed by the Church of England and the British schools were set up for non-conformists.

Clonmanron School founded early 20th century was a private kindergarten and preparatory school for girls and young boys in Bridge Street, which is today the Filer Napper building. Later it moved to Autumn Gold house on the corner of Stour Road and Barrack Road. It closed down just after the end of the Second World War. It's Principal in 1920 was a Miss Bell.

Christchurch School established in 1827 was a boarding school for boys located in Purewell on the edge of town. It was run by Josiah Evans. It was adverised as an upper class modern school and possible pupils parents were given a personal tour by Mr. Evans.

For advanced schooling a school was inaugurated 1898. Technical, art and science classes were held in rooms at the rear of the townhall or in various halls around the town. Subjects were Cooking, Woodwork, Shorthand, Needlework, mathematics, Book-Keeping and Languages. . Officially opened in 1903 by Rt Hon Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. Earl Northbrook, unveiling a memorial medallion to the late Queen Victoria

In 1930 Christchurch Secondary school now known as Twynham school opened in Sopers Lane. It was the only secondary school until the opening of Christchurch Grammar in Highcliffe in 1963, now Highcliffe Comprehensive.

Burton Village on the outskirts of town had a one room school, see photo, which originally was a chapel of wase until the construction of St. Lukes was completed in 1874. It became the village school afterwards under the direction of the Church of England. Later it became an primary school until the new junior school was built further up the road in 1963. From then on it became the villages infant school until around 1987 when further development of the newer school gave room for the youngsters. It sat unused for a time as a listed building then was taken over by the local Play Group who moved over from the Village Hall opposite.