Quite when education was first provided in Barrowby is unknown. Typically, until 1833 the vicar (or another member of the clergy) educated the boys of parents wealthy enough to pay a fee. A few of the girls may have attended a private school to learn the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic – but mostly to improve their needlework and other domestic skills. If there was ever such a girls’ school in Barrowby, then so far no records have been discovered.

State education started in 1833 when funds were provided for schools run by parish churches. This was, initially, only a relatively minor change to the teaching of boys in villages, for a fee, by the vicar. However, within a few years it became common for a secular schoolmaster to be appointed.

In 1862, education funding became linked to pupils’ success in basic tests in reading, writing and arithmetic, and in 1880 education became compulsory for children aged between five and ten.

The 1833 Act was certainly implemented in Barrowby, because the 1842 edition of White's Directory named James Taylor as the schoolmaster. The land was donated by the sixth Duke of Devonshire. Presumably this school was located where the present school stands, although no physical trace survives. The 1856 edition of White’s Directory mentions Barrowby’s then-new school: “A handsome school-house was erected in 1852 by the rector and others.” The 1882 edition adds that “part of the money came from the sale of some old houses.” Additional space for infants was added around 1871. The school was enlarged again in 1891 and extended in 1912.

Between 1855 and 1863, the school appears to have been staffed by Charles Goodson, Miss Elizabeth Golding, and Miss Goodson. In 1863, Mr and Miss Goodson resigned and Miss Golding retired. Their replacements were Mr Croft and Mr and Mrs Ryall. By 1872, John Hubbard had become headmaster, followed in 1876 by Richard Grandige and his wife Charlotte.

In 1880, G. F. Potter arrived—beginning a thirty‑year period of leadership—before being succeeded by George Lewis Atkins in 1910.

After Mr Atkins’ long tenure ended in 1942, the school entered the modern era with a succession of committed and influential headteachers. Mr Thornton led from 1942 until 1972. He was followed briefly by Miss Wright, who acted as Headmistress from 1972 to 1973. In 1973, Mr John Clemenson was appointed and served until 1990, after which Mr Wakes became headteacher from 1990 to 1993. In 1993, Mrs Sylvia West took up the role, leading the school for nineteen years until 2012, when Len Batey became Headteacher.

Today, Barrowby Church of England Primary School continues to thrive, building on nearly two centuries of educational tradition, rooted in its Christian ethos and its long history of strong, dedicated leadership.

With reference to:

Bob Trushaw     https://www.hoap.co.uk/barrowby/school.htm

Mr L R Cryer      A History of Barrowby, Casthorpe and Stenwith