Derry Hill School

   Derry Hill School and the adjoining Headteacher’s house were built 1872. The school replaced the earlier building at the junction of Church Road and Studley Lane (later this building became the Institute and the Old Village Hall). 

The school logbook starts in 1863 and highlights daily life at the school. 

On the first page of the logbook, it states that the teachers were Edward Beeney (Master), Emily Hopkins (Sewing Mistress), John Blackford (Pupil Teacher) and Charlotte Hopkins (Assistant Teacher). There were 89 pupils – 39 girls and 50 boys. The book goes on to record that “this day received the government papers giving notice that the examination is fixed for Feb 23rd at 2 o’clock. Lucy Grant returned to school after a severe and long illness”.

Monday 28th April 1873 - the children left the old school (Old Village Hall/Institute) and walked up Church Road to see Lady Lansdowne officially open the new Derry Hill School on Church Road. During the opening ceremony the Rev. Hitchcock said that “he would hope that parents would now send their children to school more regularly”. Lady Lansdowne signified her wish that the children might have a half day holiday in commemoration of the opening of the new school. This was accordingly given and received by the children with cheers for her ladyship. 

February 1891 – Several families living near the school have been ordered to keep the children away from school as there have been cases of diphtheria. By March the school was temporarily compelled to close on account of diphtheria.

1905 - Wiltshire County Council took over the management of the school.

November 11th, 1918 – “News of the signing of armistice was reached during the dinner hour. The children were gathered together, and the flag hoisted (there was a large flag pole at the school). The Master and the Vicar then spoke a few words on the great event and the National Anthem was sung. Amidst much excitement the children were dispersed for the remainder of the day”.

19th September 1939 – Lady Lansdowne called at the school at 11:15. The Children gathered and went to see Queen Mary at 14:45. 

1950 – An agreement was made to provide hot school dinners for the school children at the Old Village Hall. Children and their teachers would walk to and from the hall for their lunch. 

1959 – The school grounds were extended to incorporate the playing field. The playing field was Glebe (Church) land and used for allotments. There was a protracted negotiation to secure the land. In 1959 Miss Binns retired after 22 years as headmistress of the school. She was presented with a handbag and a cheques by Lady Walter Hervey – a school manager. 

1970’s – A scheme to provide the school with a swimming pool was launched with a social evening in 1971 which brought £54. It was anticipated that the pool would cost between £600 and £800. Further funds came from Lord Lansdowne who donated the proceeds of two public opening of the daffodil walks in Bowood. The plan was to build a learner’s pool on the school playing field which was later realised. This was done in conjunction with the construction of the extension to the school in 1975 to enable 150 children to attend. The £90,000 provided a new infant teaching area, cloakrooms, toilets, store spaces and main hall. The school was extended again in 1995.

30th April 1984 – Mr John Bellamy took over as head teacher. He records that 12 new pupils enjoyed their first day as well as himself. 24 pupils and Mrs Johnson went to Bowood to assist in the making of a T.V. programme for HTV.