A brief History of the School at Scarning

In 1604 a local farmer, William Seckar, left his house and land to his wife Alice for so long as she should survive but that upon her death the income from the estate shall be used for "the maintenance of one free school, to be kept for ever in the said house, while the world endure, in Scarning."

Following William's death on 1st November 1604, Alice married again on 3rd December 1604. Alas this second husband succumbed on 6th December 1608. Alice duly married for the third time on 7th January 1609. This husband died in 1622 and Alice did not find another. She died in 1638 but there were delays and litigation over the construction of the school but it was now eventually opened in 1645 to general rejoicing.

By 1700 the school master was teaching the sons of the yeomen and farmers many of whom boarded at the school. These boys were kept separate from the sons of labourers so that the poor scholars did not contaminate the wealthier pupils. The labourers' sons were taught by the usher who taught them reading, writing and arithmetic during the day. In the evening the usher looked after the master's boarders who came to the school from all parts of Norfolk and Suffolk. Among these were the grandsons of Roger North of Rougham, one of whom set the school-house on fire, twice!

In 1800 the Schoolmaster, Mr Priest, had attracted a large number of day-boys to the school because there was no room for them to board. These boys come to school on dickies (donkeys) which were turned out for the day on to Podmoor. The mischievous village boys took great delight in driving the dickies a mile or two to Daffy Green so that the young gents had to chase and catch their dickies before they could ride home.

Extract from White's Norfolk Directory of 1845

"The Free School was founded by William Seckar who endowed it in 1604, with about 86 acres of land, to which 16a 2r 3p was allotted at the enclosure in 1766. The master occupies the large house and garden, left by the founder, and also about 12a of the land. The other 90a are let for £164 a year, out of which the master receives a salary of £80, and £5 a year to provide stationery for the poor scholars.

The residue is applied as a fund for repairing the premises, and for providing for the arbitrary fines levied on the copyhold lands, on the admission of new trustees. The schoolmaster teaches reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography, without any charge, to all the children of the parish above the age of five years, who are sent to him, and has generally about 50 pupils."

The Trust established by William Seckar still continues as the Scarning School Endowed Charity. It is administered by a board of trustees who are co-opted because of their local knowledge or appointed by the Norfolk Education Committee, Scarning Parish Council and the Parish Church.

The trust's objectives are very similar to those of William Seckar - "for providing special benefits at the Charity's School .... and in promoting the education (including social and physical training) of persons under the age of 25 who or whose parents are resident in the area of benefit or who have at any time attended as a pupil at the Charity's school .... and who are in need of financial assistance ..... "

Over recent years the trust has made a major contribution towards the facilities at the school and the trustees are delighted to witness the school's growth and success. Whilst the emphasis is on providing help to the school so that all pupils can benefit, the trustees can also help individuals.

Applications should be made via the clerk to the trustees:
Mr D Humberston
Hood Vores & Allwood The Priory
Church Street Dereham
NR19 1DW
08453 724240

COULD YOU BE THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

Scarning Primary School, is looking for Governors. If you are interested in the education and future of young people, this provides a unique opportunity to use your ideas and enthusiasm, as well as making a valuable contribution. It is a really rewarding experience and Scarning is a lovely school with children who enjoy coming and learning.
If you could spare time for a few meetings every term, and if you can also come into school that would be great – you are guaranteed to get the school holidays off!! Training is offered.
If you know anyone else who would be interested in giving their time please let them know of the vacancies.
Contact the Head at the school – Grahame Chambers on 01362 692665

Sign at front of the school This is a view of the School from Rushmeadow Road which skirts the northern boundary of the Parish. This is one of the fields belonging to the Trust which provides a small income for the benefit of the school.

This view of the school is virtually unchanged since it was rebuilt in 1850.

This view of the school was taken in the 1980's. Today, as a result of recent extensions the school now has over two hundred pupils.

The School is part of the Dereham Cluster; which incorporates 17 schools within Dereham and the surrounding villages.

The cluster has been especially created by these schools to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Individually, schools can offer a limited range of services. Collectively, the cluster can offer full access to extended schools services. Together we are stronger and more supportive. Foor more information see www.derehamschools.org

School Year 2009 – 2010

7 September 2009 – 23 October 2009
Half term 26 October 09 – 30 October 2009
3 November 2009 – 18 December 2009
5 January 2010 – 12 February 2010
Half term 15 February 2010 – 19 February 2010
22 February 2010 – 1April 2010
20 April 2010 – 28 May 2010
May Day 3 May 2010
Polling Day 7 May 2010
Half term 31 May 2010 – 4 June 2010
7 June 2010 – 23 July 2010

For more information about the day to day business of the school see here School Website

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