In 2023, we researched the history of Bamford School.  As part of our research, we studied the school’s log books; held a school reunion, collected oral histories and held an exhibition.  Listen to some of the oral history recordings; read excerpts from the log books and find out more about our historic school. 

The History of Bamford School

In 1811 the National Society was established, with the ambition of establishing a National School in every English and Welsh parish.  William Cameron Moore, Bamford's mill owner, paid for a new ‘National School’ in Bamford which opened in 1841.  It was a simple building in the centre of the village with 2 classrooms, one for boys and one for girls, plus toilets and a coal house.

 

 

There were other local schools in Bamford and Derwent.  These were:

• Derwent House School: a private boys’ boarding school which operated in the early twentieth century.
• Derwent School: in Derwent village, closed in the 1930s due to the construction of Ladybower reservoir.
• Roman Catholic School: Bamford also had a Roman Catholic School which operated from 1883 to 1933.
• Birchinlee School: from 1901 to 1916 there was a school at the temporary dam workers’ village.

The School Log Books 1863-1940

Bamford History Group holds three original school log books, ranging from 1863 to 1940.  Altogether the books cover over 1000 pages of entries! So far, we have copied some extracts from the books, but work on the books is ongoing. The books were written by the Head and provide a fascinating insight into the changing life of the school over time. The log books contain information about: leavers and starters; lessons and learning; H.M. Inspectors’ reports; attendance records; teachers; health and illness and village life.