Former Huthwaite Schools
Evidence founding any Huthwaite schooling dates back to the Will of Ann Mason in November 1669. Her maiden name Langton recognises one of Suttons 16th century family connections, influentially owning lands inside parish borders. Her appointed trustees long fulfilled wish, extending education also into Huthwaite after she donated lands here called Fennybank Close for teaching our poorest children in Bible reading. Same motive saw Elizabeth Boot further adding her own 1724 donation of a Pothouse Close, identified inside neighbouring Fulwood with purpose in maintaining rentable income.
National Church SchoolThe parish clergy at Sutton are recorded being of influence promoting need for building Huthwaites first school house. Opening 1868 addressing site on Hopkin Lane, this was a National school that had appropriately licensed class rooms to conduct religious services. This offered references towards Church Street prior the renaming of Blackwell Road.
All Saints Primary SchoolBuilt by 1891 this original Common Road school uniquely continues teaching some of Huthwaites primary children today. Stood almost facing the later built parish church recognised by its given name, modernised C-of-E classes remain partly funded still by the Anglican Southwell diocese.
John Davis Infants SchoolLarger Council schools became sited upon New Street to be opened in 1902. Classing here 260 infants, teaching continued until 1977 after being renamed John Davis recognising efforts of a local councillor. This converted building opened again 1982 offers Huthwaite leisure centre amenities.
John Davis Junior SchoolDirectly behind the infant school, juniors at age moved into this separate building a short walk off New Street, or atop length of Newcastle Street. This similarly renamed partnering school closed also 1977 by county educational re-organising. It now sites workshops accessed off Main Street.
Huthwaite Road SchoolFollowing the introduction of secondary education most Huthwaite pupils went onto the Huthwaite Road School. Parents initially rallied against the costs or time sending their children on lengthy walks into Sutton. Some pupils where given a bus pass, although many continued their daily frantic dinner time returns home.
Village Secondary ModernThe only secondary modern school eventually ever built in Huthwaite was opened 1960 sited atop Barker Street. Just 17 years later finds teenage pupils again facing daily travels, further this time into a much larger Kirkby comprehensive now classing majority of Ashfield students. Huthwaite Primary use here replaced both New Street Council Schools
The 11 plus exams did divide Huthwaite pupils, allowing some a choice between more academic studies among former grammar schools. Brunts and Quarrydale students are recalled, but do you know of others?
Written 01 Apr 04 Revised 24 Jul 09 © by Gary Elliott
