Notices


History of Earl Soham

We are keen to add to the website's historical record and would welcome any photographs of the village in times gone by. 

If you have any photographs or feel that you could contribute in any way, please contact James Mansell at espcwebsite@gmail.com


Allotments Available

We have a few half/quarter plots.

If interested please contact:

Mavis 01728 685700
or
Nick 01728 684883

Recent site activity

The Supply and Training of Teachers

In 1922 teachers were not necessarily formally trained. The Headmaster was referred to as "trained and certificated" and the assistant mistress as "uncertificated". Student teachers are frequently recorded as undertaking duties. A pupil teacher from Helmingham also worked at the school. Supply teachers were also available. 

Instances are recorded where the school was closed to allow teachers to attend lectures or refresher courses . 

It is interesting to note that on marriage it was not an automatic right to continue teaching. In 1934 Miss Beckett (later Mrs Murrell) requested to stay on after her marriage. The Managers' Log Book records that "The Chairman of the LEA had been approached, and the position ... was that teachers were allowed to remain ... on a yearly contract ... reviewed by the LEA and if single teachers were available then the married teachers were asked to resign." 

Teachers did not necessarily live locally and often travelled some distance to the school. One lived in Grundisburgh, cycled to school every Monday, lodged with Mrs Reynolds in Cobbolds Row and cycled back on Friday. Another cycled daily from Framlingham.