150 years ago, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, education was largely focused on religious instruction and basic literacy, with formal schooling primarily available to the wealthy, while poorer children often learned trades through apprenticeships. It was not compulsory to go to school. Many children in Itchen Abbas worked on the farms.

The first Headmistress of Itchen Abbas County Primary School was Miss Emma Costin in 1875, who didn’t have a teaching qualification! She tried to pass, but failed! She was given a second chance and just passed – and kept her job for a few years. She was followed by Miss Catherine Morgan in 1884 who was paid the enormous salary of £35 a year! She didn’t find the role easy and in 1886, an inspection found the school in an ‘unsatisfactory state’ and she left the school.

As a school for the poor, the children would work on the fields during the harvest, and in 1886 after a long harvest holiday, the school reopened with Miss Causebrook in charge. However, she didn’t settle at the school and as a result, on 12th October 1886, after 30 days in charge, she resigned from the school board.

Elizabeth Lloyd was up next – despite concerns about her health. She also suffered a stressful inspection, with the report suggesting there needed to be a ‘change of mistress’.

Helen Bell then took charge of Itchen Abbas, hoping that better luck would follow. However, on the day she started, a serious outbreak of scarlet fever took over the village and the school was closed. It ended up being closed for five weeks and when it opened on the 27th June 1887, Miss Bell only lasted 11 days before submitting her resignation!

The next Headteacher was Mrs Hannah Shoesmith. She was the first married teacher to take charge of the school in 1887. Mrs Shoesmith remained at the school until 1904 when she retired and was presented with a clock for her service to Itchen Abbas. 

David Taylor, a local historian, has researched the development of Itchen Abbas Primary School, the village and surrounding area in a book which details the early days of the local school board.

The book captures the rich, and often surprising, history of education in our area. His research has brought to light stories, struggles, and successes that have helped shape who we are today.

One hundred and fifty years ago, in this village, a group of determined individuals had a vision: to educate, to nurture, and to create opportunity for generations to come. That vision lives on in every classroom, every assembly, every playground laugh, and every achievement we celebrate here today. So, here’s to the next 150 years of Itchen Abbas Primary. We may be a small school – but we stand tall. Together, we carry the spirit of the past into a bright and exciting future.