3-021-724 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tyne Docks British Schools, [South Shields, Tyneside], 1869. School built '...on ground given by the railway company, adjoining the Tyne Dock railway station. Mr. Prosser, architect to the North Eastern Railway Company, prepared the plans for both the National and British Schools: both buildings are alike...The design is of mediaeval character, freely treated, without pretensions to elaborate and ornamental details, the architect's chief aim being to meet the requirements of schools - good arrangement, well-lighted and ventilated. The building...is of red bricks, relieved by the introduction of fire bricks...Large class-rooms are attached to each of the schools, and also all the usual conveniences. In the playgrounds are covered sheds communicating with each school door, and these have been erected in order to allow the children to take their usual outdoor exercise in wet weather. Mr. Robert Bates, of South Shields, was the contractor for the whole of the works...The buildings will accommodate between 700 and 800 children, who are placed under four efficient certificated teachers. There are between 300 and 400 children in daily attendance. The schools are calculated to do a large amount of good in a populous and largely increasing district'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.