These schools are erected on a commanding site at the junction of the London-road and Gensing Station-road, at St. Leonards-on-Sea, and the building has rather an imposing appearance, though plain and unpretending. Its design is of composite architecture, combining features of both the Norman and Italian styles; but outward beauty and ornament have not been so much studied as the comfort and convenience of the interior. The ground and basement floors are of brickwork, plastered with Portland cement, and having architrave mouldings and a good cornice, surmounted by a story of red brickwork, with white brick cut arches and projecting key-stones. The south end is octagonal, and finishes with a bold pediment, a clock, and a handsome vane for finial. The difference of level between the roads on either side of the school enabled the architect to provide an entrance for boys and girls in opposite sides of the building, without meeting each other. On the ground floor is the infant school, 58 ft. by 28 ft., and 14 ft. pitch, with galleries so constructed that they may be used as platforms for lectures, for which this room is very well adapted. The girls' and boys' schools above are each 42 ft. long and 28 ft. wide, and 15 ft. 6 ins. in height, with two class-rooms to each 17 ft. by 14 ft., all fitted with desks and seats of the newest design and best construction. This furniture, with the whole of the interior woodwork, is stained and varnished. The staircases, lobbies, and passages are of Yorkshire stone laid in concrete on brick arches, and are fireproof. Opposite each school-room door on the landing is a fire-tap, or hydrant, always charged with water and furnished with hose, in case of fire. All the doors, internal and external, are made to open outwards. The best arrangements are made for warming and ventilating, and for the lavatories. The building will accommodate 560 children, and its entire cost, including £700 for the freehold site, and the expense of fittings, is about £3600. The architect is Mr. Thomas Elworthy, of St. Leonards; and the builder, Mr. Alfred Vidler, jun., of Hastings. The work was commenced in April last and completed at the end of November.
Source: The Illustrated London News, Vol. LIV, Jan. 30, 1869, p.113
British Schools, St. Leonards-on-Sea