British Schools, Tyne Dock

The British Schools at Tyne Dock are erected 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, except that the British Schools are a little larger. The design is of medieval 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, which is in the form of the letter H, is of red bricks, relieved by the introduction of fire bricks. The boys' and girls' school-rooms are at each end of the building, each being 66 ft. 6 in. in length by 20 breadth, and 17 ft. in height. The infant school is in the centre of the building, and the dimensions are 51 ft. 6 ins. by 25 ft. 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 entire cost of the buildings and fittings is estimated at £2250. The committee suggest that if the public will provide £300, the workmen themselves will raise the remaining portion by a bazaar and other means, and thus free the schools from debt. 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.

Source: The Illustrated London News, Vol. LIV, Jan. 5, 1869, p.113