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With thanks to Trentham & District Historical Society.
In the Trentham district, we’ve had 21 schools to head “back to” since the first was built on the goldfields in the 1850s: from Garlick’s Lead, to North Blackwood; Fern Hill to Little Hampton.
Of these, only two are still operating: Trentham Primary, originally in Pearsons Rd from 1860, then in its current position entering Trentham from 1875; and Tylden Primary, built in 1861.
For most children in the area, these small single-class rural schools were their only experience of formal education.
Secondary school attendance was unusual and at 13 most went into the workforce to help support families.
Until World War II, classes in these schools covered grades 1–8, hence often one teacher alone influenced a child’s entire schooling.
✍️ Sue Worthington, curator of Trentham & District Historical Society.
📘 For more memories of school life in early Trentham, read February’s Trentham Trumpet.
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