Chelmsford Chronicle - 25th December, 1896
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. SUGGESTION FOR NEW BUILDINGS.
The annual Christmas concert and prize distribution of the Chelmsford High School anal Cambridge House School successfully took place at the London-road Congregational schoolroom on Friday evening. There was a goodly attendance. The hall had been very prettily decorated by the school staff and pupils. The programme opened with a round entitled Where mountain lops by the High School Singing Class, who later gave a cantata, "The Fairies Festival, in which a solo was sweetly taken by Miss Rayner, and a duet by the Misses F. Williams and E. Young. A pianoforte duet was well rendered the Misses Quilter and Thrift, and the recitation "Waterloo" was successfully contributed by Miss Maggie Phillips. Miss Mabel Moss met with deserved applause for her pianoforte solo, "Simple Aveu, as did also Miss Mildred Williams for a similar item, Pas Redouble." The kindergarten drill and songs were excellently executed, and a recitation by Miss Laura Furbank and Master Sidney Houston was enthusiastically applauded. In a selection from Alice in Wonderland" the parts of "Alice, "The Gryphon," and "The turtle, were well undertaken by the Misses Isabel Furbank, E. Young, and H. Catt respectively. The duet, "Husarenritt," was accurately played by the Misses Benson and Curdling, and befittingly recognised. The pianofortc solo, The mermaid Wind and wave was very tunefully rendered by Miss Julia Thrift, as was also that entitled " Meere-strand" by Miss W. M. Dunn. A selection from "Hamlet," in which the Queen speaks to Hamlet of his behaviour, while Polonius listens behind the arras, was ably given, the chief honours falling to Miss Mary Catt, as "the Queen," and Miss Ada Haylock, as "Hamlet," while Miss Ethel Catt and Miss Gladys Metcalfe did all that was required of them as "Polonius'' and "the Ghost respectively. Miss E. A. Williams sang very prettily "The songs the children sing," and an encore was loudly demanded. The part song, "The home of the wind," concluded the programme. During an interval, light refreshments were dispensed, and the Mayoress (Mrs. Chancellor) presented the prizes and certificates as follow: High School. - Certificates: Senior Cambridge, Mabel Ratcliff; junior, Maggie Benson,. Dorothy Whitmore, and Ruth Young. Form prizes: fifth, Beatrice Williams; fourth, Beatrice Vickridge; third, Maggie Furbank; second, Ethel Young. Conduct prize, Mabel Moss; music, Mildred Williams. Cambridge House School. - Class prizes: first, Ethel Gaudy; third, Connie Spalding; music, Julia Thrift and Maud Quilter; elocution, Edith Stripe. This done, Master Sidney Houston handed the Mayoress a basket of beautiful flowers.

Mr. Chas. Williams thanked the Mayoress for her attendance on behalf of Miss Turquand-Sharpe, the principal, remarking that there was abundant evidence of the school having made good progress and afforded sound education. He added that there was a feeling that a more suitable building should be provided for the school. In conclusion Mr. Williams said he should like to hand a prize to Miss R. Young, who secured the second place in the school. [Applause.] Mr. Wykeham Chancellor briefly expressed Mrs. Chancellor's pleasure at being present. Later in the evening Mr. J. B. Pash proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Sharpe and her assistants, saying he hoped the suggestion for improved school premises would be taken up. Mr. Fred. Taylor, in seconding the vote, said he thought the idea might be soon carried out. Mr. C. Mollan Williams replied on behalf of Miss Sharpe.

Chelmsford Chronicle 24th December, 1897
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL "AT HOME." A VERY PLEASANT GATHERING. IF THE MAYOR WERE ONLY MARRIED!
The annual "At Home" of the Chelmsford High School, conducted by Miss P. Turquand- Sharpe, was this year held in Ballroom of the Shire Hall, and was a marked advance upon its predecessors, excellent as they have been. The company on Wednesday evening numbered fully 200, and their appreciation of the programme presented could not have been more cordial. Those who took part in the entertainment gave evidence of most careful training. Though, almost without exception, they were very young, they did what was expected of them with confidence and ability. The programme opened with a creditably rendered pianoforte duet by the Misses Abbott and Thrift. A kindergarten song followed, the solo being well taken Miss Ethel Hawkins. Miss F. Remington gave a pianoforte solo, the music of which was written by Mr. F. Scarsbrook, and this met with a good reception. The famous trial scene from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice was really admirably recited, the dramatis personae being : Duke, Miss Young; Antonio, Miss Mildred Williams; Bassanio, Miss Gladys Metcalfe ; Gratiano, Miss Ethel Catt; Shylock. Miss Ada Haylock ; Portia, Miss Mary Catt; and Nerissa, Miss Avis Fawkes. The vocal mazurka, "Gipsy Chorus," by the Junior Singing Class, was a worthy finish to the first part of the entertainment. In the interval a term's needlework was shown by the pupils, the articles being very pretty and indicative much patience the part of those responsible for them. Part two commenced with Rossini's quartette, "Guillaume Tell," by the Misses E. and M. Williams, M. Curdling, and B. Lee. Kindergarten recitations were given by Sidney Houston, Norman Fawkes, and Theo. Barker. "Whims," pianoforte solo by Schumann, was very carefully played by Miss Julia Thrift. Miss Evelyn Rayner next sang very prettily. "The Fairy Ring," by the following ten little girls, evoked much applause : The Misses L. L. Coleridge, King; Gwen. Adams, Queen; H. Catt, Blue Bella; G. Spalding, Puck ; M. Poole and M. Barnes, attendant fairies; D. Hasler, F. Williams, M. Poole, and E Young, mortals. Miss E. A. Williams sang, very charmingly, "Rondel," receiving an encore in return. A minuet was very gracefully danced by the Misses A. Haylock, E. and H. Catt, M. Poole, E. Rayner, M. Quiiter. G. Metcalfe, and E. Abbott. A pianoforte duet by the Misses W. M. Dunn and E. A. Williams was very skilfully executed. The concluding item was a cantata by the High School Singing Class, the solos being taken by the Misses Edith Williams, K. Rayner, and G. Spalding respectively, the role of the fairy queen being sustained by Miss F. Williams.

Between the second and third part of the programme the prizes and certificates were distributed by the Mayoress (Miss Cramphorn) as follows: Form V. Prize given by the Mayoress, Miss Ada Haylock (head girl). Forms IV., III., and II. The Misses Muriel Curdling, Frances Williams, and Lilian Curdling respectively. Class I. Miss Julia Thrift. Conduct prize. Miss Kathleen Houston. Music prizes, The Misses Evelyn Rayner and Mary Thrift. Oxford University senior certificates, The Misses Beatrice Williams, Maggie Benson, and Mabel Moss. Passing this examination confers the title of Associate of Arts. Pitman s shorthand certificates, The Misses Mildred Williams, Dorothy Whitmore, and Ruth Young. At the conclusion beautiful basket of flowers was presented to the Mayoress by the pupils, who also gave a choice bouquet to the principal of the school, Miss Sharpe. Mr. Chas. Williams then proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayoress for her kindness. He said she was always ready to do duty, and he was sure that on this occasion she had done it in a very graceful manner. [Applause.]

Barking, East Ham & Ilford Advertiser, Upton Park and Dagenham Gazette 10th June 1899
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN. Principal Miss P. TURQUAND-SHARPE. PUPILS prepared for Public Examinations. In 1897, out of 12 sent in 11 passed, including 3 Senior Oxford and 2 Senior Trinity (one Honours). Vacancies for Boarders. Half-Term commences June 13. Pupils can enter any time.

Essex Newsman 26th January 1901
Miss Helen and Miss May Barnes were prepared the Chelmsford High School for the recent Trinity College Intermediate Examination. Both passed with honours. Advt.

Chelmsford Chronicle 29th March 1901
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
Principal Miss p. Turquand-Sharpe. Assisted by Trained and Certified Mistresses. A large percentage of Candidates passed in Oxford and Trinity Examinations. Fees from 1-and-a-half Guineas. German Conversational Lessons. Term commenced Jan. 22nd. All Candidates prepared last year for Public Examinations passed, the Oxford Junior and Senior 1st Division and those for Trinity Intermediate with Honours.

Barking, East Ham & Ilford Advertiser, Upton Park and Dagenham Gazette - 11th May 1901
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN. Principal Miss P. TURQUAND-SHARPE. PUPILS very successful in Public Examinations. GERMAN CONVERSATIONAL CLASS (Adult) by a German Lady. Fee, 10s. 6d. Pupils can enter at any time. All candidates prepared last year for Public Examinations passed the Oxford Junior and Senior 1st Division, and those with Trinity Intermediate, with houours.

Chelmsford Chronicle - 6th September 1901
All the candidates prepared at Chelmsford High School have passed in the first division. Miss M. Hasler, Miss G. Spalding, Miss F. Williams, seniors ; Miss J. Fawkes, junior. The pupils prepared for senior Trinity were also successful. Miss P. Turquand-Sharpe will be at home Sept. 16th. School re-opens Sept. 17th.

Chelmsford Chronicle - 6th June 1902
The pupils at the Chelmsford High School, conducted by Miss Turquand Sharpe, were granted a day's holiday, while the Grammar School was closed in the afternoon [to celebrate the end of the Boer war].

Chelmsford Chronicle, February 2, 1906
PLANS passed included those submitted by the Essex Education Committee for the erection of a High School for Girls on the east side of the Broomfield Road.

Chelmsford Chronicle, February 2, 1906
HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CHELMSFORD
Builders desirous of TENDERING for these NEW BUILDINGS are invited to send in their names to F. WYKEHAM CHANCELLOR, Architect, Chelmsford, on or before MONDAY, the 12th FEBRUARY, 1906.
J.H. Nicholas, Clerk to the Essex Education Committee.

He heard a story on Tuesday the effect that a telegram was handed in at a certain post-office addressed to someone in Ceylon. The young lady at the post-office handed the telegram back and said you must put in the country - you must add France ' [Laughter.] He hoped this school would, by its success and its atmosphere intelligence and culture help to increase the importance attached to education by the general public. In England we suffered from people caring so little about it. These institutions, by creating a public interest in education, might remedy that defect. [Applause.]

The Mayor of Chelmsford (Alderman Chancellor), in describing the building, said that far back as 1885 a strong committee was formed to call upon the society in London for the erection of these schools to help them to get one at Chelmsford, but the authority could not see their way to do this. The Local Higher Education Advisory Committee then took the project up, and purchased that site, which contained about three acres. There would be a central entrance to the school, to be used upon public occasions, and on either side would be entrances for the senior and junior girls respectively. In between would be the assistant mistress's room, and at the other end would be the rooms of the head mistress, with four class rooms, to accommodate 25, 25, 20, and 30 girls respectively.

There would be two staircases leading to the first floor, as a precaution in case of panic. On this floor would be a lecture-room, to accommodate 30 girls, a science-room, large assembly-room, which would hold 160 or 170 people, and art rooms. There would also be a luncheon and a cookery room, as the committee considered it essential that girls should be taught to cook a chop or a potato. [Hear, hear.] The heating would be by radiators, and electricity would be the illuminating power. The building would be decorated with red brick and stone. In the playground it was hoped to have a gymnasium. [Applause.]

Mr. Buxton was then handed a silver trowel and ebony mallet, gifts from the architects, Messrs. Chancellor and Son, and with these tools he proceeded to lay" the stone. After the ceremony he declared the stone "truly laid in the name of God. Following prayer by the Rev. Canon Lake, Mr. Buxton said Chelmsford had never been backward in educational ventures, instancing the Grammar School, the Science and Art School, and the County Laboratories. The new girls' school would crown their efforts. He had sometimes had to oppose the desire of Chelmsford to gather into its borough all the good things, but he had a sneaking admiration, even when opposition, of the splendid and energy with which the Chelmsford workers pursued their objects.

In looking back, as he could to some extent, over the last 60 years, to the energy which had been thrown into the educational progress the country, it struck one what an enormous amount had been done for the boys and how little for the girls. He was delighted to think that Chelmsford was among the first towns the county to break that tradition. He need give no advice as to the teaching, as they had a peculiarly capable committee. They all valued Mr. Papillon s immense knowledge of education, and it was a real gain to the county that became a member of the Essex Education Committee. Mr. Tancock was another of their most valuable members, and was their old friend Alderman Chancellor, whose perennial youthfulness astonished them all. [Laughter and applause.]

Chelmsford Chronicle, 30th March, 1906
NEW SCHOOLS FOR CHELMSFORD, SPRINGFIELD AND MALDON
Reports were made as to progress in regard to the conveyance and transfer respectively of the site at Chelmsford for a Girls School, Broomfield-road [. . .] It was decided at Chelmsford to pay Mr. W.R. Thorndick 5 as compensation for giving up possession of the field purchased.

Barking, East Ham & Ilford Advertiser, Upton Park and Dagenham Gazette, 29 September, 1906
It was resolved that the salary of the head mistress of the new girls secondary school at Chelmsford be fixed at 200 per annum, rising to 240 with capitation grant.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 30 November, 1906
NEW GIRLS SCHOOL AT CHELMSFORD
HEAD MISTRESS APPOINTED
The CHAIRMAN announced that Miss Mabel Frances Vernon Harcourt, M.A., Girton Coll., Cambridge, of the Girls high School, Notting Jill, had been appointed head mistress of the new girls secondary school at Chelmsford. Miss Harcourt had a distinguished career at the Oxford High School, Holloway, College, and Girton College, Cambridge, where she obtained a first class in the modern languages tripos. She is a daughter of Mr. A.G. Vernon Harcourt, formerly Lee s Reader in Chemistry at Christ Church, Oxford.

The new County High School for Girls on the Broomfield-road, Chelmsford, was opened on Wednesday by Sir Wm. Anson, Bart., Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education in the last administration. The School, for which the architects were Messrs. Chancellor and Son, of Chelmsford, is designed to accommodate 150 girls. It consists of a main block having a frontage of 92 feet and an average depth of about 60 feet, and is practically divided in the front and back blocks, with a corridor between them. The front block contains on the ground floor in the centre the principal entrance, with a classroom on either side for 25 students each, and at one end the head mistress s room, and at the other end the under mistress s room.

The back block includes one classroom for 30 and another classroom for 20 students, with a stone staircase, a storeroom, and girls cloakroom at either end. Corridors give access to all these apartments, and the main corridor is entered at one end by the senior girls, and at the other by the junior girls. On the first floor the front block contains a chemical laboratory, a physical laboratory, a lecture-room, and a preparation room between them. At one end will be another classroom, and at the other end the girls luncheon room. The back block contains the assembly hall, calculated to hold at least 170 persons. At one end facing the north is the art room with store, and at the other end the cookery room with storeroom attached. On the ground Moor the lavatories are contained in two separate blocks, with a cut-off corridor between them and the main building. The classrooms will be fitted with single desks, the laboratory with working benches, and all other fittings throughout will be or the latest type.

The drainage has been arranged so that by manholes the whole of the drains can be inspected and cleaned out, and is all connected with the public sewer. The water service is from the borough main, and is connected on to the various cisterns required for the proper distribution of the water. The ventilation has been carefully considered. Fresh-air inlets are provided in all the apartments, and ducts for the abstraction of foul air are constructed over the corridors and where necessary, into which the vitiated [oxygen-depleted] air is drawn from the various rooms, concentrating in the central turret, where is placed an electric fan, which can be switched on and off at pleasure.

The building throughout is lighted by electric light, but gas has been introduced to serve the gas stove in the cookery-room, and for the chemical laboratory. A hot water boiler is placed in the basement, and from this circulating pipes are laid to the radiators in all those rooms which are not heated by open grates. Radiators are also placed in the corridors and offices. The building is substantially constructed in brick, the exterior elevations being faced with red brick with stone dressings. The roofs are slated, and the flats are covered with Val-de-Travers asphalt. In order to secure safety as far as possible, the whole of the floors between the two storeys are fireproof the Frazzi system being adopted. All the working rooms and corridors are lined with glazed tiles dado high, and the floors are laid with Jarrah wood blocks. A considerable area round the building has been tar paved, so as to afford a dry playground.

The site is well situated within a short distance of the railway station, and contains a little over three acres. It is proposed to build a caretaker's lodge, with bicycle shed attached, and it is hoped that in the near future a gymnasium may be added. The plasterers work at the school was ably earned out by Mr. G. T. Bedingfield, of Moulsham-street, Chelmsford.

The School has cost 10,000. The County Council made a special grant of 1,500 towards it, and the rest of the money comes from that available for the district for higher education, and includes that from the penny rate for higher education levied by the Town Council of Chelmsford. The builders were Messrs. Young and Son, of Norwich, their contract being at 6,270. Mr. Geo. Cook was clerk of the works. The cost of furnishing was 850. The site, extending to 3 and one quarter acres, cost 1,900. This is the first public high school for girls only established by the Essex Education Committee, and it starts on Monday next with 78 scholars. The fees per term are 3 3s.

There was a crowded company for the opening, which took place in the assembly hall. The guests on arrival passed between lines of the cadet corps of King Edward VI. Grammar School, forming a guard of honour, and looking extremely well in their grey uniforms. Copts. Rivett and Solb were in command. Canon Papillon, vicar of Writtle, and chairman of the Chelmsford (Higher Education) Advisory Committee, presided at the opening ceremony, supported by Sir Wm. Anson, the Mayor of Chelmsford (Ald. Chancellor), Mr. E. N. Buxton, chairman of the Essex Education Committee, Miss M. F. Vernon Harcourt. M.A., Girton College, Oxford, head mistress of the School, the Rev. Canon Lake, rector of Chelmsford, and the Rev. Canon Swallow, head master of Chigwell School and a member of the Essex Education Committee.

Among those also present were Mr. Andrew Johnston, chairman of the Essex County Council, Mr. Champion B. Russell, the Rev. Canon Ingles, Mr. J. Herbert Tritton, the Rev,. Canon Hulton, the Rev. C. Edmunds, the Rev. C. W. Howis, the Rev. J. Burgess, Mr. F. W. Rogers, M.A., head master of Chelmsford Grammar School, Mr. Herbert W. Gibson, the Rev. H. Ham, Mr. Geo. Jackson, Mr. R. Hasler, Mr. J H. Nicholas, M.A.. secretary to the Essex Education Committee, Mr. W . Chancellor. M.A., one of the architects, the Rev. B. Wright, Mr. T. Clarkson, the Rev. E. A. Hort, Dr. Wallenger, Mr. J. G. Bond,Mr. A. G. Maskell, Mr. G. W. Taylor, Mr. F. Wells. Mr. S. Wells, Mr. J. O. Thompson, the Rev. T. K. Richards, Mr. W. Stunt, Mr. W. Bewers, Mr. Hy. Marriage, Mr. F. H. Owers, Mr. Joseph Ratcliff, Mr. C. Byford, Mr. W. Dennis, Mr. J. B. Pash, Mr. W. Cowell, Mr. W. H. Pertwee, Mr. W. E. Poole. Mr. J. E. Scrivener, Dr. J. P. Atkinson. Mr. J. C. Smith. Mr. R. P. A. Mumford, the Rev. E. Bean, Mr. E. North, Mr. J. Gleave, Mr. F. J. Weaver. M.A. (head master of the Braintree High School), the Rev. J. M. Giblin, the Rev. J. B. Plumptre, the Rev. Dr. Clark, Mr. F. Richardson, Mr. G. H. Silverwood, M.A., Mr. Eustace Chancellor, the Rev. W. H. Carroll, Mr. E. Finch, Mr. T. Howell, Mr. A. Neville, Mr. W. F. Catt. Mr. F. G. Taverner, Mr. A. J. Appleton, Mr. A. Driver, Mr. H. Sworder, Mr Fell Christy, Mr. A. Fairbairn, Mr. C. R. Finch, Mr. H. Haylock, Mr. F. Collins, Mr. F. R. Fry. Mus. Bac., Mr. T. W. Manning, Mr. Wodehouse Garland, Mr. A. R. Cardozo. Mr. F. H. Dennis, Mr. J. W. Howarth, Mr. G. T. Bedingfield, etc.

Among the ladies present were the Mayoress of Chelmsford (Mrs. Chancellor), Mrs. Buxton, Mrs. Johnson (wife of the Bishop of Colchester), the Misses Chancellor, Mrs. Gilmore, Mrs. Vigne, Miss Tritton, Mrs. Waller, etc.

The Governors of the School are the Rev. Canon Papillon, Miss Bartlett, Mrs. Gilmore, Mrs. Waller, Mr. Chancellor, the Rev. J. Burgess, Mr. W. Bewers, Mr. A. R. Pennefather, C.B., and Mr. Wm. Dennis, Mr. J. H. Nicholas, M.A., is the secretary.

The staff of the School comprises: Miss M. F. Vernon Harcourt, M.A., Girton College, Oxford, Head Mistress; Miss Boothby, B.A., Miss Boutflower, B.A., Miss Hope Mitchell, Miss Haylock, and Miss Jackson, assistants; Mr. A. B. Bamford, art master.

The Rev. Canon Lake having offered prayers for blessings upon the building and its work, Canon Papillon hoped the large attendance was an earnest of the interest that, would continue to be shown in the new institution. He welcomed those who were present, and regretted the absence, among others, of the Bishop of Colchester, Canon Tancock, Mr. A. R. Pennefather, C.B., Mr. F. West, and the Rev. T. M. Mundle. The school supplied the want of a public school for the higher education of girls, to fit them for the immensely varied number of careers now open to women. The schools already existing had done their best in the circumstances, having no public funds behind them, and there were many who felt much gratitude to Mrs. Slader and others for what they had done. [Applause]

This was to be a secondary school, to which would be sent a number of pupil teachers. It was not to be a pupil teachers centre, with a few other pupils added. It would be open to all able to profit by it, irrespective of class or of creed. The religious teaching would be what was generally understood to be undenominational, but regular religious instruction would form a part, of the daily curriculum. He asked on behalf of the school, and of those to teach in it, for indulgence and forbearance at the outset. [Hear, hear.] With confidence that all were doing their best to make it a success, it would doubtless soon be all they could wish it to be. Public interest would be its most effective power, and he hoped the school would prove a valuable link in the County Council s system of education. [Applause.]

Mr. F. Chancellor, of Messrs. Chancellor and Son, described the building as it is described above, and the Chairman then called upon Sir Wm. Anson to open the building. That was not the first time, said the chairman, that he and Sir Wm. Anson had been in the same boat together. He had at home a pewter pot secured by him in a four-oared race in which Sir William was cox. [Applause.] Later than that, Sir William had had a more difficult job of steering he had steered an educational measure through the House of Commons. [Applause.]

Sir Wm. Anson said no one could underrate the importance of high schools for girls in places like that, having regard to the views now entertained as to the education which women should receive. He supposed that, after all the talk and all the excitement there had been about education in the last twenty-five or thirty yean, nothing was more remarkable than the difference between the education afforded to women now and that which they had the opportunity of enjoying, say, in the middle of the nineteenth century. No one could fail to rejoice that opportunities the same in character should be afforded to women by means of education such as had hitherto boon afforded to men. Perhaps it was a little unfortunate at the beginning of this movement that the ambition of women should be to have precisely the same education as men. A variety of education was desirable, and he hoped they would establish, with a basis of humane culture, that necessary variety which would be demanded by taste or individual interest. Women had taken up education with enthusiasm. If anything they needed to be restrained rather than spurred on. Girls, unlike boys, wanted no constant encouragement to pursue their studies. They were apt to attempt too many things at once and to work for too many hours in the day. Therefore, if they were not properly cared for and restrained, they might injure their own health, and, in a minor degree, they might sometimes be the cause of anxiety to others. It was hardly necessary to enlarge upon the value that the wider range of education gave to girls and women of to-day as compared with such a range of accomplishments as the smattering of foreign languages, the entrance, and little more, upon the field of music, or of drawing or painting.

One never wished to dwell too much upon the practical aspect the commercial value of an education - as compared with its importance as a development of the faculties, but they knew that nowadays there were a great many fields of work open to women for which they could adequately prepare themselves in such establishments as that. Teaching was a branch of activity in which women were particularly qualified to excel. Some people were born teachers; some with an adequate training could be made tolerable teachers; and some could never teach anybody anything because they could never make their mind meet the pupils' mind. There must be sympathy and that instinctive perception, that delicate sense of the attitude of mind to the wants and the feelings of another which was more the happy possession of women that it often was of men. For that reason he was glad to hear that that high school was going to take a part in the preparation of the teacher. A teacher must be constantly learning, and in that school she would he set in the way of learning and given an interest in the acquisition of wider knowledge. Women were taking much more part in public life, mainly of a local character, than they used to do. They were proving themselves most useful coadjutors. There was another educational force which women might set in motion. It was constantly complained that our Universities and our public schools were not doing their duty; that they were not producing either the industry or the learning they ought to produce. They must remember that the Universities had to deal with the material sent by the school, and the school with the material supplied by the home, and if the home looked upon education from a purely practical point of view and asked what was to be got immediately as a pecuniary advantage, he did not think the education of this country would prosper. The influence of women on the home was paramount, and they might bring upon the home that steady, consistent influence for good which might alter the whole attitude of our people towards education.

Perhaps they had talked too much about education. There was the sort of person who called himself or was called an educationalist, as if education was a separate and exceptional interest which if a man possessed he was entitled to describe himself by a particular name. One might as well go about calling himself a moralist because he attached some importance to the moral affairs of life. Education should be less in our mouths and more in our minds. We should take it as a matter of course that every boy or girl ought to be an educated person, and should regard the acquisition of knowledge and the humanising of their beings as part of the ordinary duty of life. They knew how zealous Governments, local authorities, and teachers were to promote education, and they must accept education as a great and almost overwhelming influence in life. They must believe in it, and then if the people of this country would come not merely to talk about education as a necessary external thing to be applied to the boy and girl, but as a part of life, then they might have an educated people. It was his pleasure to declare the school open.

Miss Vernon Harcourt, the Head Mistress, in an eloquent speech which caused a great impression, moved a vote of thanks to Sir Wm. Anson. She hoped the girls would leave that school with open eyes and hearts for all that was good and true and beautiful in books and nature and human life. The influence of home and school when they pulled together was very much more than doubled. She regarded the Education Bill which Sir Wm. Anson piloted through the House of Commons as the charter for schools of that kind.

Mr. E. N. Buxton seconded the vote of thanks. He believed Chelmsford was always first in the county. Somehow, they had in their municipality the right grit, and seemed to get the cream of everything. [Laughter.] Take a little drive round Chelmsford, and see the several handsome buildings due to their municipal enterprise largely owing to the Mayor, whom he congratulated on that beautiful building, so admirably designed for the purpose, and by no means the only educational building which owed its charm and appropriateness to Mr. Chancellor s skill. They all hoped the girls might pass golden years in that school, and he appealed to the people of the neighbourhood to give their support and comradeship to the new Head Mistress. [Applause.]

The Rev. J. Burgess, Congregational minister of Little Baddow, supporting the motion, said it was nearly 20 years since he came to Chelmsford, and he regarded that as the proudest and happiest day of all. The Rev. Canon Swallow, head master of Chigwell School, said that was the 32nd anniversary of the commencement of his work in Essex, and he was glad to join in that ceremony and that expression of thanks to Sir Wm. Anson, to whom they owed so much. He (Canon Swallow) was a profound believer in the undenominational system. [Hear, hear.] In that school a great deal would be got out of simple Bible teaching - more than some of their friends on platforms would have them think. (Hear, hear.] He was sure that the gifted lady whom they had chosen to be head mistress would raise the standard of religious life in that great city of Chelmsford. His description of the town was only a prophecy. [Laughter and applause.]

Sir Wm. Anson, responding to the vote, said the lines which Miss Harcourt laid down for the conduct of the school, the cordiality with which the school was evidently supported, and the good advice which Canon Swallow had given to parents and governors (which no doubt would be taken), seemed to promise well for the future of the school, and he hoped Miss Harcourt would find herself at the head of an enthusiastic body of students and teachers, and that generation after generation might work up to educational heights to which they at the beginning of the twentieth century were hardly able to aspire. [Applause.]

The Chairman thanked the Head Master of the Grammar School (Mr. F. W Rogers, M.A.) for the martial display made by his cadet corps. [Hear, hear.] It was gratifying to observe how the boys were prepared to look after their sisters. [Laughter and applause.] Mr. Buxton thanked Canon Papillon for presiding, the Mayor seconding the vote. Mr. Buxton said it was a great satisfaction to have the Canon on the Essex Education Committee, and to have him so ably lending the Local Advisory Committee. [Hear, hear.] The company afterwards inspected the School, and were entertained to tea by the Mayoress of Chelmsford, Mrs. Chancellor.

The school is designed to accommodate 150 girls, and is divided into front and back blocks, with a corridor between them. The front black contains on the ground floor the principal entrance, with a classroom on either side for 25c students each, and at one end the Head-mistress s room and at the other end the Under-mistress s room. The back block includes one class-room for 30 an another for 20 students, a store room, and girls cloak and changing room at either end. On the first floor the front block contains a chemical laboratory, a physical laboratory, a lecture room, and a preparation room between them. At one end is a class-room and at the other end the girls luncheon room. The back block contains the assembly hall, to hold at least 170 persons. At one end is the art room with store, and at the other end the cookery room, with store room. The class-rooms will be fitted with single desks, and the laboratory with working benches, and all other fittings throughout will be of the latest type. The drainage has been arranged so that by manholes the whole of the drains can be inspected and cleaned out, and are all connected with the public sewer. The water service is from the Borough main; and the ventilation has been carefully arranged on most modern lines. The building is lighted by electricity. A hot water boiler is placed in the basement, and from this circulating pipes are laid to the radiators in all those rooms which are not treated by open grates.

The building is substantially constructed in brick, the exterior elevations being faced with red brick with stone dressings. The roofs are slated, but the flats are covered with Val-de-travers asphalt. The whole of the floors between the two stories are fire-proof. The working rooms and corridors are lined with glazed tiles, dado high, and the floors are laid with jarrah wood blocks. A considerable area round the building has been tar-paved, so as to afford a dry playground. The site contains a little over three acres. It is proposed to build a care-taker s lodge, with bicycle shed attached, and it is hoped that in the near future a gymnasium may be added.

Canon Lake have read prayers, the Chairman welcomed the visitors, and said he hoped the large number present was an earnest of continued interest in the future work of the school, such interest supplying more than anything else the motive power for educational machinery. He expressed regret at the unavoidable absence of the High Sheriff (Mr. C.E. Ridley), Canon Tancock, mr. Pennefather, J.P., Mr. F. West, J.P., C.A., and the Rev. T.M. Mundle. He added that the new school supplied a want which had long been felt in the district. It was now recognised that women required an education which would fit them for the varied careers open to them. [Hear, hear.] The Pupil Teachers Centre in Chelmsford would be transferred to the new school, for the County very properly required that such schools would do their part towards the general education of the county. The school, however, was not to be a pupil teachers; centre, with a few other pupils added to it. In it the future teachers of elementary schools would be brought into contact with a wider system of education. The school would be open to all, irrespective of class or creed [Hear, hear.] That was essential when a school was largely supported out of public funds; but religious instruction of an undenominational character would form part of the daily curriculum. [hear, hear.]

The Mayor having given a description of the building, Sir William Anson, M.P. the late Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, said no one could over-rate the importance of a high school for girls in a place like Chelmsford. Nothing was more remarkable than the difference between the education afforded to women now and that which they had the opportunity of enjoying in the middle of the 19th century. No one could fail to rejoice that opportunities of the same character should be offered to women as were offered to men. [hear, hear.] It was a little unfortunate that in the early stages of this movement the ambition of women was to have precisely the same education as men. They would have to be engaged for some time in picking to pieces systems of education which had hitherto prevailed for men, and he hoped they would establish on a basis of human culture that necessary variety in education that might be demanded by the taste or interest of the individual. [hear, hear.] No doubt women had taken up education with enthusiasm; and, if anything, they needed to be restrained rather than stirred on. One never wished to dwell upon the commercial value of education as compared with its importance as a development of the faculties, but they knew nowadays that there were a great many fields of work open to women for which they could be adequately trained in institution such as this. Teaching was a branch in which women excelled. Some people were born teachers, some with an adequate training could be made tolerable teachers, and some could never teach anybody anything because they could never make their minds meet their pupils minds. [Hear, hear.] There must be sympathy and that instinctive perception, that delicate sense of the attitude of mind to the wants and feelings of another which was more the happy possession of omen that it often was with men. For that reason he was glad that the school was going to take a part in the preparation of the teacher. [Hear, hear.]

A teacher must be constantly learning, and in that school she would be set in the way of learning and given and interest in the acquisition of wider knowledge. Women were now taking a larger part in public life, especially of a local character, than they used to; and they had proved themselves most useful co-adjutors, more particularly in education matters. There was another great educational force which women could set in motion. It was said that their Universities and public schools were not doing their duty, but they must remember that the Universities had to deal with the material sent them from the school, and that the school had to do with the material supplied from the home, and if the home looked upon education from a purely practical point of view and asked what was to be got immediately as a pecuniary advantage, he did not think the education of the county would prosper. The influence of women on the home was paramount, and they might bring to bear upon the home that steady consistent influence for good which might alter the whole attitude of the people towards education.

They had talked a great deal about education perhaps they had talked too much. There was a sort of person who called himself an Educationist, as if education was a separate and exceptional interest, which, if a man possessed, he was entitled to describe himself as an educationist. One might as well call oneself a moralist because one attached some importance to the moral affairs of life. [Laughter.] Education should be less in our mouths and more in our minds. Every boy or girl ought to be an educated person. They ought to regard the acquisition of knowledge and the humanising of their being as part of the ordinary duty of life. They knew how zealous and anxious local authorities, the Government, and teachers were in promoting education, and they must accept educations as a great and almost overwhelming influence in life, they must believe in it. Then if the people of this country would come not merely to talk about education as a necessary external thing to be applied to boys and girls, but as a part of life they would have an educated people. [Applause.] he then declared the school open.

Miss Harcourt proposed a vote of thanks to Sir William Anson, and asked for the co-operation of managers and parents in her new duties. Mr. E.N. Buxton, in seconding the resolution, congratulated Chelmsford upon its enterprise in connection with the school and other public buildings, and alluded to the valuable services rendered by the Mayor as architect. The Rev. J. Burgess and Canon Swallow seconded the resolution. The latter said religion must be the basis of all secondary school education. He was a firm believer in the undenominational system in these schools. There was a good deal more to be got out of the simple Bible teaching than sometimes some of their friends, when they spoke on public platforms, would have the think. [Hear, hear.] The proceedings concluded with thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr. Buxton, and seconded by the Mayor. The Mayoress afterwards entertained the company at tea, Messrs. Hicks, Son, and Co. being the caterers.

This Day School has been established by the Essex County Council to provide a good Secondary Education for Girls between the ages of 12 and 19.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 9th April, 1909
It was reported that the L.G.B. had sanctioned the following loans:- [. . .] Application is also to be or had been made for the following:- Chelmsford high school (excess expenditure), 1,015. {This indicates that the 1,015 loan had not been sanctioned at the time of the report.)

Essex County Chronicle, May 14, 1909.
ESSEX EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Tenders For Coal And Coke.
TENDERS are invited for the SUPPLY of KITCHEN COAL and BECKTON COKE to the CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOK GIRLS, for the year beginning 25th June, 1909. Tenders must reach me not later than MONDAY, 17th May, 1909. The Committee do not bind themselves to accept the Lowest or any Tender.
J.H. Nicholas, Secretary, County Offices, Chelmsford.
30th April. 1909.

Essex County Chronicle, September 10, 1909.
ESSEX EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
This DAY SCHOOL has been established by the Essex County Council to provide a GOOD SECONDARY EDUCATION for GIRLS between the ages of 10 and 18.

The NEXT TERM COMMENCES on WEDNESDAY, the 15th September, 1909. An Entrance Examination will be held at the School on Tuesday, 14th Sept., 1909, at Two p.m., and the Head Mistress, Miss M. F. Vernon Harcourt, will be pleased to interview Parents or Guardians intending to send their children to the School, between Ten a.m. and Twelve noon and Two and Four p.m. on the same day, and also on Fridays in term between 2.30 and 4 p.m.
J.H. Nicholas, Secretary, County Offices, Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 24th December, 1909
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
The committee approved the principle to open a hostel in connection with the school, and also approved boarding regulations.

Chelmsford Chronicle, January 7, 1910.
ESSEX EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
This DAY SCHOOL has been established by the Essex County Education Committee to provide a GOOD SECONDARY EDUCATION for GIRLS between the ages of 10 and 18.

The NEXT TERM COMMENCES on THURSDAY, the 13th January, 1910. An Entrance Examination will be held at the School on Wednesday, 12th January, 1910, at Two p.m., and the Head Mistress, Miss M. F. Vernon Harcourt, will be pleased to in-terview Parents or Guardians intending to send their children to the School, between Ten a.m. and Twelve noon and Two and Four p.m. on the same day, and also on Fridays in term between 2.30 and 4 p.m. A Hostel will be opened on January 12th, at Glebeside, Broomfield-road, Chelmsford, to provide boarding accommodation for girls attending the school. Particulars may be oobtained from Mrs. R. Stewart Smylie, Glebeside.
J.H. Nicholas, Secretary, County Offices, Chelmsford.