Category: Community (Warminster)

The Pictorial Record, Vol. III., No.26., published in September 1900, noted:

EDUCATION AT WARMINSTER
EMWELL HOUSE SCHOOL

Where the training of the young is concerned much depends upon environment, and for a school, few surroundings could be more favourable, we should think, than those to be found in and around peaceful, pretty Warminster.

There is, at any rate, a very excellent and successful school here, Emwell House by name, which was established in 1872 by Mr John W. Still, and has remained under his direction ever since. It is a school that may be regarded as one in which a thoroughly sound and complete education can be given to a boy, enabling him to take his place at once in the professional or commercial rank for which he is destined.

The subjects of instruction include the usual branches of an English education with Mathematics, French, German, and Latin; such useful subjects as shorthand, book-keeping and chemistry, being given careful attention. The predominant idea is indeed to give the pupils a thorough practical training, and every subject taken is such as will be of use to them in after life.

The curriculum is elastic, and boys meant for special careers or professions, are trained in accordance with that idea. Mr. Still is assisted by English, French, and German masters, and professors of music and drawing. Of the success of the system in vogue here, there can be no doubt, for during the last three years only, nearly 100 public certificates have been gained by Emwell House scholars. These include one London matriculation, first division; four Oxford seniors, with two distinctions; one Cambridgeshire senior pass; four first-class, College of Preceptors, with three distinctions; seven second and seven third class, College of Preceptors; four Cambridge juniors, with one distinction; and sixty certificates at the South Kensington Science and Art Examinations in various subjects. One pupil also headed the list of successful candidates for scholarships offered by the Wilts Technical Education Committee, annual value £25, for two years. Two pupils gained 14th and 16th places respectively, in C.S. Examinations, in competition with 1,300 candidates, in 1899. Since its first establishment, nearly 500 certificates have been gained by pupils of Emwell House School.

Assured on the point of scholastic advantages, parents and guardians will not be less satisfied with the fees charged, at a very moderate rate, they range from £9 9s. to £12 12s. per term for resident pupils, according to age, day boarders four guineas, and day pupils two guineas per term; there are very few extras, and strictly inclusive charges are quoted if desired. Pupils from a distance, such as India or the Colonies, may remain during the holidays by arrangement, and every care is taken to render the time pleasant and happy.

Parents residing in South Africa can refer to R.G. Darroll, Esq., of Wynberg, Cape Town, and other gentlemen in the Colony (whose names will be given on application) who have sent pupils to Emwell House.

The school premises are commodious and well adapted for their purpose, the bedrooms are airy and lofty, and the detached school and class-rooms heated by hot water in winter. A well-fitted laboratory is attached to the school, there is a ten-acre field for cricket, football and other games, good bathing and swimming accommodation, and close at hand the famous Wiltshire Downs, unrivalled for interesting rambles and beautiful recreation.

To sum up, the school is just such a one at which a boy can be thoroughly happy, and where he would receive a genuinely sound education and a moral training that will be profitable in after life. The best features of the private school system, viz., contact with one’s social equals, individual attention and the instillation of honourable principles, are strictly guaranteed, while the wider demands made by the broader and more rapid aspect of life which prevail nowadays, are carefully watched and provided for in the mental and physical training of those committed to Mr. Still’s care.

EMWELL HOUSE LADIES SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
Encouraged by the success of Emwell House School for boys, in 1884 a ladies’ school and kindergarten was established in premises immediately adjoining and known by the same name.

The principal, Mrs. J.W. Still, is assisted by a staff of certified teachers and masters, and a limited number of boarders are taken. The curriculum embraces the usual English subjects, plain and fancy needlework, French, German, and Latin mathematics, elementary and advanced science, domestic economy, drawing, music, callisthenics and dancing.

Pupils can enter for Oxford and Cambridge local examinations, but the object of the school is more to train up the girls in womanly and lady-like accomplishments, fitting them to adorn the home, or, if need be, earn their living in after life, than to produce a long list of examination successes.

The tone of the school is refined, whilst pupils are taught to be self-reliant and able to hold their own in company, their general demeanour is specially cultivated.

The kindergarten department, conducted by a trained and certificated Froebel teacher is for children under eight years of age, and is conducted on the usual lines, the fee being only £1 1s. per term, with 2s. 6d. extra for the kindergarten material. As in the case of the boys’ school, the year is divided into three terms of about thirteen weeks each, a term’s notice being required previous to the removal of a pupil.

All other information respecting fees, school outfit, &c., will be found in the prospectus which will be sent on application.

Warminster is about three hours’ from London, midway between Bath and Salisbury, and is one of the healthiest places in the country.