As early as 1828 the idea of founding an infant school for young children had presented itself but it was not till 3 July 1837 that the infant school of Falkirk was opened. The building in which it met was the first two-storeyed block to the east of Dow’s Nursery in Kerse Lane (just west of the later Ragged School). The school is said to have been fitted up in an elegant manner and upon the most approved plan for infant schools. There was a large playground and garden. The first master was a Mr Henderson, who had the assistance of his sister. The number of children admitted at first numbered 40, and cleanliness and tidiness were strictly enforced, the fee charged being trifling. The school seems to have had a brief existence, as the year after its formation complaint was made of the lukewarm support it was receiving. The novelty had worn off, and parents were content to send their children back to “the common school” to be taught in the ordinary way (Love 1898).
National Grid Reference
| Kerse Road | NS8921 8004 |
Falkirk Local History Society 