HISTORY. The School opened in 1873 and became a county School in 1909. Closure procedures were begun in 1981. Abinger Hammer Village School Trust was in process of formation before the Secretary of State rejected the Village's Appeal, and it was thus possible for the School to open again in September 1982 without any break. The owners of the buildings have been generous with help.
WHY THE SCHOOL EXISTS. The local people whose determination kept the School open did so because they believed that small children should start their school careers as close to home as possible; that happy and secure years from 5 to 8 are the best basis for a happy and responsible life; that larger loyalties are nurtured by a sense of belonging to a community; that a village is much diminished if it loses its school. In a stressed and uncertain world the village school promotes stability in the individual, family and community alike.
It was accepted in 1982 that the school in Abinger Hammer would probably always be a small school, and this was seen to have certain advantages; for parents who prefer a larger school, alternatives exist. The benefits of a small class (under an accomplished and keen teacher) are apparent, and are appreciated by parents as well as pupils.
THE FUTURE. The benefits of a small class in these early years are now accepted by both government and education pundits. Steady pressure from those groups that believe in and work for Small Schools and Human Scale Education has led to the establishment of the Third Sector Schools Alliance. Eventual recognition by the state (with some public funding) of the education provided in a variety of parent-established schools seems a not impossible prospect. Meanwhile we are always hoping for a benefactor whose generosity will safeguard the long term future of this school.
