National Schools Society



The National Schools Society was founded by the Church of England in 1811 to promote the education of the poor with a curriculum centred around Anglican teachings.

The impetus to start such religious schools came from the unpopularity of the non-denominational Board Schools amongst the Anglicans.

The clergyman Andrew Bell was the first superintendent.

The society founded many National Schools and became responsible for educational matters on behalf of the Church of England. Some local examples include


Bell School, Harrison Road

Christ Church National School, Todmorden
Clifton National School
Copley National School
Cottonstones National School
Cross Stone National School

Elland National School

Halifax National School
Harley Wood All Saints' National School
Harrison Road National School 
Hipperholme National School

Illingworth National School


Ladyroyd School, Walshaw
Lightcliffe Church of England (VA) Primary School
Lightcliffe National School
Lower Edge National School, Elland
Luddenden National School
Lumbutts National School

Midgley National School
Mount Pellon National Schools
Mytholm Church School, Hebden Bridge

Rastrick National School
Ripponden National School
Rishworth National School

Saint Anne's National School
Saint James's National School, Halifax

Saint James's  National School, Halifax
Saint John's National School, Cragg Vale
Saint Martin's National School, Brighouse
Saint Mary's Church of England School, Luddendenfoot
Saint Mary's School, Mill Bank
Saint Peter's National School, Walsden
Shelf National School
Shibden Industrial School
Shibden National School
Southowram National School
Sowerby Bridge National School
Sowerby District National School
Sowerby National School

Walsden Church of England VC Infants' School
Walshaw National School
 

They were also known as Bell Schools and Bellian Schools.

See British school and Monitorial school



© Malcolm Bull 2022
Revised 11:43 / 27th August 2022 / 5430

Page Ref: ZZ_2

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