Schoolteachers

Scotland has the reputation of providing a top class education to its young citizens. In fact, the quality of teaching has varied dramatically over the years, and according to location.

In the early part of the 19th century, schools were generally parish responsibilities and as a consequence, virtually all Lowland countryside parishes benefited from a school, the costs of which were supported by a tax on landowners and by fees paid by those who could afford them. These were complemented, especially in industrial highly populated parishes, by "adventure schools" which were supported to a degree by private fees.

In 1872, the Education Act made attendance compulsory up to the age of 13 and provided for state funding of schools. Subsequently secondary (Burgh) schools were established in the main towns and cities but these tended to be preserve of the middle classes.

Provision of education in the Highlands was a major problem because of the remoteness of many pupils. Gaelic was less of a problem as most parents wanted their children to be taught in English to improve their subsequent job prospects. In the 18th and 19th centuries the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge (SSPCK) created many new schools in the Highlands.

The appointment of teachers was initially within the preserve of the local landowners (heritors) and the parish minister. It was often the case that the teacher also acted as Session Clerk. As a profession, it was poorly remunerated. From 1846 to 1906 the employment of Pupil Teachers was advocated, the principal stipulation being that they be aged at least 13!

There are several archive collections in the National Archives of Scotland relevant to the teaching profession. The record of the appointment of a parish schoolmaster should be found in the HR (Heritors Records) collection. The Kirk session records for the parish may also reveal comments on the schoolmaster in the CH2 records. The Free Kirk records (CH3) may also make mention of their nominated minister. The SSPCK records fall within the GD95 collection.

Places to visit
There is a good chance that the school where your teachers ancestors taught will still be standing, in which case, visit it.

Scotland Street School, Glasgow
This building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, houses exhibition of the history of education.
www.glasgowmuseums.com

Highland Folk Musuem, Newtonmore
This extensive award winning museum includes a typical highland schoolhouse, with a teacher often on duty to help bring the schoolroom fully to life.
www.highlandfolk.com