Dear
Parents and friends
On
behalf of the Governors and Staff, I welcome your child to the Madras VA School.
Built
in 1811 by the 2nd Lord Kenyon and based upon a similar structure in
India, the Madras School became the first free school in Wales. It’s unique
design with a thatched roof (the only one of its kind in the country we believe)
together with the modern extension, set in very pleasant, open and extensive
grounds, makes it a very attractive and inviting building. Recognising its
historical foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious
character in accordance with the principles of the Church in Wales and in
partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan levels.
The
school aims to serve the community by providing an education of the highest
quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an
understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian
values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.
We
normally have about 100 children on roll aged 3 to 11 consisting 4 classes of
mixed ability boys and girls with an additional dedicated Early Years Unit for
nursery children.
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The Madras Voluntary Aided School was built in 1811 by George Lord Kenyon II and was the first free school in Wales. The Rev Dr Andrew Bell (founder of the Madras College St Andrews Edinburgh) brought his methodology of education known as the Madras System to this unique school in Penley. Lord Kenyon provided funding and gave land for
a schoolhouse and school for the education of children in the principles of the Established Church of England and Ireland in the Madras System of education............
..........if the said schoolhouse and school should at anytime thereafter, from neglect, dilapidation or otherwise, cease to be used and applied for that purpose, then the said premises should immediately revert to the said George, Lord Kenyon and the grant should cease and become void.
The commemoration plaque at the front of the school depicts a bible giving indication of the original religious style of education to the pupils here. Today we still use aspects of Rev Bell's system with the continuation of monitors throughout the year 5 and 6 pupils. Further information about Rev Dr Bell can be found on the next page.
Another longstanding educational tradition that is still upheld at Madras is that of teacher training which we have successfully been involved with for over 100 years. Today though our teaching students are with us for a shorter time for their practical training whilst their main training takes place at the North East Wales Institute (NEWI) at Plas Coch Wrexham.
Below is a list of the names in chronological order of the headteachers who have been in charge of the Madras school.
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1811 - 1912 |
1912 - Current |
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Below are a selection of images from the Madras VA School archives.
Current era
