School

In 1876, the decision was taken by the Penshaw and Offerton School Board to build two new schools - one at Penshaw, the other at Cox Green. These would replace the one school in use at New Penshaw Colliery which by then was not fit for purpose.

In July 1876, a survey was undertaken and it was found that a school at (or for) Cox Green and Offerton would need to accommodate 152 pupils and the school board selected the site: a field near Woodhouse Farm at Cox Green and building began in 1878. Handbills were printed and issued to parents to inform them that the school was to be opened for the enrolment of pupils on 18th November, 1878. The master, Mr James Toll of Felling, aged 30, was appointed and lived adjacent to the school in a purpose-built house.

Inhabitants of School House:

1881 Census: James Toll, Certificated Teacher, aged 32, born Newcastle

1891 Census: Thomas Potts, National Schoolmaster, aged 32, born Hoar Cross, Staffordshire

1901 Census: James Toll, Schoolmaster, aged 52, born Newcastle

1911 Census: Samuel Burrell Vasey, Elementary School Teacher, aged 57, born Wainfleet, Lincolnshire

Notes:

The 1891 census shows "James Tole" to be resident at the 'Board School House' in Painshaw

1881 Census: Mr Matthew White Parker, School Board Attendance Officer. Residence: Pit Row, Penshaw, aged 49, born Cox Green. Mr Parker died 7th December 1884 and was interred in Penshaw Churchyard.

Above and below: Cox Green School building today. Now privately owned

Above: school house stands next to the old school and was the residence of the schoolmaster and family

Above: the entrance to the school and the bell tower above. Note the neighbouring school house.

Above: how many thousands of small feet must have trodden on this step on their way into school? Note the old, well-worn iron boot scraper to the left.