Local Education Authorities Take Over
In 1918, Local Education authorities were established to replace School Boards and the provision of secondary education was made mandatory. Thereafter, it is the school logbook, kept by the head teacher, from which we can glean information, albeit in much less detail. Health issues, rather than attendance seem to be of increasing concern. For example, in September 1921, it is recorded that two nurses examined all of the pupils "giving hints, especially to the girls, on the benefits of cleanliness" and later, that the nurse called to examine "two verminous children". In 1923, the log records that "many of the infants have been absent through illness or the want of boots on wet mornings". By contrast, that same year on April 26, some good cheer is reported when a holiday was observed in celebration of the marriage of the Duke of York to Elizabeth of Glamis.
In November 1926, with almost chilling detachment, it is reported that" a little boy in the Infant Department died on Wednesday evening from malignant scarlet fever. He was present in school on Tuesday. Attendance still very good, 92.10/0." In the following year another tragedy struck. A teacher, Miss Marshall, on her way home after school was involved in a motor collision and suffered severe head injuries. She died one week later on 8 December 1927.
On 28 April 1930, James McGregor took up duty as Headmaster, succeeding Dominie Dunn. In the following February he reports that" scholars in Junior and Senior Rooms have now been divided for each subject. Method is working satisfactorily and is an improvement on the old rigid Class Method".