“Scary” Victorian schoolmistress visits Lepton C of E Junior and Infant School

Jun 12 2010 Hudd Sat

“Scary” Victorian schoolmistress visits Lepton C of E Junior and Infant School

CHILDREN realised their teachers weren’t so bad when a “scary” Victorian schoolmistress visited their school.

Miss Garside took over lessons at Lepton C of E Junior and Infant School and dished out some Victorian-style punishments to anyone caught misbehaving.

Pupils slumping in their chairs were made to wear a backboard to straighten them up.

Those whose writing wasn’t up to scratch were given dunce hats to wear.

Miss Garside also had a finger holding device to stop the children fidgeting in lessons.

Deputy headteacher Helen Lever said: “It was absolutely fantastic if not a little bit scary – but the children loved it. “Miss Garside was very scary walking around with her cane.

“Even the headteacher got told off for talking at the back of class.”

The children dressed up in traditional Victorian school uniforms and school catering staff made Victorian chicken broth with bread rolls for lunch.