Our School History
175 Years of Learning, Growing and Belonging
Proudly serving the families of Ashton-in-Makerfield since 1851.
St Thomas's C.E. Primary School has been at the heart of the Ashton-in-Makerfield community for 175 years.
From our humble beginnings in a Victorian schoolhouse on Heath Road to our present-day home on Hodnet Drive, generations of children have passed through our doors, making friendships, discovering their talents and taking their first steps on their educational journeys.
Although education has changed enormously since 1851, our commitment to providing a caring, welcoming environment where every child is valued remains at the heart of St Thomas's.
1851 – Where Our Story Began
Our story began in 1851, when St Thomas's National School opened on Heath Road.
The original building cost approximately £859 and was designed to accommodate 400 children: 200 boys, 150 girls and 50 infants.
Remarkably, the school began with just two appointed members of staff, Mr and Mrs John Wilkinson, who served as Master and Mistress.
The building itself was designed in the shape of a St George's Cross, with wooden partitions dividing the classrooms. Open fireplaces provided warmth, while gas lighting illuminated the rooms.
Many of the school's earliest pupils came from families working in Ashton's thriving hinge-making and nail-making industries, with others connected to local mines and cotton manufacturing.
From the very beginning, St Thomas's was closely connected to the lives of local families.
1878 – A New Chapter in Leadership
Mr John Wilkinson, the school's first Headmaster, retired on 30 November 1878 after more than 27 years of service.
He was succeeded by Mr Thomas Holbrook, who introduced changes to the organisation of the school, bringing pupils together in a mixed school with an infant department.
As Ashton continued to grow, so did the number of children attending St Thomas's.
1903 – A New School for Our Youngest Children
By the beginning of the twentieth century, increasing pupil numbers meant that more space was needed.
In September 1903, a new Infant School opened further along Heath Road, providing dedicated accommodation for the youngest children.
Miss Sarah H. Armstrong, who had been appointed Head of the Infant Department in 1891, was the first Headmistress of the new Infant School.
The building included spacious classrooms, movable partitions, a dedicated exercise corridor and facilities for staff.
It was an exciting development that reflected the school's growing importance within the community.
1939 – School Life During the Second World War
In 1939, the school underwent another important change.
Children aged 11 and over moved on to the Grammar School or Senior School, while St Thomas's continued to provide infant and junior education.
Just two weeks after this reorganisation, the Second World War began.
School life was disrupted as preparations were made to protect pupils during air raids. For a time, children attended in separate morning and afternoon groups until suitable air-raid shelter arrangements were in place.
Despite these challenges, St Thomas's continued its important role in educating and supporting local children.
1944 – A Changing Education System
The Education Act of 1944 brought significant changes to schools throughout England.
During the post-war years, St Thomas's adapted to the changing educational landscape while maintaining its strong connection to the Church of England and the local community.
The school continued to develop as generations of Ashton families entrusted it with their children's education.
1978 – Our New Home on Hodnet Drive
One of the most significant moments in our history came in 1978, when a new purpose-built school was completed on Hodnet Drive.
Constructed at a cost of £228,320, the new building brought together the former Junior and Infant Schools from Heath Road under one roof.
Designed with open-plan learning spaces, shared resources and dedicated areas for younger and older pupils, the building reflected a more modern approach to primary education.
The school was officially opened by the Bishop of Warrington in 1979.
Hodnet Drive has remained our home ever since.
1999 – Continuing to Grow
In 1999, a new Year 2 classroom was added as part of improvements supporting smaller infant class sizes.
This development reflected the school's continuing commitment to providing an environment where children could learn, develop and achieve their potential.
We hope to expand this section as further historical school records and photographs become available, recognising more of the headteachers who have contributed to St Thomas's story.
St Thomas's Today – Proud of Our Past, Excited for Our Future
Today, St Thomas's C.E. Primary School continues to build upon the foundations established in 1851.
While our classrooms, technology and teaching methods have changed beyond recognition, the importance of relationships, kindness, community and providing children with the best possible start in life remains central to our school.
We are proud of our Christian heritage and warmly welcome families of all faiths and none.
Our school is a place where children are known as individuals, where friendships flourish and where every family is valued as part of our wider school community.
As we celebrate 175 years of St Thomas's, we remember the generations of pupils, parents, teachers, headteachers, governors and local families who have helped make our school what it is today.
Our history is something to celebrate. Our children are our future.
St Thomas's C.E. Primary School – Every child is unique. Every family is welcome.
