The following year, there were protests over proposals to construct an administrative building on the former site of the school, citing its value to the community.

[1] At its outset, it provided food, clothing and education to 32 boys and 20 girls from poor families, aged between nine and 14.

[2] Construction of a plain brick building took place in 1724 and was significantly enlarged 70 years later in 1794, which included addition of the stone facade which is present today.

The new 17 acres (6.9 ha) site cost £7,500, with children housed in self-contained hostels and a central building used for meal times.

There was discrepancies in what the school's budget deficit was, with the governing body reporting a shortfall of around £25,000 yet Councillor Howell believed it to be closer to £9,000.

[8] During the 1880s, the older boys were instructed in phonology by Marie Bethell Beauclerc, a pioneer in the teaching of shorthand.