[1] In 1583 Sir Michael Willoughby and his wife Catherine founded three schools, one for Latin, one for English and one for girls.

The schools provided free education for children of Risley, Breaston, Sandiacre, Dale Abbey, Stanton-by-Dale, Wilsthorpe, Draycott, Little Wilden and Hopwell.

[3] One of its most famous pupils was Robert Lowe, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke, later Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Martin Esq of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Charities[4] into charges of insobriety and neglect of duty on the part of the Under-master Mr Creswell, and also into the general administration of the charities.

The fees to attend the Latin School at this time were £50 and £70 per annum per pupil.