The History of the School

In 1846 it was decided to erect schools to be known as St. Peter's National Schools. These schools were opened in January 1847. The first years were difficult and finance were very low. By 1851 there were 54 boys and 59 girls in attendance. In 1860 funds were available for the building of an infants school, which was opened in 1862. The school continued to grow and by 1900 it became necessary to look for another site.

In 1901 a new school was begun in St. Peter's Square in the very centre of town, and on August 25th 1902 this school was opened with the girls downstairs and the boys upstairs and the infants in what later became the domestic science block. With reorganisation in the 1930's the infants school ceased to exist and the schools became the only Church Seniors' Schools in the town.

In 1965 the school moved to its present Compton Park site, since when it has become co-educational, a Woodard School, given the status of a Technology College and continues to be a most popular educational institution in the town. The school remains a Church Aided institution, and the original links between St. Peter's Church and St. Peter's School remain very strong. The original idea of a school being built 'in the shadow of the Church', now means that shadow has to be cast further to Compton Park, but it is still there providing the pupils of the school with a much valued Christian education.
This section of the school web site will soon be enhanced by images and more information about the school's history.