Ackworth School - A Quaker School for those "not in affluence".

Rules.

There were rules for the boys and others for the girls.

• That the boys be divided into four classes, under the care of four masters. 
• That before breakfast each of the Reading Masters shall instruct a class in reading and spelling, and each Writing Master examine a class in arithmetic
• that after breakfast two classes attend the Writing Masters to be instructed in writing and accounts, and the other two classes to attend the Reading Masters to be instructed in reading, spelling, and English grammar. 
• That after dinner the boys who attended the Writing Masters shall attend the Reading Masters, and the boys who attended the Reading Masters shall attend the Writing Masters
• That twelve boys most properly qualified be nominated monitors, to assist the masters in the business of the school.
• That the principal master teach the girls writing and arithmetic.
• That the girls be taught reading, sewing, knitting and spinning, and that a proper number be sent alternately to the writing school to be taught writing and arithmetic.

The rules for the boys are here given in full, but as those for the girls are similar in spirit, and, with slight variation, in words also, they are omitted:

"GENERAL RULES TO BE STRICTLY OBSERVED BY ALL THE BOYS AT ACKWORTH SCHOOL, AND TO BE READ TO THEM ONCE A MONTH."

1. That they rise at 6 o'clock in the Summer and 7 o'clock in the Winter, and dress themselves quietly and orderly, endeavouring to begin the day in the Fear of the Lord, which is as a fountain of life preserving from the snares of death.
2. That they wash their faces and hands, and, at the ringing of the bell, collect themselves in order and come decently into the school ; that they take their seats in a becoming manner, without noise or hurry, and begin business when the Master shall direct.
3. That they refrain from talking and whispering in the schools, and when repeating their lessons to the Master, that they speak audibly and distinctly.
4. That they should not be absent from school or go out of bounds without leave.
5. That when the bell rings for breakfast, dinner, or supper, they collect themselves together in silence and in due order, having their faces and hands washed, their hair combed, &c., and so proceed quietly into the dining-room.
6. That they observe a Solemn Silence, both before and after meals, that they eat their food decently, and refrain from talking.
7. That they avoid quarrelling, throwing sticks, stones, and dirt, striking and teazing one another, and they are enjoined not to complain about trifles, and, when at play, to observe moderation and decency.
8. That they neither borrow , lend, buy nor exchange without leave , and they strictly avoid gaming at all times ; that they never tell a lie, use the Sacred Name irreverently , or mock the aged or deformed. That when strangers speak to them they give a modest , audible answer , standing up and with their faces turned toward them . That they shall not be possessed or have the use of more than one penny per week ; that if any other money be found upon them it shall be taken away.
9. That they use a sober and becoming behaviour when going to, in, and coming from religious Meetings.
10. That their whole conduct and conversation be dutiful to their Masters and kind and affectionate to their schoolfellows, and that in all cases they observe the command of Christ, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye even so to them.
11. That in the evening they collect themselves and take their seats in the dining-room and, after answering to their names when called over, and attending to such parts of the Holy Scriptures as may be read to them, they retire to their bedchambers and undress with as much stillness as possible, folding up their Clothes neatly and putting them into their proper places ; and they are tenderly advised to close, as well as to begin the day with remembering their Gracious Creator, whose mercies are over all his works.

Such is the code of general rules for the boys, consolidated within a few years of the origin of the school, and, with little variation, maintained in active existence to within about thirty years of the present time.

Page updated 8th September, 2015.