­A BOOK documenting the history of North Tawton Primary School has just been published.

North Tawton resident Dr Alan Parkinson has been working on 'North Tawton School 1864-2014' for the last few months. The 54-page illustrated history tells the story of the school's development over a period of 150 years. The curriculum, teaching methods, discipline, play and sporting activities, major school occasions  and memorable teachers over this long period are all featured in this study.

The book is based on evidence gleaned from a range of contemporary documents, including school log-book  insertions, minutes of school managers' meetings, inspection reports, parish records and newspaper reports as well as oral evidence provided by former pupils and teachers.

The first phase of construction work in Exeter Street – on the site of today's Old School residential buildings – started in 1864 and records of the school's management go back to the late 19th century. A school board was established in the town in 1872 and building work completed three years later.

In 1932 older pupils transferred to a new 'senior' school building across the road, with the school now catering for children eleven years of age and under. Thirty years later North Tawton's primary school relocated to the site left vacant by senior pupils, who then completed their secondary education in other towns, like Okehampton and Crediton.

The book is on sale at North Tawton Post Office for £5 though signed copies are available directly from Dr Parkinson by calling 01837 880497.

Dr Parkinson will give a talk on the school's history at the Ockment Centre on Wednesday, March 12 at 7.30pm as part of Okehampton Local History Society's scheduled programme.