Conisborough U.D.C. – 2. Scholarships to Mexborough

February 1931

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 13 February 1931

Conisboro’ U.D.C.

Scholarships to be Granted.

A letter was read from Mr. I. W. Chipp, secretary of the Mexborough Secondary School Governors, asking whether the Council contemplated taking up the matter of providing local scholarships for pupils in their area. The letter pointed out that there were no pupils from Conisborough and Denaby in the school.

The Clerk (Mr. Spencer Baker), explained that the idea was that the Council should provide certain free places in the school for Conisborough pupils.

Mr. J. I. Webster said the letter required a good deal of thought. They ought to ask the head teachers of the schools in their district either to meet them or a sub-committee. The question was how they should select the pupils.

Mr. Collins suggested that four scholarships be granted from the Conisborough township over and above county minor scholarships. Other townships in the district were providing scholarships, and he did not see why Conisborough should be behind this. It was hard lines when children went in for scholarships and just failed, and it was in order that these should be provided for that he moved the Council make provision for four scholarships in their next estimate.

Mrs. R. Donoghue seconded.

Mr. A. Roberts thought it would be placing the Council in a difficult position, particularly with parents who were dissatisfied with the selection of the pupils. “I think most of us will agree the scholarship system is not all that is to be desired and often even the best children do not get the scholarships because atmosphere plays such an important part in the examination. It would be fairer if those unsuccessful in the county minor scholarship examination could have the opportunity to accept the Council’s scholarships if they decided to give any.

Mr. C. B Webster suggested one scholarship should be allotted to each school. That would mean providing six scholarships, and Mr. Collins agreed to alter his proposal to include that number. Mr. J. I. Webster proposed that the matter be investigated by the Finance Committee, and this was decided upon. Mr. Collin’s proposal that scholarships be provided for in the Council’s next estimate being also carried.