National Archives
Printable version

Findmypast.co.uk publishes National School Admission Registers, 1870-1914

Findmypast has today published the National School Admission Registers from 1870 to 1914, which capture a snapshot of school life prior to the First World War.

Working with archives across England and Wales, the project has made 2.5 million records available online for the first time. These include handwritten registers, log-books (diaries recording the daily occurrences at the school, including absences, illnesses, visitors and holidays) and attendance records. 

This captures the last school days of the 'lost generation' - a generation of young men who fought in the First World War, many of whom did not return. Celebrated poet Wilfred Owen and artists and writer Wyndham Lewis can be found in the records.

The registers contain details like the name of and type of school, name and address of pupils, date of admission, date of leaving, name of parent and/or guardian, date of birth, whether parents are living or dead and parents' occupation.

We played a significant role in getting this landmark project off the ground. Caroline Kimbell, Head of Licensing, said: 'We are delighted to see the outcome of the sector-wide initiative to encourage digital engagement in UK archives, which we began in 2011. The online publication of these fascinating school registers and logbooks from nearly 100 local archives and schools opens a new chapter in British family history.'

The records will be released in three phases. The next phases will be in spring 2015 and autumn 2015

Channel website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Share this article

Latest News from
National Archives

Facing the Future...find out more