Basingstoke Board School for Seniors, Council Road

Two school buildings were opened in 1888 to house 1,310 children attending five Basingstoke British and National Schools which immediately closed. A smaller building was for infants; a larger building for 7-14 year olds accommodated girls on the first floor and boys on the ground floor. The chosen site, on the old pig and sheep fair ground, was elevated above the town and deemed to be a healthy location for children.

Evacuees were received during both World Wars and the school underwent many changes in name and pupil enrolment throughout the 20th century. It swung from accommodating 4-14 year olds to seniors only, boys only and finally infants and juniors only. Overcrowding was a growing problem as the town developed, but teaching kept up with the demand from local businesses, particularly in engineering.

In 1987 the smaller building closed to be taken over by Fairfields Arts Centre offering dance and drama studios and a public art gallery. The school roll in 2010 was 408 infants and juniors.

Former pupils include John Arlott, cricket commentator; Lord Wigg and Charles Paice, Mayor of Basingstoke (1954).