In a message dated 24/07/2007 20:41:30 GMT Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Puzzlingly, just in the past few minutes I came across a photocopy I hadn't realised I had from Wards 1861 directory. This lists Deptford as having Laings School (Andrew Greig, Master) but also the National School ( J. Hope, master; Mrs. C. Coulson, mistress) Was it these two schools that would merge? Had Laings School existed before 1861? Any ideas? _______________________________________________________ The pupils from the Deptford Yard School (Opened by James Laing for his workers children) were moved to Simpson Street School when it opened in 1884. Stan