Thanks very much Stan. 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? Rob