in 1893, edward newall tuck was appointed by the education committee of the borough of chippenham to organise technical classes in chippenham and district. classes were held in rented premises at no. 21 london road and at the jubilee institute, as well as in villages including grittleton and yatton keynell. teachers from elementary schools attended classes in a school of art on saturdays at the jubilee institute. mr tuck, in addition, gave talks on wiltshire history and nature study; he also served as town councillor and was mayor of chippenham from 1931 to 1932. in 1894, pupils were not admitted to classes until they reached the age of 11. pupils from day schools were admitted free from age 11 to 16. the fees at this time were fixed at 6d per month, the whole expenses of the school being met by fees and grants from the science and art department and the county council. higher grade classes for boys, including woodwork and chemistry, were held at no. 21 london road.