Thomas Barnes School, which stands in the small village of Hopwas, next to the large town of Tamworth, dates back to 1717 although the building we now use was built in 1875. This second school consisted of one large room which we now use as the hall. There is still evidence of its past history in the form of a bricked up fireplace and one remaining slate blackboard. This classroom used to hold around 60 children who were taught in the monitor style (the older ones teaching the younger ones).
In 1909 two additional classrooms were built which are still used as classrooms. Around 15 years ago a mobile classroom was erected just outside the main building.
Thomas Barnes was abandoned as a baby and left in a barn, hence the name. He was taken in by a local family who brought him up. Later in life he moved to London, made his fortune and returned to the village of Hopwas to build the school...his way of saying thank you.