Old School At High Wych Jmi School (North East Block)

This is a village school built in 1860-61 by G E Pritchett, and opened on April 13, 1861. It is located on the west side of High Wych Road in High Wych Village. The school is an elaborate example of Gothic architecture, constructed primarily of knapped flint with stone dressings, and is situated near a contemporary Gothic church also designed by Pritchett. A schoolhouse is attached to the southeast corner.

The main range is set back from the road at a right angle. It is a single-storey building with a lower, lean-to narthex (entrance area) on the east end and a lean-to porch on the north side, which is under a lower extension of the main roof. A similar gabled range extends to the south, featuring a large projecting porch also under a flatter roof. A later 19th-century addition forms the angle of the L-shaped plan.

The east front, facing the road, has a steep gabled roof with a small, square bell-turret topped with a cusped timber bell stage and a tall, shingled spire. A tall, elongated triple lancet window, featuring stone dressings and alternating dark brick voussoirs, is set within the gable. There is a stone vent slot in the gable. A lean-to narthex sits below the window. The south gable is engaged with the schoolhouse. The north gable has moulded stone copings, a roll-moulded kneeler, stone quoins, and an offset plinth. The original red brick dressings are visible on the inclined buttress. A pointed arched doorway, featuring two recessed orders and a heavy plank door with elaborate iron hinges, is located at the end. The north side is asymmetrical, with two high, gabled lucarne windows alternating with two tall, tapered projecting chimneys, and the lean-to porch. Double lines of yellow brick headers are set within the flint at sill level of the triple lancets and porch window. The flint chimneys have stone quoins, a plinth offset, capping, and red brick slopes with alternating corbels. A small double window with a trefoil sinking and alternating stone and dark brick arch is also present.

Inside the main range is a single volume space with a 7-bay scissor rafter roof and tie rods. This striking Gothic school building complements Pritchett's nearby church of St James. Land for the schoolhouse and school was conveyed in 1860. The school was initially intended for services, and was used for tea at the church's consecration on June 27, 1861.