Number 35 in the Ackworth Scarecrow Festival is Rachel Howard.
Having been well educated herself, Rachel started to teach a small group of children in her home The Villa. Here she would teach them reading, writing and arithmetic.
After some time, she thought it would be a good idea to have a school for the children of the village. She decided to commission a builder to build her school on some land near where she lived. The school was completed in 1833.
‘Of all employments in life, the education of young children appears to be the most interesting; and that which of all others I would choose.’ (Rachel Howard)
The school continues to remember Rachel Howard during its Heritage Day each September.