From Abbey School to Tavistock College: A Walk Through Tavistock’s Educational Past

Education has always been central to Tavistock’s story, shaping not only young minds but also the fabric of the town itself. This September, Heritage Open Days offers a unique chance to follow in the footsteps of generations of Tavistock pupils on the guided walk Abbey School to Tavistock College.\

Led by Simon Thompson and Will Hay, the walk draws on the rich research of the Three Schools Project, a National Lottery Heritage Fund initiative that has brought to life the memories, photographs, and experiences of those who passed through Tavistock’s classrooms during the twentieth century. The project focused on Abbey School, Dolvin Road School, and Tavistock Grammar School – three very different institutions that together tell a fascinating story of social change, community spirit, and the transformative power of education.

The walk begins at Abbey School, once housed in the atmospheric remains of Tavistock Abbey. This was no ordinary school setting: children learned their lessons within medieval walls, where echoes of the town’s Benedictine past mingled with the noise of the playground. Stories from former pupils reveal a school both strict and nurturing, remembered with fondness for its dedicated teachers and lively sense of camaraderie.

From there, the route takes in Dolvin Road, where a purpose-built Victorian school once stood. This building reflected a new era of education – shaped by the 1870 Education Act – which made elementary schooling compulsory for all. Dolvin Road’s classrooms were packed with children from working families, many of whose parents were employed in Tavistock’s industries and trades. For many pupils, it was their first step toward literacy, numeracy, and a wider world of opportunity.

The walk then looks at Tavistock Grammar School, established on the rising slopes towards Crowndale. Here, a different kind of education was offered: academic, ambitious, and increasingly outward-looking. It was a place where pupils were encouraged to aspire, whether to professional careers, university study, or public service. The Grammar School’s evolution into what is now Tavistock College reflects national changes in the education system – from selective schooling to comprehensive education in the later twentieth century.

Along the way, walkers will hear first-hand recollections gathered through the Three Schools Project: stories of strict headmasters, mischievous pranks, and the friendships that endured long after schooldays were over. These personal memories are woven into the broader history of Tavistock, showing how schools reflected – and sometimes challenged – the social expectations of their time.

This walk is more than a trip down memory lane. It is a celebration of the resilience of communities, the value placed on learning, and the ways in which education has helped shape Tavistock into the town it is today.

Join us on Abbey School to Tavistock College and see the familiar streets through new eyes – as corridors of learning, laughter, and lasting legacy.

Meet outside Tavistock Visitor Information Centre - Saturday September 20th 14:00