School Registers & Yearbooks

This category contains records created by educational institutions, from primary schools to universities. These documents can provide a unique insight into an ancestor's formative years, their family circumstances, and their educational achievements. They are a key resource for moving research back a generation from the adult records. Records in this category include: Admission and Discharge Registers (or Log Books): The most important school record for genealogists. These chronologically list every pupil who attended the school. Yearbooks and School Magazines: Often richly illustrated publications that provide a vivid snapshot of school life. Punishment Books: Registers detailing misdemeanours and the punishments administered. Governors' Minutes and Staff Records: Administrative records that can mention individual pupils or teachers. Typical Information Found: In Admission Registers: Pupil's full name, date of birth, date of admission, name and address of parent or guardian, and the name of their previous school. In Discharge Columns: Date of leaving, reason for leaving (e.g., "left school," "gone to work," "gone to another school"), and sometimes the name of their destination or employer. In Yearbooks: Photographs of pupils and staff, names of team members, academic prize winners, and reports on school activities and social events.