SCHOOL’S almost back so here are some top class photos to get you in the mood for education.

Some of the vintage snaps are from the 1920s while others, such as the lovely photo of the Love Lane School in Rayleigh are from even earlier.

Among the images is a rarely seen photo of the old St John’s College in Southend, which like many historic buildings, is no more.

Another photographs shows trailblazer Elizabeth Bannester, who was not only Southend’s first female councillor but was also a local school principal. Her story is featured in the latest book by Southend historian Dee Gordon (deegordanwriter.com).

Another interesting image is from what is believed to be the first proper school room in Rayleigh, at the Holy Trinity Church.

In 1792 the Rev. Moor, the Curate of Holy Trinity, loaned the Churchwardens the sum of £75 (£4,000 today) to discharge the expense of building a new schoolroom for the use of the Parish.

In 1863 the building was demolished and rebuilt and became the National School.

The Rayleigh photos and plenty more can all be seen at the Rayleigh Town Museum.