Former Infant School Diss Norfolk The Causeway, Diss.

The Former Infant School at Diss Norfolk The Causeway, Diss is a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. The school was built in 1849 to provide education for the town's youngest children. It was originally known as the Diss National School, and it was one of the first schools in the town to be built under the terms of the Education Act of 1844.

The school was designed by local architect John Brown, and it was built in a simple Gothic Revival style. 

The school was initially used to educate children aged between four and seven. However, in 1870, the Elementary Education Act was passed, which made education compulsory for all children aged between five and twelve. This led to an increase in the number of children attending the school, and the building was extended in 1873 to accommodate the growing number of pupils.

The Former Infant School is a reminder of the importance of education in the history of Diss. It is also a fine example of Victorian architecture. The building is a Grade II listed building, and it is protected from unauthorised demolition or alteration.

The Future of the Former Infant School

The Former Infant School is currently vacant, but there are plans to redevelop the site into new homes. In 2022, South Norfolk Council approved a planning application to build ten new homes on the site of the former school. The new homes will be a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses.

The redevelopment of the Former Infant School site is a controversial issue. Some local residents have expressed concerns about the loss of a historic building and the impact of the new homes on traffic and parking in the area. However, the council has argued that the redevelopment is necessary to provide much-needed housing in the town.

In 2015 It was reported that the old school belongs to Diss resident, and former mayor of the town, Harold Rackham.