In the history of any school, there will always be one teacher who stands out above the rest. That teacher arrived in 1883, and was Thomas Warmington. A natural teacher, he was able to inspire those he taught. Under him, the school established its quality and its excellence. Those who knew him did not forget him, for he worked hard and cared much. His firm, positive attitude was demonstrated from the very beginning. And yet he was only a young man of 22, as yet unmarried, when he first arrived at Fermor School.

One can almost feel the sigh of relief as he takes over. Here was a man ready to lead. But he was not a tall man, as one imagines leaders to be. He was, perhaps, 5' 5" or 6" in height, well built, well dressed, and struck a handsome pose with a pleasant round face which bore a full, but not thick, black beard and smiling eyes. He was a respectful and cooperative man to whom everyone, male or female, would take an immediate liking.

The Rev Akroyd, ever since his appointment to Crowborough, had seen the need for more development at the school and had supported Mr Warmington in getting extra classroom space. By 1887, the governors had fully considered the matter and were now persuaded to go ahead. Plans had been prepared, and the builders ready to start.

2 October - "Re-opened School today after a holiday of six weeks. During vacation, the school premises have been repainted and renovated. The building of a new classroom has also commenced, but the work will not be finished for several weeks . . . "

Come mid-November, with all the activity going on in the school, there was a growing concern at the approach of the HMI's visit and the school's readiness for the exams that had been notified for the end of the month. While Mr Warmington and his teachers struggled to prepare the ground for the examinations amidst all the chaos, the school governors decided to call two meetings to discuss Government proposals for the provision of free elementary education in the following year. The financial consequences were viewed as possibly serious. In fact, free elementary education did. not become fully implemented until 1891. In school meantime, the builders had drawn a very fine line and only just managed to complete the new classroom a day or two before the examination.

28 November - "The new Infants' room, being now finished, will be ready to receive the children tomorrow for the first time."