The National School, which had opened in 1845, was enjoying great success but there were concerns that the Nonconformist children who attended it (because there was no alternative) were being taught orthodox Church of England doctrines. The town needed a British School to properly address the needs of its Nonconformist families. Amongst the fundraising activities was a concert held in May 1846. The Dockyard carpenters provided their labour free of charge and paid subscriptions if they were able, and the British School on Meyrick Street opened its doors in 1848. The first headmaster of the boys school was Mr Adams, and the girls school was run by his wife. The Adamses remained at the school until 1854. Like the National School, the British School enjoyed great success. It was particularly renowned for its teaching of Mathematics.