Ada’s ideas in school today

Compass School Southwark is celebrating the centenary by teaching Year 9 pupils about Ada’s concept of beautification.

Compass School is on the former site of Keeton’s Road School, which the Salters’ daughter Joyce attended. Keeton’s Road was named after Thomas Keeton, the famous horticulturalist, and encouraged its pupils to work in the school garden and appreciate nature.

It was quite successful academically; its pupils regularly won scholarships; it trained pupils to sing Handel, and arranged for them to learn musical instruments. As a local councillor, Alfred had been appointed to Keeton’s Road management board so that he could ensure the school always took the best medical precautions.

If Joyce had not died, Keeton’s Road, on the edge of the slums yet with high standards, might one day have been hailed as an inspired choice.