Buss, Frances Mary (1827–1894)

English pioneer in women's education. Born in London in 1827; died in London on December 24, 1894; daughter of R.W. Buss (a painter and etcher who was one of the original illustrators of Pickwick Papers).

Educated at a school in Camden Town, England, Frances Mary Buss continued there as a teacher until she joined her mother in keeping a school in Kentish Town. In 1850, her school was moved to Camden Street; under a new name, the North London Collegiate School for Ladies, it rapidly increased in numbers and reputation. In 1864, Buss appeared before the Schools Inquiry Commission, which later singled out her school for exceptional commendation. Under her influence, pioneering work was done to put the education of girls on a proper intellectual footing. Shortly afterwards, the Brewers' Company and the Clothworkers' Company provided funds by which the existing North London Collegiate School, of which Buss was principal, was rehoused and a Camden School for Girls founded. Buss and Dorothea Beale of Cheltenham became famous as the chief leaders in this branch of the educational reform movement. Buss played an active part in promoting the success of the Girls' Public Day School Company, encouraging the connection of the girls' schools with the university standard by examinations. She worked for the establishment of women's colleges and improved the training of teachers, while her energetic personality was known as a potent force among her pupils and colleagues.