Interesting, Alice. I suspect that the two words have a common origin, but "school" was a northern English (Viking) word, while "shoal" was a southern English (Anglo-Saxon) word. Well, when I say Viking and Anglo-Saxon, take that with a pinch of salt - all those waves of invaders, and such a long time ago!

But "skirt" and "shirt" have the same sort of origin (originally meaning "tunic"), and words like "brigg" are still common in Scotland, while "bridge" is the form in England.

Educational, isn't it?

Steve

P.S. How about a bunk of folchies?