ST MARY AND ST JOHN COFE VA PRIMARY SCHOOL in Rutland, Oakham

Education Centre Information: St Mary and St John CofE VA Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Rutland
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Village - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of Peterborough
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 175
Number of boys: 89
Number of girls: 86
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Mary and St John CofE VA Primary School has a long history. The first school in the village was held in the adjacent village church in 1538 and the current school building was formed from an amalgamation of four schools in 1968. Built on the former site of a manor house, which was held in a seige during the Civil War, the school 'enjoys wonderful views across the Chater Valley'. A former part of the gardens of the manor house is the ha-ha, a sunken wall which borders the school field. The school 'enjoys a reputation for providing a high standard of education'. It also has a 'long tradition of musical achievement' and a large percentage of pupils take the opportunity to have instrumental lessons. The school participates in the local football and netball leagues during the winter and spring term and enjoy 'regular success' in cross-country running competitions. During the summer pupils enjoy athletics and, in connection with the local village club, run a 'successful' kwick-cricket team in the Rutland and Stamford league. Each year the 'active' PFA raises funds for the school and the school also raises money for various charities. Since 1994, the school has been involved in a 'unique' exchange with pupils from Russia whereby it hosts the winners of a national English-speaking competition and it has twice taken English pupils on a return visit to Noginsk. Since 1996 the school has taken on the additional activities and links of the local community as a community primary school. The school now has more than 300 users a week through weekly activities such as a daily out-of-school club, scouts, sewing classes and mother and toddler groups. In addition the community centre is used by a number of local organisations for monthly clubs and meetings.