High-performing Somerset school opens new classrooms

Stawley Primary School lies in the small village of Stawley between Wellington and Wiveliscombe, not far from the Devon-Somerset border.

Somerset Council approved plans in November 2024 to replace the existing temporary buildings (which dated back to the 1960s) with brand new classrooms, with consent being granted in August 2025 to the demolition of the existing structures.

The new classrooms were officially opened by school governor and local stalwart John Hannon in a special ceremony on October 22, attended by pupils, staff and Somerset Council representatives.

The new purpose-built facility provides a modern, air-conditioned environment with two classrooms (rather than the original three), along with additional outdoor play areas and improved parking facilities for staff and visitors.

Children at Stawley Primary School in the new classrooms (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Councillor Gwilym Wren, whose Upper Tone division includes the school, said: "This is a real vote of confidence in the school.

"Small schools are always going to be under pressure, but this is a fantastic achievement that will guarantee Stawley Primary School into the future.

"It's really encouraging and a good example of what can be done with sufficient will."

Councillor Dave Mansell (who represents the same division) added: "The new buildings are wonderful - they are a big step up from what was here before.

Upper Tone councillors Gwilym Wren and Dave Mansell at Stawley Primary School (Image: Daniel Mumby)

"This is a particularly good school - it's really got a strong spirit. It really looks after the pupils, with a really strong set of staff.

"And as another bonus, it's really green as well, with solar panels, a heat pump and good insulation, it's brilliant all round."

The school achieved the top Key Stage 2 results in Somerset for 2018 and 2019 and placed in the top five for 2023 and 2024.

The school received high praise in its most recent Ofsted report in December 2024, with inspectors describing pupils as having "a strong sense of belonging" to the school, feeling "safe and happy" and with "exemplary" behaviour.

Ben Burdon-Cooper, chairman of governors at Stawley Primary School (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Ben Burdon-Cooper, chairman of the school's governors, said: "There's been a long history of strife and struggle for this school to remain part of the community.

"To actually have a proper building gives us a sense of permanence, that in some respects reflects how important we are to the community and what we've been doing for so long.

"The fact that the school continues to flourish, both in terms of numbers and in terms of its educational outcomes - that's really the most important thing."

The school has been especially recognised for its excellent record for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

With the council rolling out additional SEND units in existing schools and reviewing how new cases are assessed, such facilities are a lifeline for local children - and having them closer to home not only saves the council money but reduces disruption and upheaval for children and families.

Headteacher Jacqui Collier said: "To be able to deliver the modern curriculum that we do is just incredible, and our children are so lucky to have it and we are all so lucky to have it.

"We have an incredible team of practitioners around us - every member of staff on site is a teacher. They are all going to end up teaching individuals or tiny groups of children.

"We can deliver something that is extremely difficult to do so in a much, much larger setting.

Jacqui Collier, headteacher at Stawley Primary School (Image: Daniel Mumby)

"By having our small school ethos and small school approach, we can make true connections with children and relationships with children that stand the test of time.

"That is absolutely critical, particularly for children that need to benefit from a very inclusive education.

"We very much respond to individuals as individuals and one of the key things is being able to draw in their interest into the school.

"Although we're delivering the curriculum very much as the government and Ofsted wishes to, we are also able to really go from what interests the children."

Children at Stawley Primary School in the new classrooms (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Other rural schools in Somerset have been threatened with closure as pupil numbers fall, with Somerset Council additionally looking to reduce its school transport costs as its budgetary pressures continue.

Mr Burdon-Cooper said that Stawley should serve as an example of how strong parental engagement could secure and improve local facilities.

He said: "If you value education, if you insist on a good education and you as a community invest in that and are interested in that, then you're helping any establishment.

"We can never take the outcomes of our children for granted. It's not for me to pontificate about how to parent, but good schools are schools that are supported by their community and their parents."