In the summer sun parents and pupils gathered for the Service of Rededication for Exford Church of England First School to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Bishop Ruth led the special service which is one of the many celebrations taking place to mark this special event.
The tiny Exmoor school, which serves the surrounding villages and outlying farms across central Exmoor, now has just 33 pupils.
Current and past pupils, staff old and new and supporters were invited to celebrate together. During the service the children gave a history of the school. In her address Bishop Ruth congratulated everybody on the tremendous support the school gets from the village and the church. Headteacher Nicola Stenner, spoke warmly of the dedication of her teaching and support staff and how proud she is of the children’s’ enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Over the years the school has developed into its current model as a Church of England Voluntary Controlled First School in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and part of the Moorland Federation of First Schools, providing key early years learning close to home for the scattered communities across the National Park.
Pupils spanning many generations still live and work in the village and continue to champion ‘their school’.
Photos Maddy Harrison-Hall