HEADTEACHER Lindsey Stevenson greets every child by name at the school gate every morning.

With little more than 100 pupils, the secret of Cranborne First’s success lies in its cosy, family atmosphere.

And this little school takes it one step further with children visited by the Reception class teacher at pre-school and at home before they even start lessons.

It would be difficult to find a more charming, rural location than Cranborne.

Just four out of 10 pupils live in the small village with the remainder travelling considerable distances to take advantage of its small class sizes and generous facilities.

Inquiries for next year have come from Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and it’s no surprise as primaries in more urban locations get bigger and bigger.

The school has five year groups with a total of 108 children and is a feeder school for both Cranborne Middle and QE School in Wimborne.

There has been a school on the site since 1828 and it is supported by the Cranborne Estate, the Edmondsham Estate, Quintet group of churches and many local organisations.

Local links are a strong point of the school with pupils involved in church Harvest Festivals and also taking part in Maypole dancing at the church fete on the lawn of Cranborne Manor each year.

“Our children are encouraged to know they have an important part to play in their community, whether that is to play fairly and caringly in the playground or to raise funds for local, national or international charities,” said Ms Stevenson.

“We have clear values with high expectations of behaviour and have enjoyed high standards of attainment for many years.”

A range of clubs operate at the beginning and end of the school day to inspire and entertain children at the same time as supporting parents with their busy lives.

And sport is important at Cranborne First with children involved in football, netball, rugby, rounders, tennis and athletics.

The National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report carried out at the school summed up what it’s all about.

Inspectors said: “Parents can see in action the Christian values at the heart of all the school does.

“Staff, governors and parents work tirelessly together in order to create a secure climate for learning for all children, irrespective of ability.”

Factfile

Cranborne Church of England First School, Water Street, Cranborne, Wimborne, BH21 5QB

Telephone:  01725 517439

Email: office@cranbornefirst.dorset.sch.uk<&eh>

Headteacher:  Lindsey Stevenson

Age Range: 4-9

Number of pupils: 108

Ofsted report:

Overall rating:  Outstanding

Inspectors said: “This is an outstanding school where pupils are eager to learn and staff are committed to do their best.

“Pupils are very successfully encouraged to develop their capacity as learners. 

“Attainment is high and progress is outstanding.”