HORDLE Primary School takes its links with the local community very seriously – so much so that it has adopted an entire generation of its neighbours.

Its GrandHordles project – is a fantastic example of how to bring people together, inviting anyone of grandparent age to get involved with the school.

Participants don’t have to have grandchildren of their own – just a desire to help out and spend quality time with the youngsters.

More than 30 are already involved, helping out with reading, art and a variety of other subjects, and both the adults and the children are seeing the benefit.

The project was the brainchild of headteacher Fiona Adams who is also responsible for a wide range of forward-thinking initiatives at the school.

It may look like an old-fashioned, Victorian village school from the outside but Hordle is right up to date when you get inside.

Children use a suite of iPads to enhance their learning and a team of Eco Warriors ensure nothing goes to waste.

There are solar panels, the greenhouse is made of plastic bottles and even the outdoor sports pitch is a recycled hockey pitch from the London 2012 Olympics.

The school also has close links with the church, which is next door to the school and forms a major part of learning.

Mrs Adams works closely with Rev Paul Taylor, who she describes as “the coolest vicar on the world” and many of the children attend Friday night fun club at the church.

The Hordle Sporting Academy, which runs after school, has many members and the Fit Kids initiative ensures children are involved in sport during their lunch breaks.

Music also plays a key part of learning with more than 100 children involved in the choir and the band.

There are 330 children between the ages of four and eleven in the school, coming from Hordle and from a wide area outside the village.

Most students go to Arnewood in New Milton or to Highcliffe School when they leave.

FACTFILE:
Hordle Primary School, Hordle Lane, Lymington, SO41 0FB

Telephone: 01425 611657

Email: admin@hordle.hants.sch.uk

Headteacher: Fiona Adams

Age range: 4-11

Number of pupils: 330

Oftsed report:

Overall rating: Good

Inspectors said: “This is a good school. It has some outstanding features in the way pupils are cared for and how the very strong teamwork or staff and governors ensures that the outstanding vision of the headteacher is turned into practice.

“Pupils are happy and work with a will. Their behaviour is excellent and they have a very clear appreciation of right and wrong.”