My School
by Mr McTegart

Things you should know about my school:

1) Standards - We have achieved SATs scores that are the envy of more than ninety five percent of schools nationally. The reason you don't see us in lists is because we have had ten or less children in our Year Six 'cohort' for the past several years.

The latest 'contextual value added' measures show our continued success in helping our children progress from what they are capable of when they enter school, to the final scores they achieve.

An independent tutor, working with one of our children recently, stated that our school does all it should be doing, and could be compared to the best of public schools.

2) Attitudes - Our children are often complimented for their mature and sensible attitude when out and about with the school.

Supply teachers and other visitors we have, regularly comment on how enthusiastic, polite and hardworking our children are.

3) Staff - We have some of the most hardworking, talented and innovative staff members one could hope to meet. We regularly access training of many kinds. It has been a joy to see people blossom as they realise their potential. That enthusiasm and dedication is then transferred to the children. Thus, we have children who are themselves inspired by inspired adults.

4) Parents - We have some of the most supportive and enthusiastic parents it has ever been my privilege to meet. Because of the close working relationship and mutual respect we have, they have helped us refurbish the school; to plant hedges, make gardens, carpet, plumb, paint, arrange incredible social functions and still have time to make their children feel special.

5) Community - The village of Stoke Row has a thriving social and community network, from the village newsletter (Stoke Row News) to the incredibly friendly Village Shop. Newcomers are welcomed, and there are two top class pub/restaurants in the village! (One of which supplies our school meals!)

6) Church - The Langtree Team Ministry are as supportive, creative and interesting a collection of clergy as you'll meet anywhere, and the Chapel boasts a very child-friendly minister. We enjoy close ties with both Church and Chapel.

7) History - From the glacial origins of the local soils, to the Iron Age; from Roman occupation to the coming of the Saxons; from the Highwaymen to the Victorians, Stoke Row has had its share of interest. The school itself dates from 1863 and has its share of interesting stories, such as the family who spent the terrible winter of 1948 in a tent; the missing pupils at harvest time; visits of bishops, MPs, ex-pupils and unforgettable shows and events that colour all our lives.

8) Future - Development of the school has meant a 'growing up', both literally and figuratively. From being a one-form village school with the Headteacher living on site, we now have four classes. We are looking to develop a School Hall and continue to amaze visitors with the excellence of our provision. Stoke Row School boasts an incredibly high standard of resourcing, with the 'Every Child Matters' outlook at the heart of the process of change and development. From a school with less than fifty children just ten years ago, we have almost doubled in size, but have maintained the family and community values that are so important to us. We continue to work toward the future with this in mind.