GULWORTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL in Devon, Tavistock

Education Centre Information: Gulworthy Primary School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Devon
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Hamlet and Isolated Dwelling - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 68
Number of boys: 40
Number of girls: 28
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Gulworthy Primary School was founded in 1855 by the Duke of Bedford to serve the mining community of the Tamar Valley. It now serves a rural catchment area on the border of Devon and Cornwall. Over half the pupils come from outside the official catchment area. Pupil numbers are restricted to a maximum of 70 by the rather cramped Victorian accomodation. In the 1960s the school was saved from closure by the local community when numbers fell below 30. 'Their faith was justified as the school has doubled in size and has a good reputation locally particularly in helping children who have found life difficult in larger schools.' The school has developed an 'expertise' in helping children with learning difficulties to achieve to their potential. Children are encouraged to participate in sporting activities and the school joins in sports practices and friendly competition with other local schools. The school is 'at the heart of the community and concentrates on providing a caring environment for children to learn'. 'Constantly updating its approach to education while retaining a core of traditional values we hope to prove that the small village school is as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 19th'.