Official opening held for brand new Stawley School twice threatened with closure

A JOURNEY which started in 1982 ended on Friday (October 23) with the opening of the new Stawley Primary School, near Wellington.

A new permanent building was constructed across the past two years to replace temporary classrooms which dated to the 1960s, providing a modern, air-conditioned learning environment.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by former school governor John Hannon, who helped to save it from closure in the 1980s.

Mr Hannon was one of a group who collected signatures against proposals by the then-Somerset County Council, which twice tried to shut the school as pupil numbers fell to just 18.

The group travelled to Parliament with the support of then-MP Edward du Cann to hand in the petition and lobby the Government for a reprieve, which was granted.

Today, Stawley has 44 pupils in two multi-year classes and is one of the best performing primary schools in Somerset for pupils meeting standards in the ‘three Rs’ of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Governors’ chairman Ben Burdon-Cooper told guests attending the opening: “The journey to this new building started not a couple of years ago, but probably 1982.”

Mr Burdon-Cooper praised the efforts of Mr Hannon ‘and others who are not with us now’ for saving the school.

He said: “I cannot think of a greater gift to the community than maintaining an educational building like this.

“It has been a massive and monumental change and a difficult one because the staff have had to maintain a calm educational place for the children throughout the turbulence.

“They have had to change the way they work to maintain an environment which is warm and loving for all the children.”

The new development includes additional outdoor play areas, giving the children more opportunities for recreation and physical activity, alongside improved parking facilities for staff and visitors.

Stawley is federated with Sampford Arundel Primary School and shares headteacher Jacqui Collier, who said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our new school building.

“It is a significant improvement on our previous facilities and will make a real difference to the everyday experiences of our children and staff.

“We are particularly pleased that John Hannon has officially opened the building.

“John has been a dedicated supporter of our school for many years, and it is wonderful that he can be part of this important occasion.

“Stawley Primary School has consistently been one of the highest performing schools in Somerset.

“The new building represents an important investment in the future of Stawley Primary School, ensuring that generations of children can continue to learn and flourish at the heart of their local community.”