This month we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “new” County Primary School in Quarry Lane. The new building opened in April 1974, a welcome change for the children and staff, who had endured very difficult learning conditions in the old school buildings. On Friday 26th April 2024, I was invited, together with David Harker, another former head, to join Headteacher Oliver Mitchell, staff, pupils and governors to a special assembly to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Although there have been many changes to the original school layout, the school building looked colourful and exciting, as we were given a guided tour, still an ideal learning and stimulating environment for the children and staff. The picture of the entrance hall shown just typifies this.

The Headteacher welcomed us all to the special assembly, and after the children had enthusiastically sung the school song, he took us back to the opening of the new building in 1974, illustrated by a few slides. I was then invited to talk to the children, and I spoke about those early days, but also told them about former pupils who had sat in the very places they were sitting, who had achieved so much in their careers and lives. I hope it stimulated them into thinking what they could also achieve in their lifetime. David Harker then spoke about his time at the school, especially the origin of the school motto, “Be the best you can be” which is seen above the school entranceway, together with the Swan logo. After the final song, the majority of the children returned to their classrooms for a party tea, whilst children from the School Council accompanied the guests, to a tree planting ceremony on the school field. Four ornamental Cherry Trees were planted in a grove adjacent to the copse of trees which dominate the school site. These trees are such a valuable part of the environment, and together with the old oak tree on Quarry lane, the mixed species hedgerow in front of the school, the old lime tree at the top of the field, and the trees planted 50years ago, help to create a unique ”green” space in the middle of the village. A very special and important area of conservation.

I felt very encouraged at the end of the afternoon that the school is still in a very good place. The Headteacher, staff and pupils have a wonderful, colourful space to work in, and have developed a friendly, happy and hardworking environment where children can thrive. I’m sure that with the support of governors and parents it will continue to do so well into the future. The education of the young people of our village is in safe hands.