Information on Loughborough

Primary school success in Vale of Belvoir

Posted on 14/07/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

13 July 2009

Primary school success in Vale of Belvoir

Primary schools in the Vale of Belvoir have had a successful first year since expanding their age ranges.

From the start of this academic year, primary schools in the area have retained pupils up to Year 6 (age 11) rather than them moving on to secondary school after Year 5.

To accommodate more pupils, a new classroom was built at Bottesford Primary School and Croxton Kerrial Primary School was extended to include a new classroom and library.

The developments at the schools are part of the pioneering reorganisation of schools in Melton Mowbray and the Vale of Belvoir.  This aims to raise standards of attainment and achievement by pupils, building on current school excellence.

As part of the reorganisation, Belvoir High School in Bottesford changed from a school for pupils aged 10-14 to an 11-16 school at the start of the current academic year.

The new Year 6 pupils at Croxton Kerrial Primary School have taken part in a Tudor history research project and a mini-enterprise project where they are making plans for the school’s tuck shop.

Amanda Woodland, headteacher at Croxton Kerrial Primary School, said: “We’ve had an extremely successful first year since we changed our age range.  The Year 6 pupils have been involved in some fantastic projects.  Our new classroom and library facilities are excellent and staff and pupils have adapted to the change extremely well.”

At Bottesford Primary School, the new Year 6 pupils have been involved in special workshops where they have all been learning how to play a brass musical instrument.  The Year 6 pupils have also been learning about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Louise McGrory, headteacher at Bottesford Primary School, said: “It has been of tremendous benefit to the school to have the extra year group.  The Year 6 children have been very positive and committed and have been excellent role models for the younger pupils.”

For more information about the schools’ reorganisation in Melton Mowbray and the Vale of Belvoir, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/meltonvob

For a photograph of the headteacher and pupils at Croxton Kerrial Primary School or Bottesford Primary School, please call 0116 305 6967 or 0116 305 6274.