Today, Sherford’s first primary school – Sherford Vale – says goodbye to its first Year 6 leavers. The school is coming to the end of its first academic year, having only opened its doors in September, welcoming just one Year 6 student at the time. And now, 10 months later, there are eight Year 6 pupils preparing to leave for secondary school.
The eight school leavers – Ofelia, Reuben, Jayden, Amelia, Skyie, Isabelle, Lucy and Riley – took part in a special assembly today. Sherford Vale staff, students and families came together to celebrate the pupils’ first and last year at the school and bid each other a fond farewell.
Since opening in the Autumn with 57 pupils, the school now ends the year with 122 students. Come September, there will be 148 pupils in total – a huge 160% increase in a year – and testament to the school’s outstanding local reputation. Eventually 420 pupils will attend Sherford Vale, sponsored and run by the Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), which has a proven track record in education excellence locally.
The new school represents a £6m investment into community infrastructure by the Sherford Consortium – the partnership of award-winning homebuilders, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey – with £1m also contributed towards its creation by Devon County Council.
Located at the heart of the new community, Sherford Vale is the first of four planned schools set to open in the next decade. Sherford Vale boasts high quality facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and indoor and outdoor learning play spaces. Teaching also focuses on sustainability, taking advantage of Sherford’s extensive Country Park, woodland and wildlife habitats.
Helen Tipping, Headteacher, Sherford Vale School said: "This has been a fantastic year with so many special achievements. We are super proud of all the children especially our Year 6 who leave us today, ready to begin their secondary education. They have been given wings to fly and a great sense of pride in their achievements and their school. Good luck everyone, enjoy your special celebrations this evening.”
Melissa Langton, Sherford Consortium, added: “It is amazing to think that this time last year Sherford Vale was under construction and just a year later its first school leavers are moving on, having had an incredible time at their new school. Sherford Vale’s opening was a real landmark moment in the history of the development – and this is another lovely milestone to celebrate.”
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Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
