BUILT in a modern, state of the art facility, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Purton seeks to give its pupils the perfect platform to move up the school system.

There has been a primary school located in the village for more than 150 years, but St Mary’s moved into its current home in 2012.

The classrooms are small and well-resourced which, combined with a beautiful rural location, creates a perfect environment for children to learn.

A recent Ofsted inspection gave the school a ‘good’ outcome and highlighted the fact that the school was moving in a positive direction.

However, it is not just the facilities which make St Mary’s a great place to learn.

Acting headteacher Naomi Clarke, said: We have a very strong and committed team of staff.

“Everyone cares about the progression of every child and it is a fantastic team to work with.”

The school helps to inspire its pupils by giving them a topic each term, through which the lessons are taught.

A wide variety of topics is used ranging from Victorians to chocolate.

Naomi said: “The topics give a frame to everything else.

“We have lessons on the subjects and go on related trips.”

There is much more for the children than just learning in the classroom.

“We currently run a breakfast club before school so children can come in early,” said Naomi, who has been at the school for more than seven years.

“In September we are looking to start an after-school club. This will mean we can provide supervised care for children right through the day from 8am until 6pm.”

The school also understands how important it is for the children to build other skills for later in life.

There is a huge range of activities for pupils to choose from, with everything from a traditional choir to the more modern Ipad club.

Naomi said: “It’s very important to give the children other skills than just what they get in the class.

“The clubs we have not only teach the children practical skills, such as a new language, but also build other characteristics such as teamwork.”