DESPITE being one of the largest schools in Swindon, Drove Primary makes sure that every child is made to feel part of the family.

The school has more than 650 pupils but every one of them is valued and made to feel important.

“It does not matter where they are from or their background all the children are made to feel as though they are part of one big family,” said headteacher Helen Swanson.

“We look to provide the roots for them to grow so they are ready for the next stage of their education.

“Our school motto is ‘The roots to grow and the wings to fly’, which is something very important to all of us.

”The dedication to this motto and helping all of our pupils grow as people is shown throughout the school and every member of staff is 100 per cent committed to it.”

Everyone at the school works closely together and while hard work is encouraged, emphasis is put on making sure everyone enjoys what they are doing.

Helen said: “I can often just walk through the school and I won’t hear anything because the children are just so attentive.

Even though we are a big school everyone is well behaved and shows respect. I have never worked anywhere like it and it is a privilege to do so.”

Drove Primary is part of the White Horse Federation which means the school, along with a number of others in Swindon, are able to work together to bring out the best in its pupils.

A prime example is the Arts Festival, in which pupils at Drove can join with others to display their creative skills.

Drove also places special emphasis on the importance of physical education, with the benefit of playing sport highlighted.

With the school showing improvements in many sports, cricket is the one field where they have had notable success.

Name: Drove Primary School

Address: Drove Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 3AH

Phone Number: 01793 818608

Website: droveprimaryschool.org.uk

Email: aadmin@drove-pri.swindon.sch.uk

Number of pupils: 670

Uniform: Royal blue

Headteacher: Helen Swanson