School to close after 306 years due to low numbers

Lady Moddiford's school at Walkhampton originally opened in 1719

A 306-year-old Devon school is closing next week after a fall in the number of pupils.

Lady Moddiford's school at Walkhampton, near Yelverton, originally opened in 1719 for 20 poor boys living in Walkhampton parish. It currently has five pupils.

Sarah Reid, deputy head, said the school celebrated on Friday with an ice cream van, tea, coffee, a chance to look at memorabilia, and singing the school song. Its last day for pupils will be on Wednesday.

"It's reflecting on the fact that it's 306 years. It's not just my time here and the pupils who are currently here. It's the history of the place and the impact its had over three centuries," Ms Reid said, adding it was "sad to see that go".

The school currently has five pupils

She explained some of the pupils were making the "natural progression" to secondary school and one pupil was "still going to be a Lady Moddiford pupil in name but he'll educated at another school locally".

Ms Reid added the school "had a good number last year but unfortunately a class had to be cut for financial reasons by the Multi-Academy Trust and then pupils were advised to go to other places".

"So we started with more and it's gradually dwindled as the year's gone on, since September last year."

"Walkhampton is a really lovely village and we've had enormous support," Ms Reid explained, referring to the local community.

"We just wanted to really celebrate and thank the people who have been here at the school for a long time and the impact it's had on so many children over so many years.

"So today we're celebrating by singing our school song with invited-back members of the community, former staff and pupils, hopefully they'll all join in."

The St Christopher's Academy Trust has been approached for comment.