Schools in Ravenshead

There are two primary schools: the Ravenshead C of E (Controlled) Primary School with 282 children and the Abbey Gates County Primary School with 210 children.

The Ethos Statement of the Ravenshead C of E Primary School states that the governors and staff of the school affirm and espouse their Christian ground and heritage. Parents have come to trust Church of England schools to deliver clear Christian values, believing this will ensure quality education academically, personally, socially and spiritually. This was strongly expressed in the preparation for amalgamation, and remains the firm commitment of the school. The school was formed in 1999 after amalgamating Pilgrim Oak County Infants' School and Martin Roe C of E (Controlled) Junior School.

The link with the local Church underpins the ethos of the school and informs all that happens in the school. One of the reasons the school became a C of E school at amalgamation was to give more parental choice in the village. Parents have the right to choose a Church school for the education of their children and many do so. Linking Church and school is important in developing spirituality, and working with children within the school is imperative. It is foreseen that the development of the partnership link will include the continued attendance of the children at special services in church and also conducting some services in school. This may include for example the Vicar attending sports day, fundraising activities and having lunch with the children, the parents and the staff. It is envisaged that the role is a supporting and mutual one for all involved, both through the school itself and the governing body.

For more information go to the school website www.ravensheadprimary.co.uk

The Abbey Gates Primary School is also a well run and respected school in the village under the leadership of an experienced and dedicated head teacher. The staff are well motivated and there is a happy and busy atmosphere about the school. The mission statement of the school says that its vision is to be a leading school providing quality education in a caring environment. All children will be encouraged to achieve their full potential and become responsible, independent individuals.

Although not a Church school there are many happy links between Abbey Gates and St Peter's: the head teacher is sympathetic towards the Church, the school uses the church for services and the Vicar is a welcome visitor to the school. The majority of pupils of the school live in the village but some parents living in the surrounding district have exercised their parental choice for their children to attend the school because of its reputation.

The school's website is at www.abbeygates.schoolsonthenet.com

Other schools in Ravenshead include the Ravenshead Pre-School Play Group which uses the Village Hall, and the Longdale Nursery School on Longdale Lane, which has modern purpose-built premises. Also on Longdale Lane is Sutherland House Early Years Learning Centre for children with autism. Portland Training College on Mansfield Road north of the village is for the disabled and the Vicar is chaplain to the College. Opposite Portland College is the Fountaindale School for children with special needs.

The choirs of the two primary schools in Ravenshead have contributed to the worship in St Peter's on several occasions over the past year. We are pleased to welcome these and many of the other establishments mentioned above to the church to perform their nativity plays and presentations during Christmastide.

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