School’s role in bringing the community together

WALKING around the school with headteacher Adam Bramall and deputy head Ruth Kukula, everywhere you look there are smiling faces, positivity and evidence of the creativity and dedication that goes into daily learning at Cawthorne School.

The walls are filled with photographs, pupils’ work and tributes to the school’s rich heritage.

The progress and growth this lovely village school has enjoyed is clearly seen by the various extensions that have been added through the years but a glow of positivity permeates around every corner.

From the heart-shaped balloons with a personalised memory box for each of the Year 6 leavers to the carefully-crafted displays of photographs marking pupils’ achievements and experiences, this really is a nurturing, inspiring first step into world of education for its pupils.

“This really is a lovely community. The school has a very special feel and once you come here, you don’t want to leave,” said Ruth.

“I have been here for 25 years and I can understand why people want to keep a link with the school. Past pupils return for visits, often doing their work experience here when they are at secondary school and then they bring their children here,”

“It’s the same for the staff – a while back we had seven teachers retiring at the same time which I think is a great testament to the place.”

Adam, who has been headteacher for two years, said: “There has been a school in Cawthorne since 1455 and our school really is at the very heart of everything that goes on in the community.

“Now that we have been able to open up again properly after the pandemic we have tried to do as much as possible with celebrations, the open day and sports day, to bring people together again.

“We try to be a cohesive link for the village.”