<![CDATA[St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School, Lapford News Feed - Latest News]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk%2Fnews%2F%3Fpid%3D13%26amp%3Bnid%3D1 Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:29:44 GMT Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:29:44 GMT <![CDATA[ St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School, Lapford ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=31 On Friday 9th January 2026, the school community gathered to celebrate an important milestone as Lapford Primary School officially became St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School, marking its place within the Diocese of Exeter family of schools...

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:29:44 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=31 <![CDATA[ Invitation to join us... ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=30 Lapford Community Primary School is proud to announce that from January 2026 it will be known as St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School, Lapford. This significant change marks a meaningful step in strengthening the school’s long-standing relationship with the village churches - one of which is St Thomas of Canterbury, and reflects its renewed identity as it progresses toward formally reverting to its original Church of England status, first held at its founding in 1865.

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:04:30 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=30 <![CDATA[ Lapford set to achieve ‘Good’ (Expected) and ‘Outstanding’ (Strong) in all areas at next Ofsted inspection ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=29 Lapford school underwent a rigorous monitoring visit last week by a registered Ofsted inspector.  We were delighted with the outcome.  Every area under the new Ofsted framework was graded unofficially as ‘Expected’ (equivalent to the previous ‘Good’) or ‘Strong’ (equivalent to the previous ‘Outstanding’).  Huge congratulations to Mrs Wright and all the staff and many thanks to parents for their continued support.

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:49:51 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=29 <![CDATA[ Lapford Nursery 0-2 Years Consultation ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=28 Chulmleigh Academy Trust is excited to share the proposals for extending the nursery provision at Lapford Primary School.

Please follow this link to read more about these proposals and consultation process: https://tinyurl.com/yc5j4zfy

Please send email any comments about our proposal to:

consultation@chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk

If you would like to register your interest in the extended nursery provision please follow this link:

https://lapfordps.applicaa.com/nursery2526

]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:30:33 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=28 <![CDATA[ 80th Anniversary of VE Day ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=27 Thursday 8 May was VE Day and we commemorated the 80th Anniversary with a 2 minute silence followed by a ‘street party’ lunch. All the children enjoyed having their lunch outside even if it was a little windy! The playground had been decorated with bunting, and the children were entertained with music from the 1940s. 

 

]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 16:19:16 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=27 <![CDATA[ Ultimate Adventure - Years 4 & 5 Residential ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=26 Year 4 and 5 pupils recently travelled to Abbotsham for their residential visit to Ultimate Adventure, and what an adventure they had! Children took part in kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, made a band, campfires, ultimate assault course, high ropes, climbing, abseiling, nightline and mountain boarding. 

 

 

 

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:17:34 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=26 <![CDATA[ Strictly Come Lapford! ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=25 Lapford recently played host to Chulmleigh and East Worlington primary schools, for a gym and dance show, ‘Strictly Come Lapford’.  Each school presented groups or individuals for a performance which was judged by the Heads of School and Mrs Healey...

 

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:58:02 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=25 <![CDATA[ Lapford Achieves Opal Platinum Award! ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=24 We recently welcomed our OPAL mentor, Kate, back to school for our final audit. Kate enjoyed watching and interacting with the children during lunchtime play and then sat down with the working group to trawl through our documents and award our final score. When we started the programme in January 2023, our play was rated at 34% - meaning that although there was evidence that children were mostly enjoying play, there was significant room for improvement. Last Monday we were delighted to be awarded a play score of 99% and a glowing report from Kate:

 

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:46:35 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=24 <![CDATA[ Future Musicians Day - Devon Music Education Hub ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=23 Twenty-two Lapford pupils recently travelled to Chulmleigh College to take part in the second ever Future Musicians Day. Pupils joined Chulmleigh College pupils and pupils from other local primary schools, spending just one hour rehearsing two pieces together, which they then performed in front of parents.

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:51:42 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=23 <![CDATA[ Year 3 Residential ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=22 Year 3 have taken part in their very first residential. They travelled to Pixie's Holt on Dartmoor for a night away from home, and a day exploring the Dartmoor environment...

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:11:55 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=22 <![CDATA[ The Wooden Spoon Charity Sensory Room Opening ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=21 Yesterday we welcomed visitors from The Wooden Spoon charity to Lapford for the grand opening of The Wooden Spoon Sensory Room.  It was so important for the children to be able to say thank you to the charity for their generous donation, which enabled us to create such a fantastic new space for the school.  Our guests enjoyed their visit immensely and commented what a ‘happy and inclusive’ school we are. You can watch the big count down to the Grand Opening here: LPS Sensory Open Event Trim

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:13:17 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=21 <![CDATA[ Beauty and the Beast ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=20 On Wednesday 11 December the whole school travelled to Chulmleigh College to watch Wonder Pantomime's Beauty and the Beast with the other Trust primary schools.

]]> Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:16:48 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=20 <![CDATA[ Whoops-a-Daisy Angel ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=19 On Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 December EYFS and Key Stage 1 performed their nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy Angel.

]]> Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:10:02 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=19 <![CDATA[ Herons Learn To Carry Out CPR ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=18 Herons Class received a visit from Jay’s Aim, a Devon born charity set up to prevent young people dying from undiagnosed heart conditions in South West England through awareness, training and the installation of defibrillators... 

 

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:20 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=18 <![CDATA[ Robins Visit From Local Hedgehog Rescue ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=17 Robins’ Class have been learning about hedgehogs recently as part of their Starry Night topic work on nocturnal animals. We were visited by a local hedgehog rescue... 

 

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:53:46 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=17 <![CDATA[ Remembrance Day ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=16 Lapford Primary School came together to conduct a Celebration of Remembrance at the war memorial in the village, where the School Council led us through a thoughtful and heartfelt service. 

]]> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:37:39 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=16 <![CDATA[ 'On Track To Be Good' At Its Next Ofsted Inspection! ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=15 Lapford Primary School 'is on track to be good' at its next Ofsted inspection according to Mr Neil Swait, a registered Ofsted inspector, who has recently carried out a review of the school. The full report is available here.

]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:14:07 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=15 <![CDATA[ Our New State Of The Art Sensory Room ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=14 Thank you to Sense Sensory who recently visited our school to install our new, state of the art sensory room. It comes equipped with light tube, infinity mirror, fibre optic light wands, tactile wall and floor tiles, ceiling light panel and piano sound pads.  

 

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:09:22 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=14 <![CDATA[ Herons Visit The Eden Project ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=13 On the final day of the half-term, Herons travelled down to deepest, darkest Cornwall for a visit to the Eden project. 

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:00:06 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=13 <![CDATA[ Kingfishers & Herons visit RAMM ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=12 Kingfishers and Herons have recently been to Exeter to visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Kingfishers took part in several workshops linked to their World War II topic whilst Herons enjoyed a trip on the train and took a self guided tour of the museum. Both groups of children were exceptionally well behaved, and we are incredibly proud of them.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:10:44 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=12 <![CDATA[ Panta Rei ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=11 Kingfishers recently travelled to Chulmleigh College to watch Panta Rei's performance of Petals and Tales. The show, performed in the round by the Norwegian contemporary dance theatre company, featured dance, music, poetry and fairy tales. The children were captivated by the performance and absolutely loved getting on the stage at the end and playing with the petals which featured in the show.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:03:27 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=11 <![CDATA[ Severe Weather Warning ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=10 The school will remain open tomorrow. Please follow the link below for updates on any DCC transport routes not running:

https://www.devon.gov.uk/schools/route-closures/

For the Trust buses (CH60, 61, 62, 63 and 64) separate messages will be sent via text.

The school websites and Facebook pages will also be updated regularly.

]]> Wed, 1 Nov 2023 16:01:49 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=10 <![CDATA[ Herons Visit Tiverton Museum ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=9 Herons had a wonderful visit to the Tiverton Museum recently. They learnt lots about life during the war: they were able to experience what it was like to go shopping during rationing times; how people cooked and carried out sewing at home; they dressed up as evacuees and experienced catching a real-life steam train and also  experienced an air raid shelter siren whilst sitting in an air raid shelter. They had a fantastic day and learnt lots!

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:07:48 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=9 <![CDATA[ Through the Lens with Charlie Heal ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=8 Every half-term we plan to invite a Play Ranger from the school to capture play through the eyes of a child. This week Charlie Heal kindly agreed to be our first Play Ranger to take part in this new initiative. We think that he did a fantastic job – thank you Charlie!

]]> Mon, 5 Jun 2023 15:20:32 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=8 <![CDATA[ Forest School ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=7 At Forest School recently Kingfishers played beetle tag, after finding a two-handed longhorn beetle before half-term. They looked for different types of mini beasts. We finished the session having fun with a parachute, trying to keep leaves on it as it moved. We did a parachute review, hiding underneath and thinking which activities we could plan! Toasting marshmallows was a favourite suggestion.

]]> Wed, 8 Mar 2023 15:28:26 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=7 <![CDATA[ Year 6 Consultation ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=6 Proposed change to the current Year 6 Academy structure
Thank you for your feedback last term regarding the Year 6 Academy.
Having analysed the questionnaire results from children, staff and parents, it is evident that the majority of people are in favour of a change.

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:15:52 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=6 <![CDATA[ School is open ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=5 School is open, however due to the snow falling today, Y6 pupils will be returned to their home school this morning.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:24:58 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=5 <![CDATA[ School is open today ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=4
Lapford Primary School is open today
Eastington Lane and the school paths were gritted by a caretaker yesterday.
However, the road still remains slippery, but the path up to the school is safe to walk on.
Please note the carpark at the school is not accessible.
We advise parents to park in the village car park and walk up to school.
Please take care.
Year 6 bus running as normal from the school.
]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:48:03 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=4 <![CDATA[ Open Morning - Everyone Welcome! ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=3 Thursday 17th November 9.15-10.45am & 11am-12pm

]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:28:56 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=3 <![CDATA[ Recorder Club - Friday Lunchtimes ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=2 Mrs Gilpin will be running a weekly Recorder Club on Friday lunchtimes, for any children that would like to participate.
Children are welcome to bring along their own recorders - but we can also supply ones at the Club if your child does not have one but would like to join in.

]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:23:10 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=2 <![CDATA[ Special Visitor for Robins & Fledglings! ]]> https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=1 Robins and Fledglings had a very special visitor this morning. He 'trip-trapped' his way into The Nest to say hello!

]]> Wed, 25 May 2022 14:08:08 GMT https://www.stc-primary.devon.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=1&storyid=1