One of Plymouth’s oldest schools has announced plans to expand in 2023. St Budeaux Foundation CE Junior School currently takes children from the age of seven, but will open for preschool and all primary age children next September.
The school appointed Natasha Brooks as head of school ahead of the new academic year, having formally joined First Federation Trust in July this year.
Natasha joins the school having already spent three years as deputy head of School at Bere Alston Primary Academy – another school within the First Federation Trust family.
Natasha has been a teacher for over 25 years, working with children from across the primary age range. For 17 of those years, she has held various roles within management teams including senior leader, acting assistant headteacher and, more recently, deputy head. She has taught in both small schools and larger three-form entry settings, spending many years working in London before returning to the South West six years ago.
Natasha said:
“These are exciting times for the school and me personally. Having been appointed as head of school, I am really looking forward to leading the staff and children through this positive new chapter. I have been impressed by the dedication of staff in creating a learning environment that can be enjoyed by all. The children are vibrant, full of character and eager to learn, which are values that I will continue to promote as we go forwards.”
As one of the oldest schools in Plymouth, St Budeaux Junior School has served the local community for over 300 years. Its origins date back to 1717 when the first school was established on the Church Green behind the St Budeaux Inn, then known as the Church Inn. The original Foundation school was for the education of the poor and underprivileged, specifically for ‘six poor boys and six poor girls living within the parish’.
The school grew with the support of many local well-known families who endowed the school with various bequests. It currently has 138 children on roll, spread over six classes. Currently it takes children from the age of seven but from September 2023, it will be able to serve more members of the community as it opens to children from the age of two years and upwards.
Children that are due to start school in September 2023 will be able to apply for a place at St Budeaux when the primary school applications window opens on November 15. There will be an open day for parents and carers on November 16 when they can visit the school and talk to Early Years staff.
Natasha added:
“An exciting transformation of classroom spaces and play areas has begun. The new early years’ area will be bright and purposeful with adjoining spaces and outside areas for children to access with their teachers. We are creating a truly lovely learning environment for our new pupils. Combine that with our plans to enhance and broaden the curriculum and St. Budeaux children will get a real head-start on their educational journey and be well prepared for the future.”
As a member of First Federation Trust, teaching staff at St Budeaux can access tailored support in key subject and focus areas, and staff will receive access to training and professional development in subject knowledge and teaching practice.
The trust is ambitious for its staff and is committed to supporting colleagues in their professional development. Last academic year it invested n early £80,000 in staff development and partners with several education colleges and professional bodies to offer staff comprehensive professional development pathways.
Trust membership has also created huge opportunities for the school to collaborate with colleagues from across the trust family of 19 primary schools.
Natasha continued:
“Like us, the trust is passionate about learning and delivering a curriculum that broadens all children’s horizons. The whole school team is excited about this next chapter in the school’s rich history and ensuring that children across all primary school ages in the St Budeaux community and surrounding area can access the best possible education.”
