Before the state education system existed it was the Church of England that pioneered daily primary education in this country, in the early 1800s.  Building on this heritage  St. Mary’s parish church and the school have enjoyed close links since the original school (now a pre-school) was built opposite the church in the 1870s on land gifted by the then Squire, Mr Arthur Hornby. 

The church still values its close relationship with the school very much and hosts school services several times a year including: Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Easter and the Leaver's Service at the end of the school year, when Bibles are donated to each leaver.

Links are strong as St Mary’s vicar is, ex-officio, one of 4 church members serving as Foundation Governors of the school, and chairs the Forging Links Committee which meets regularly to maintain and deepen the very fruitful relationship between church and school.  In addition to ensuring the school is run in accordance with its trust deed the voluntary Foundation Governors play a key role in ensuring the Christian Character of the school is secured, preserved and developed.  It is such a privilege and joy to be so involved in the primary education of our village children and to celebrate our links often!

The children lead the Christmas service with the traditional Nine Carols and Readings.

Year Two lead the Infant Christmas Service with the Nativity celebrating the birth of Jesus.