On the first anniversary of the threatened closure of St Dominic’s Priory School in Stone, the school’s governors have reported on the progress it has made since its transfer to a new charitable trust last May.

Pupils took part in the Staffordshire Inter Schools Championships

A new governing body is driving the school forward. Chair Michael Hughes said: “A lot of the actions we proposed in our business plan last year are now being completed. The School has developed a more commercial outlook but fundamentally retained its strong heritage of academic excellence, pupil care and traditional values.”

Head teacher, Mrs Adamson said: “The school facilities have been upgraded with refurbishments to the nursery, the maths block, the senior library and the Priory hall. A generous £13,000 donation from the School’s PFA will significantly enhance the school’s science offering in the near future.

Pupils boating on Trentham Lakes

“Existing and prospective parents can see how much the school cares about its pupils and how they are flourishing. In the last 12 months we have had over 100 families attend open and taster days. The nursery is close to capacity and several year groups have increased in number.

“The school recognises that it still has potential to increase pupil numbers but won’t compromise on small class sizes. We want to give our pupils the very best start in life and will happily cap class sizes to help with this”.

Pupils took part in a Stoke City Experience

In addition to building on the school’s science offering, further developments will also be made to the sixth form and to sports facilities.

Mrs Adamson said:  “The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster but we are moving forward on our vision for the development of St Dominic’s. We invite families who haven’t yet visited to call at any time to see how the school can help to give their children the very best start in life”.

School website: www.stdominicspriory.co.uk