A SCHOOL in the county is set to change status from first to primary school - but will still remain under local authority control.

Himbleton CE First School and Nursery in Neight Hill is looking forward to welcoming its very first Year Five cohort next September.

Gemma Martin, headteacher at the school, said: “Himbleton CE First School and Nursery is a small, rural village school that welcomes pupils from a wide variety of locations, including a significant proportion from Worcester.

“A change of age will enable our families to have a wider choice about the ongoing pathway from Himbleton for their child, as some wish to return to the two-tier system that currently operates in Worcester.

The school wants to adapt to the changing educational landscape.

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Mrs Martin added: “The local educational landscape is changing, with a number of schools in the area changing their age ranges.

“The governing body carried out a full and transparent consultation with all required parties, including local schools, and all views were thoroughly considered as part of the decision making process.

“We look forward to this exciting new chapter for our school, welcoming our very first Year 5 cohort in September 2021.”

Ofsted inspectors last visited the school in January,giving it a rating of 'good', saying it is a school where "pupils feel safe and valued'.