The Culm Valley Federation History
The Culm Valley Federation consists of three schools, Plymtree C of E Primary School, Culmstock Primary School and Kentisbeare C of E Primary School. The schools are geographically very close and have worked together for many years as part of the Culm Valley Learning Community and ‘Culm Valley Small Schools’ network. The Federation was formed on the 31st October 2011 to formalise the existing collaboration between the 3 schools.
As a federation we are passionately pursuing educational excellence with our children and communities for their lifetimes. We are able to offer ‘the best of both worlds.’ Individually, we are able to offer all the advantages of a small school, e.g. the caring and supportive ‘family type’ environment but as a group we can also offer the benefits of the larger school e.g. extended educational experiences for all our children.
The Federation has one governing body with representatives elected from all 3 schools.
Other Partnerships
The Federation has been part of a Small Schools Group that has worked together for over 15 years. These small schools in the Culm Valley have in the past organised some exciting events together for the children and planned continuous professional development for staff . We have for over 6 years held the group meetings at Blundells School, Tiverton and they have frequently invited us to events during the year e.g. Classics Day and offered opportunities for developing aspects of sport by releasing an experienced P.E. teacher to work in our schools.
The Culm Valley Federation works closely with 2 Secondary schools, Uffculme Academy and Cullompton Community College. The secondaries, together with The Kings School at Ottery St. Mary offer opportunities for the primaries to use their facilities and co-ordinate competitive sports tournaments. The federation is always looking for new partners and oportunities to carry out class/school based research. Sharing good practice and having professional dialogue with other schools in Devon and beyond is encouraged and welcomed by the Federation.