Free school marks a successful first year
Shropshire's only free school has marked a successful first year which has seen pupil numbers treble.
Barrow 1618 Primary School, near Broseley, has gone from strength to strength and there is even a waiting list of children wanting to go to the school.
Dr Rashida Sharif, the school's outgoing headteacher, said: "In our first year we have gone from strength to strength.
"The children here are absolutely fantastic and the parents have been really supportive.
"We handed out questionnaires to all the parents to get their views and one response I had today said 'this is an exceptional school that encourages children of all abilities and recognises children's achievements on all levels."
When the school first opened in September 2012, it had around 24 to 30 pupils, but at the end of its first year, that number has increased to 60, with more on the waiting list.
The school operates in two classrooms of mixed age and ability but in September that will extend to three. Building is currently under way for a new sports hall.
They will also have three full-time members of teaching staff in the coming year.
This year, Barrow had six pupils in their year six class undertaking SAT exams, five of whom all gained level fives in their English exams, which is above the national average. In September, the school will also have a new headteacher, John Newton.
Dr Sharif said: "I feel very good, in that I am leaving the school very strong and in good hands. I feel that the school has a strong foundation and the new head will be able to take it to the next level.
"One thing we have here is the grounds, we have a lot of grounds around us. We do a lot to promote outdoor learning.
"This school could not have existed if not for our school governors, and particularly our chair of governors Selena Graham.
"I would also like to say thank you to Victoria Downes, who has been our voluntary librarian."
To celebrate its birthday, the school held a fete, with a range of fun activities for pupils and an assembly at St Giles' Church in Broseley. Barrow 1618 Primary School opened after the school was initially earmarked for closure by Shropshire Council.
Local people reacted angrily and the community rallied around to ensure the school could stay open.
