A rich education is more than simply learning reading, writing and maths. It is about helping a child grow into their full potential as inquisitive, well balanced and cheerful adults. As a Christian school we nurture children to display the ‘fruit of the Spirit’, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). At St Mary’s you will find children growing in mind, body and spirit as they form good relationships with each other, the staff and discover a faith which will sustain them in a rapidly changing world. As our motto has it: “Walking together in the fruit of the Spirit”.

Situated in the rural village of Fownhope, a few miles from the city of Hereford, our school is part of a vibrant community, including the beautiful St. Mary’s Church. The school has 93 children on roll, aged 4 – 11, taught in four classes. We also have a pre-school catering for children aged from 2 upwards.

We pride ourselves on our warm atmosphere, friendly welcome and clear sense of purpose. Children and adults genuinely enjoy their time here and motivation is high. The true measure of our school is the confident, caring, well-rounded children.

We provide a caring, Christian ethos for the school, which inspires a shared enthusiasm for life and learning. We recognise the potential in every child and will help them to develop as confident, rounded individuals equipped to be successful in the modern world.

A Church inspection of the school took place in June 2019 and found the school to be ‘good’ in its distinctiveness and effectiveness as a Church of England school. The inspection concluded that:-

• The school’s Christian vision expresses well what is important at St. Mary’s. It enables pupils, whatever their background, to access a rich and diverse curriculum.
• The headteacher and deputy headteacher lead the school with care and dedication to the pupils, staff and families at St. Mary’s. It is an inclusive community where staff know the children well. Pupils speak warmly of how their teachers nurture them academically, spiritually and emotionally.
• Collective worship is invitational and allows for deep reflection about what it means to be Christian. It reflects the school’s values, bringing together the community in a sense of purpose and achievement.
• RE expresses the school’s vision well. Lessons encourage debate so that pupils are developing enquiring minds, preparing them well for their future lives.