CAPTION:
Community School celebrates joining the Diocese of Exeter’s family of Church of England Schools
The start of a new year marks a new chapter for a community school in Devon, as it joins the Diocese of Exeter’s family of Church of England schools.
Lapford Community School, situated in Mid Devon, has been designated as a Church of England school.
This special milestone symbolises a renewed commitment to their Christian foundation, their partnership with local churches, and their dedication to serving Lapford families for generations to come.
Education is a valued part of the Diocese of Exeter’s work in Devon.
The school will become the 135th Church of England School that the Exeter Diocesan Board of Education Committee (DBE) has statutory responsibility for.
The Exeter Diocesan Board of Education supports our diocesan family of schools in seeking to nurture vision-inspired education, nourish personal and spiritual growth, and enable connected communities that flourish.
The DBE is committed to ensuring that our Church of England (CofE) schools are a vital and thriving part of our diocese, both now and in the future.
Along with becoming a designated CofE school, Lapford Community Primary School will change its name to St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School.
The school will be named after St Thomas of Canterbury, also known as Thomas Becket.
Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162, up until his death in 1170.
The name change also signifies the school’s long-standing relationship with local churches in Lapford, particularly St Thomas of Canterbury Church.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, said, “We are delighted that Lapford Primary School is taking the name of the church in the village, becoming St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School.
“Each person in our schools, whether child or adult, is valued as part of our church family, and I will be praying for this school community as it becomes part of our family of schools.”
To mark the special occasion, a celebration was held on Friday 9 January 2026.
The school and the wider community were invited to come along and join in with the celebration.
It began with a service at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, led by the Diocese of Exeter’s Mission Enabler Rev’d Jeremy Putnam, and was followed by a procession with the pupils back to the school.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, blessed the school and cut the ribbon to celebrate the school’s new chapter.
Pupils from the school also debuted an original song that they had written for the occasion.
Afterwards, all were invited to enjoy hot chocolates together at the school.
To mark the special occasion, the Lapford Archive has curated a special historical display which celebrates the school’s deep roots within the village. This can be found at The Ark, a local community centre in Lapford, throughout January.
Sarah Healy, Executive Headteacher, said, “I am delighted that we have been able to bring together all the Lapford churches, the community and the village school as a result of this process.
“Everyone in the school is excited about the future and grateful for the additional support that the school will gain from being part of the Exeter Diocesan family.”
