ST GABRIEL'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL in Lancashire, Blackburn

Education Centre Information: St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Blackburn with Darwen
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of Blackburn
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 208
Number of boys: 109
Number of girls: 99
Age Range: 5-11
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Background:

St Gabriel's opened in 1901 as a replacement for Pleckgate National School. The one-form entry school is housed in modern buildings and situated on the north-eastern outskirts of Blackburn. The grounds include a wildlife garden and pond developed with the help of friends and parents. The school is proud of the 'high standards' it achieves, especially in the core subjects. It has 'strong music traditions' and all Year 3 pupils are expected to learn the recorder. There are three recorder groups and 49 junior pupils have peripatetic music lessons, learning the trumpet, flute, clarinet, and violin, and these children form the school orchestra. The school has teams in netball, football, cricket, swimming, athletics and cross country, as part of the extra-curricular activities it offers. St Gabriel's participates in the Top Play and Top Sports schemes and has 'strong links' with the parish community. School services are held in the local church and are regarded as public acts of worship and attended by parents and friends. All collections at such services are donated to charity, and the school encourages pupils to hold other fundraising events.