Bradworthy Primary Academy traces its origins to 1872, when the school was founded by Mr Lancaster Lucas and Rev. Clyde as St. John’s School. In 1900, it became known as Bradworthy Council School, and in 2011 it converted to academy status, giving it greater flexibility to meet the needs of its pupils and community.

The original school building consisted of classrooms for both infant and older pupils and remains part of the school today. Early leaders and staff helped establish a strong foundation for education in the village, with pupil numbers reaching 118 by 1912.

Throughout the twentieth century, the school continued to evolve. Under the leadership of successive headteachers, the curriculum expanded to include practical subjects, sport, music, and creative activities. New opportunities such as cookery, woodwork, swimming, school houses, sports days, and school uniform traditions became important parts of school life. The purchase of the school field in 1948 and the opening of school kitchens in 1956 further enhanced the educational experience.

Significant building developments took place in the 1980s, including the creation of a school hall, additional classrooms, and improved facilities. The Parent Teacher Association, established in 1981, has provided valuable support to the school for many years.

When Richard Stephenson became Headteacher in 1998, the school had 88 pupils. Over the following decades, the school focused on providing a broad, balanced education that valued creativity alongside academic achievement. Growing pupil numbers led to major investment in facilities, including new classrooms, dedicated spaces for younger children, improved catering provision, enhanced outdoor areas, and extended childcare services.

Following academy conversion in 2011, the school secured substantial grant funding and completed further developments, including a large sports hall and a dedicated preschool teaching block. Continued growth saw pupil numbers increase to more than 220 by 2023.

A major milestone was reached in January 2025 with the opening of a state-of-the-art teaching block. The development provided four large classrooms, specialist spaces for technology, art and music, a library area, improved support facilities, enhanced wraparound care provision, and modern toilets. These improvements created an outstanding learning environment for current and future generations.

At the end of the 2025 summer term, Richard Stephenson retired after more than 27 years as Headteacher. Leadership passed to Mr Nick Lapham, who had been a valued member of staff since joining as a newly qualified teacher in 2013. Today, Bradworthy Primary Academy continues to build on its strong traditions, high standards, and commitment to providing an exceptional education for every child.

 

Headteachers:

Mr Dunstan: 1920 - 1926

Llewellyn Thomas: 1926 - 1944

Mrs Worthy: 1944 - 1961

Errol Williams: 1961 - 1977

Vivian Gale: 1977 - 1998

Richard Stephenson: 1998 - 2025

Nicholas Lapham 2025 - Present date