A village school in Wiltshire, once so small it was threatened with closure, has reached an incredibly milestone.
Chirton School previously faced an uncertain future, when its struggling school roll casted doubts over whether it would remain open.
Children, taking part in a persuasive writing exercise in 2014, wrote letters to Prince William and Kate, explaining how brilliant their school was - and how it would be an ideal place for Prince George to enrol.
While the Royals did not relocate to Chirton, they did send replies to each pupil, as well as a photo of William, Kate and then-baby George. The story went viral, and put Chirton School at the forefront of people's minds.
The publicity, plus a successful federation with All Cannings Primary, meant that village numbers were bolstered.
Now there are 60 children on the roll, and the school celebrated with a ‘bubbled’ party. The school has also sent a letter to the Queen to inform her of the achievement.
Children also wrote 60 letters to thank local heroes, planted 60 sunflower seeds, and even tucked into a special 60-themed cake.
Headteacher Amy Bekker-Wrench told the Gazette: "Back in 2013, the school was at risk of closure and the governors had worked incredibly hard to save it. They knew how precious it was to the village.
"At the time, it would have been hard to believe that 60 children could ever be a possible achievement - we knew there was the capacity for it, but at that time lots of people were very low and had lost morale."
As word spread about the school, plus its Royal connections, more local people decided to send their children to Chirton.
The school's forest programme also was praised, with an outdoor area opened by explorer David Hempleman-Adams back in 2017.
Exciting plans are underway at Chirton School for an outdoor classroom, a library pod and, potentially, a new school hall.
Mrs Bekker-Wrench added: "Chirton School is a really happy place to be and visitors, whoever they are wherever they come from, always comment on how special it feels.
"Someone once said if they could bottle the feeling here, then they would.
"The pandemic has brought us even closer, and we’re lucky that we have so much outdoor space, as that’s something that has been so encouraged in the last year."
She added: "I have received great support from my team over the last few years, as well as the Governing Body and entire community; there is no question that their belief and support has been fundamental to our on-going growth and success."
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