Thringstone Primary School has been at the heart of the village since 1967. Our story, however, begins much earlier, with education in Thringstone dating back to 1844.
For over 180 years, education has played an important role in village life. Today, we are proud to continue that tradition.
Early beginnings
The first school in Thringstone was established in 1844 through the efforts of Rev. Francis Merewether, who recognised the need for education in a growing village shaped by the coal mining industry.
The school was built to serve local families and quickly became an important part of the community. The original building stood on Main Street and remains part of the village today.
A stone inscription at the entrance reflects its origins: “South Thringstone National School. Fear God, Honour the King. A.D. 1844.”
A new school for a growing village
By the 1960s, a new school was needed to meet the needs of the community.
In October 1967, Thringstone County Primary School officially opened on its current site on Hensons Lane, with a formal opening on 30th October 1967. The school was officially opened by Alice Bacon, Minister of State for Education and Science.
On opening day, the children walked from the old school to the new building, marking an important moment in the village’s history.
At the time, the new school was described as “ultra modern”, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to education and school design. It was built in an open-plan style, with a large central hall and extensive grounds, creating a very different environment from the old school.
The school was designed to accommodate up to 280 children and included purpose-built learning spaces to support collaboration and shared experiences.
A distinctive feature of the building was the “bubbled glass” sculpture in the assembly hall, highlighting the ambition and innovation of the school at the time.
Growing with the community
Since opening, the school has continued to develop alongside the village.
Key developments include:
- ongoing improvements to learning spaces and resources
- the opening of Little Acorns Pre-School in 2019, strengthening early education
- the addition of our Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in 2019, expanding opportunities for sport and physical activity
In recent years, the school has further strengthened its identity through its connection to the National Forest.
Our tree logo, introduced as part of this, represents growth, strength and belonging. It reflects both our environment and our ambition for every child.
This is brought to life through our house teams, Oak, Birch, Willow and Ash, giving every child a sense of belonging and pride within our school community.
Our school today
Today, Thringstone Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where every child is supported to succeed.
Everything we do is rooted in a strong sense of community and belonging. We want every child to feel proud of who they are, confident in their abilities and ready for the future.
Our vision, Believe and Achieve Together, sits at the heart of school life. It reflects our belief that success comes through working together, supporting one another and striving to be our best.
Our values of Belief, Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Teamwork shape daily life in school and help create a culture where children feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
Looking ahead
We are proud of our past, but our focus is firmly on the future.
As we continue to grow and develop, we remain committed to providing the very best for the children and families we serve, building on our strong foundations and shared sense of belonging.
Many families in Thringstone have a long-standing connection with the school, with parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents having attended.
That shared history creates a deep sense of pride and community, which continues to shape our school today.
Serving the Thringstone community since 1844