BRADWORTHY Primary Academy has opened up an additional class for the first time in its history.

A seventh class, commencing almost a year after the school became North Devon's first primary academy, means that children are now taught in small individual age class groups, rather than mixed year groups.

The academy also achieved another historic first last month, when the school roll passed 150 children. In last year's SATS results, Bradworthy featured among the top schools in the country.

Headteacher Richard Stephenson said: "We have worked hard to reduce class sizes because we believe this plays such an important part in children's learning and development."

Children in Key Stage One have gained significantly from the change. When they returned from the half term break, a number of children found they had moved back into classes with their own year group.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.