A REDEDICATION service for a tiny Exmoor school will be held next week to mark its 150th anniversary.

Exford First School, which has 33 pupils aged two to nine years, is having a year to remember after recently receiving ‘Good’ ratings from two different education watchdogs

Both the Government’s Ofsted and the Church’s Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) gave glowing reports on the school.

Now, the school, which is part of the Moorland Federation, is gearing up to celebrate 150 years on Friday (June 16).

Past pupils and former staff together with parents and supporters are being invited to join a ‘big tea’ during the celebrations when the public part of the day begins at 3.30 pm.

The main event of the day will be a service of rededication by the Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, at 4.30 pm.

The school serves not just Exford but also surrounding villages and outlying farms across central Exmoor.

Current pupils have been marking the anniversary throughout the year.

Over the years the school has developed into its current model as a Church of England Voluntary Controlled First School in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

As part of the Moorland Federation of first schools, it has been providing key early years learning close to home for the scattered communities across Exmoor National Park.

Pupils spanning many generations still live and work in the village and continue to champion ‘their school’.