AN open day is being held in Dunster First School next week to show prospective parents why they should send their children there next year.

The day, on Wednesday (November 6), is aimed particularly at parents whose youngsters are due to start school in September, 2025, but families with older or younger children will also be welcome.

Headteacher Paul James will host a morning session from 9 am to 10 am, followed by an evening session between 5.30 pm and 6.30pm, where parents and carers can look around the school, which is located on the edge of Grabbist Hill, opposite St George’s Church.

Mr James said: “We are incredibly lucky having access to such a wonderful surrounding area, from the stunning local woodland and moorland, to the heritage of the castle with the beach and Bristol Channel falling to the other side of us.

“We have written parts of our new school curriculum based on our unique historical and geographical environment.

“These outdoor areas form a huge part of our learning, with every class having access to half-a-day outdoor learning a week to utilise our outdoor environment.”

The school is benefitting this year from working half-termly on outdoor and adventurous activity with Exmoor Rangers, as children experience bushcraft skills and orienteering, and also have access to their own Forest School area on Grabbist Hill.

Dunster is part of the Moorland Federation, allowing pupils and staff to strategically benefit from a wider educational family, and works collaboratively with the other schools across West Somerset.

Children and staff engage with many aspects of community life, including leading the village Remembrance service, the choir singing at events, as well as taking part in projects at Dunster Castle.

The school has an award-winning eco team working closely with local people to help keep forests, moorland, and beaches in the best possible condition.

Mr James said there was an active student parliament with a head boy and head girl, and sport was an important part of the school’s tradition, both locally and across Somerset, with pupils taking part in football and catchball galas, gymnastic, cricket, and athletics competitions.

Art lead Louise Collins said: “Music and the arts are very important to us and we try to give the children as many opportunities as possible.

“This year we have engaged with local artists and supported exhibitions at East Quay and The Lab, in Minehead.

“We ensure a wide variety of experiences for every child in order for them to find their passion in life and to be able to succeed.”

Friends of Dunster School chairman Kim Lewington said £4,300 was raised from last year’s traditional Advent fair to help enrich the curriculum and maintain the school swimming pool.

Ofsted has again rated the school as ‘Good’.

Car parking is available before school in Dunster Steep Car Park, which is free before 9 am, and also after school, while a free parking scheme is run with Dunster Castle.

Anybody who wants further open day information should call the school on 01643 821254.