A SPECIAL church service has been held in Lapford to mark the renaming of the village’s primary school.

During the service at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Lapford
Rev Jeremy Putnam speaking during the service at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Lapford (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

As of this month, Lapford Community Primary School has become St Thomas of Canterbury C of E Primary School.

9 January 2026 Lapford school name change Bishop of Crediton Moira Astin, left, Rev Jeremy Putnam, right, Head of School Jessica Wright, third from right, and others with banner featuring new logo (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Bishop of Crediton Moira Astin, left, Rev Jeremy Putnam, right, Head of School Jessica Wright, third from right, and others with banner featuring new logo (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The school said the change “reflects its renewed identity as it progresses toward formally reverting to its original Church of England status, first held at its founding in 1865”.

The procession leaving the church
The procession leaving the church (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Following the service at St Thomas of Canterbury Church on Friday, January 9, pupils led a procession through the village to the school.

This figure of Thomas Becket was pushed at the front of the procession
This figure of Thomas Becket was pushed at the front of the procession (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

There, Bishop of Crediton Moira Astin cut a ribbon and blessed the school. Hot chocolate was then handed out and enjoyed.

9 January 2026 Lapford school name change The procession went around the village (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
The procession went around the village (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

“This marks a very special moment in our school’s journey,” said a spokesperson.

The procession passing houses in the village
The procession passing houses in the village (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

“We are delighted that this process has brought together Lapford’s churches, the wider community and our village school.

The procession heading towards the school
The procession heading towards the school (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

“Everyone at the school is excited about the future and thankful for the additional support we will gain as part of the Exeter Diocesan family.

9 January 2026 Lapford school name change Bishop of Crediton Moira Astin cutting the ribbon (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Bishop of Crediton Moira Astin cutting the ribbon (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

“Our new school name and uniform reflect a renewed commitment to our Christian foundation, our partnership with local churches and our dedication to serving Lapford families for generations to come.”

9 January 2026 Lapford school name change St Thomas of Canterbury C of E Primary School pupils in their new uniforms with Bishop of Crediton and staff
St Thomas of Canterbury C of E Primary School pupils in their new uniforms with Bishop of Crediton, Rev Putnam and staff (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

A display on the school’s history, curated by the Lapford Archive, is available to go along and see at The Ark until the end of January.

St Thomas of Canterbury C of E Primary School is a small school for children aged two to 11 years old. Its headteacher is Jessica Wright and it has 50 pupils.

Located on Eastington Road in Lapford, Ofsted rated the school “requires improvement” in 2023.

The school is part of Chulmleigh Academy Trust, which also has Chulmleigh Community College, Chulmleigh Primary School and East Worlington Primary School under its umbrella.