THERE is anger in Lapford and among former pupils of Lapford Community Primary School after it was revealed that Chulmleigh Academy Trust is proposing changing the name of the school.

The first village school was built in Lapford in 1878 by the Church of England and called it Lapford School.

Chulmleigh Academy Trust is now looking at turning Lapford School into a Church of England School again.

Local resident Susie Edwards said: “Chulmleigh Academy Trust are turning it back into a Church of England school (for financial reasons? Access to other funding pots) but the crunch is they want to change its name to St Martha's....no connection to the village whatsoever, our church honours St Thomas.

“She is the Patron Saint of Housewives, hardly a motivational Saint in this day and age. Would you send a child to the school for Housewives?

“Lapford strongly wishes to retain its village identity but previous 'consultation' with Chulmleigh Academy have only ever been a tick a box activity for them and our voice has not been heard.

“Please email: [email protected] to object to our village history being meddled with.”

Susie added that anyone wishing to comment should do so urgently as she said that the consultation closes on Friday, July 18.

FEMALE SAINT IS PREFERRED

Chulmleigh Trust says that the rationale for naming the school after a saint is that a female saint is preferred due to the under-representation of female saints in school names.

It said: “Advice was sought from the Bishop of Exeter when he visited recently and informal discussions have taken place. In a recent email communication, Bishop Mike said: ‘love the idea of Martha’.”

It added: “Most Church of England schools locally do not have a specific name. They have their village location with ‘CE’ in their name, for example ‘Witheridge CE Primary School’. By giving Lapford Community Primary School the name of a saint, we believe it ‘stands out’ from other church schools.

“Following discussions with stakeholders, it is clear that the majority are in favour of a rebrand and naming the school after a saint.”

RATIONALE FOR CHOOSING MARTHA

The Trust added: “Leaders were keen for the saint chosen to be appropriate for children to research.

“Martha features several times in the Bible and leaders like the idea of children being able to read about the school’s namesake in the Bible when researching her.

“Martha exemplifies the Trust values of ‘Compassion’, ‘Ambition’ and ‘Teamwork’:

• Compassion: Her hospitality to Jesus, her concern for others (Luke 10:40), her response to Lazarus’ death and her faith in the face of pain (John 11:20)

• Ambition: Her desire to serve well (Luke 10), her leadership in crisis (John 11) and her boldness driven by faith

• Teamwork: Partnership with her siblings Mary and Lazarus, balancing roles with Mary, her community role and by her sharing of faith (John 11).

“In addition to the biblical references there is also a wonderful story about Martha which we believe would really appeal to children and also exemplifies the qualities we want in our children such as courage, kindness and love.”

THE LEGEND OF SAINT MARTHA AND THE TARASQUE (DRAGON)

Chulmleigh Academy Trust added details about the Legend of Saint Martha.

“Found in the Legend Aurea, a popular 13th century collection of saints’ lives by Jacob de Voragine.

“The legend tells of a fearsome dragon-like creature terrorising an area of the French countryside, devouring people and animals. Many people had tried to defeat the creature with armed forces, but Martha approached it unarmed, and with faith, prayer and holy water she tames it.

“This is an exciting story for children with a strong moral theme. Martha exhibits courage, the effectiveness of non-violence and how transformation can take place through love.

“We would be interested in your views and therefore should you wish to comment or object, please email: [email protected] by Friday, July 18.

“Alternatively, you can send written responses for the attention of Mrs S Healey and/or Mrs J Wright at Lapford Community Primary School, Eastington Lane, Lapford, Crediton, Devon EX17 6QE.”

Local residents have also expressed concerns over the cost of new branded school uniform at a time of financial difficulty should the name change go ahead.

Some people have suggested that the new name should be “St Martha’s’ Lapford” and alternatively “St Thomas of Canterbury CE School”.

Others who wish to comment are advised that they could also do so via the South West Advisory Board for the Department for Education via: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686551afe6c3cc924228944f/SW_Draft_agenda_for_meeting_21_July_2025_v1.pdf