LAPFORD Community Primary School is proud to announce that from January 2026 it will be known as St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School, Lapford.

This significant change marks a meaningful step in strengthening the school’s long-standing relationship with the village churches - one of which is St Thomas of Canterbury, and reflects its renewed identity as it progresses toward formally reverting to its original Church of England status, first held at its founding in 1865.

To celebrate this new chapter, the school and wider community will come together on January 9, 2026 for a special church service at St Thomas of Canterbury.

At the end of the service the children will lead a procession through the village back to school for the cutting of the ribbon, a blessing of the school and hot chocolate.

There will be further celebrations at the school, recognising the shared heritage and the promising future that lies ahead.

As part of the event, a display curated by the Lapford Archive will showcase the school’s rich history and deep roots within the village and this will be on display at The Ark throughout the rest of the month.

Executive Headteacher Mrs Sarah Healey expressed her enthusiasm for the transition, saying: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring together all the Lapford churches, the community and the village school as a result of this process.

“Everyone in the school is excited about the future and grateful for the additional support that the school will gain from being part of the Exeter Diocesan family.”

The adoption of the new name and uniform symbolises a renewed commitment to the school’s Christian foundation, its partnership with local churches, and its dedication to serving families in Lapford for generations to come.