Hexton JMI School headteacher Samantha Squires explains what the small primary school on the Herts and Beds border has to offer.

The Comet: Hexton JMI SchoolHexton JMI School (Image: Hexton JMI School)

"Hexton JMI is Hertfordshire’s best kept secret!" says Samantha Squires.

Nestled on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, this smaller-than-average village school is set in the countryside near Pegsdon Hills.

"We are a child-led, nurturing school that is proud to be able to tailor our education to meet the individual needs of our pupils," says Mrs Squires.

"Our partnership with parents is very important to us and we plan various activities throughout the year to invite parents in to be part of our school and to share in their children’s successes."

Explaining the school's ethos, Mrs Squires continues: "We have a small but dynamic team of teachers who are skilled in mixed age-group teaching and who provide exciting learning opportunities for their children to motivate and engage them.

"Our curriculum is diverse, global and stimulating and children enjoy learning about the ‘4Cs’ of communication, conflict, conservation and culture, which are threaded through the topics they learn each half term.

The Comet: Hexton JMI School headteacher Samantha SquiresHexton JMI School headteacher Samantha Squires (Image: Hexton JMI School)

"At Hexton, we offer a range of enrichment activities. Every week, all children take part in Nature Explorers sessions, which involves outdoor learning challenges such as making bird feeders, creating flower sculptures and creating rock murals in our wonderful grounds.

"One afternoon a week, our children also have a session provided by Stevenage Football Club Federation, which focuses on a range of skills, both sporting and wellbeing-orientated.

"Our children also all receive half a year’s worth of specialist teaching from Ickle Drama, which includes some performance to share with parents.

"The children of Hexton would tell you that we are a family. They say, 'It’s easy to have friends here, because we already know each other. There’s never any problem finding someone to play with!'

"It is my privilege and a great source of pride to me to serve as the headteacher of Hexton JMI, and I am excited to take the school further on its journey over the next few years."

For more on Hexton JMI School, visit www.hexton.herts.sch.uk

The Comet: Hexton JMI SchoolHexton JMI School (Image: Hexton JMI School)