Lady Moddiford’s School, located in Walkhampton near Yelverton will close down for the last time this Wednesday. This would be not only the end of an educational institution, but one that has served its vibrant community proudly for 306 years. The school’s original charter, granted by the crown in 1719, called for the educating of 20 poor boys who resided within the parish. During its short lifetime, it has gone through radical changes.
The closure decision followed decreased enrollment, with the school only recently averaging just five pupils. Deputy Head Sarah Reid noted the gradual reduction in student numbers, stating, “So we started with more and it’s gradually dwindled as the year’s gone on, since September last year.” The school has been central to the Walkhampton community. FTA’s announcement of the linkage closure was a sentimental moment for many city residents.
On Friday, the school held a jubilant block party to mark its shutdown. Everyone tucked into ice cream served from a vintage ice cream van, drank tea and coffee and marvelled at memorabilia which showcased the school’s colourful history. At the core of the celebration was a powerful performance of their school anthem sung by students with special guests including past community leaders, former faculty and alumni. Reid remarked, “So today we’re celebrating by singing our school song with invited-back members of the community, former staff and pupils, hopefully they’ll all join in.”
The academy’s preparing to send off what will likely be its last class. Many students will advance to secondary schools, but one of them, a girl named Tazanna, will carry the Lady Moddiford name to another local school with pride. The institution’s profound influence across the centuries created lasting contributions to the community it educated.
Reid spoke passionately about how special this moment was, explaining that it stood for far more than the student body today. She said it’s a way of thinking critically about the fact that it is 306 years. It’s not only my short time here and the students who are right now in their seats. It’s the history of the place and the impact it’s had over three centuries,” she stated.
The recent closure of Lady Moddiford’s School represents the end of an almost 450-year epoch for education in Walkhampton. It’s a great reminder of the long-term influence that our centers of learning can have on their surrounding communities.
