Introduction
The School
The School was founded by Francis Hopton, who had reached the conclusion by 1730 that education for the children of Cam "even the most humble" was of value to them and the community.
The original school room was half the house which stands in front of the present building. Additional rooms were built on in 1863 and in 1902.
The most recent extensions were completed in 1963 when the National School of Upper Cam was closed and the girls and infants joined the boys at Cam Hopton. In 1971 the current Infant accommodation was built. More recently two Elliott Medway classrooms have been erected, enabling the school to become one form entry. Finally, in 2000, the upper floor was remodelled and refurbished, creating a new entrance and re-positioning the offices at the front of the school.
The Trustees
Today, the endowment provided by Francis Hopton continues to support the education of the children of Cam. The Hopton Trustees are still responsible for the up keep of the School House. Although no longer the home of the Head Teacher, it is now leased to the 'Hopton School House' a registered charity which uses the facilities to provide a Breakfast and After-School Club, Holiday Playschemes and a Playgroup. The Trustees also support the school financially, providing Governors with funds to meet the commitments.
The Governors
Cam Hopton is a Voluntary Aided Church of England School. In a Voluntary Aided School the majority of the Governors are appointed by the Diocese of Gloucester, ensuring that the school retains a distinctly Christian ethos. These are known as Foundation Governors, and in our case they are nominated by the PCC at St. George's Church. In return the Governors and the Diocese of Gloucester contribute towards the costs of maintining the school buildings.
Home-School Links
Parents may ring at any time for an appointment to visit the school. In addition staff will, in normal circumstances, be happy to create time to talk to parents both before and after the school day.
In the Summer Term there is an Open Day, which enables parents to see the school at work, and in the case of prospective parents, to meet the staff and to ask questions. There are also Parents' Evenings in the Autumn and Spring Terms which give you, the parents, the opportunity to discuss your child's work and progress with his/her class teacher.
As we all know probably the greatest help you can provide for your child is the gift of time, plus a keen interest in all of the child's activities and a willingness to offer full support. We want to foster the all-round development of your child and we welcome your practical help in school if you are able to offer some of your time to this end. Listening to children read, the repairing of books and equipment, helping in the Library or in the preparation of art and craft materials. Parents also support the children in cookery and computer work. Transport for sporting and musical events is particularly appreciated.
Perhaps you have a special interest you can talk about to the children, or perhaps your work/business could provide the basis for an educational visit. It may be that you have surplus material that you can offer or give to the school. if you wish to volunteer, your help will always be welcomed and much appreciated.
Cam Hopton Association
The School benefits enormously from the time and energy given by this parent-teacher association. It organises social, educational and fundraising events throughout the year and helps to strengthen the important links between the school, home and the local community. Since 1998 the Association has raised over £25,000 towards the cost of developments such as the Library, the Adventure Playground and new computers. This is an excellent achievement but the continued success of the association depends heavily on your support. All parents are automatically members and ideas for future events are always welcome.