Welcome to Monkleigh Primary School

Welcome to Monkleigh Primary School, a happy, caring and ambitious school at the heart of our village community. Set in the beautiful North Devon countryside between Bideford and Great Torrington, Monkleigh is a small, welcoming school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

With children aged from 9 months to 11 years, Monkleigh offers a unique learning journey from the very earliest years through to the end of primary education. Our warm, family-focused environment ensures children feel safe, supported and confident to learn, while our extensive grounds, playground, playing field and outdoor learning spaces provide endless opportunities for exploration, discovery and play.

Learning, Growing and Succeeding

At Monkleigh, we want children to be excited about learning. Our engaging curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity and confidence, while our high expectations help every child achieve their full potential.

We believe education is about developing the whole child. Alongside academic achievement, we nurture kindness, resilience, independence and respect, helping children build the skills and confidence they need for success both in school and beyond.

A Nurturing Learning Journey from 9 Months to 11 Years

Our Foundation Stage welcomes children from just 9 months old, providing a warm, stimulating and nurturing environment where our youngest learners can play, explore and flourish. By bringing our nursery and school together under one roof, children benefit from a seamless educational journey, familiar faces and strong relationships that support their development every step of the way.

From babies taking their first steps, to Reception children preparing for Key Stage 1, and older pupils growing into confident young people, every child is part of one Monkleigh family.

Inspiring Outdoor Learning Through Forest School

One of the things that makes Monkleigh special is our commitment to outdoor learning. Our thriving Forest School provision offers an exciting, calm and inclusive environment where children can explore nature, develop practical skills, build confidence and nurture their wellbeing.

Through activities such as den building, woodland crafts, environmental exploration and collaborative challenges, children learn resilience, independence and teamwork while developing a lifelong connection with the natural world. Forest School provides valuable opportunities for children to succeed in different ways and supports both physical and emotional development.

A School Where Everyone Belongs

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our strong inclusive practice and work hard to ensure that every child feels valued, respected and supported to achieve their potential.

Our experienced staff know children as individuals and provide personalised support where needed. We work closely with families and external professionals to help every child thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

A much-loved part of school life is our therapy dog provision, with therapy dogs  in school everyday to support children's wellbeing, confidence and emotional development. Their calming presence helps create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, happy and ready to learn.

A Caring Community

Our children often describe Monkleigh as "one big family" and this reflects the warm, supportive community we are proud to be part of. Strong relationships between children, staff, parents and governors help create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

We believe that happy children learn best, and we place wellbeing at the centre of school life through nurturing relationships, pastoral support, outdoor learning opportunities and a culture where every child is encouraged to smile, share and succeed.