The history of our school

Thomas Russell Infants' School is in the historic village of Barton under Needwood which is south of Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire and caters for children from 4 - 7 years old.

We continue to maintain the cultural and historic links with the village which include local studies of the geographical and historical environments and buildings, visits to St James’ Church to support our religious education studies, the long upheld tradition of may-pole dancing and proud competitors in the annual pancake race through the village!

The school is proud of its history and heritage which continues to support and enhance pupils’ opportunities for learning. Thomas Russell, a draper who died in 1593, left £50 in his will for a school to be built in Barton under Needwood on our existing school site. Our school still cherishes the strong links that are still maintained with The Draper's Company as they continue to support the welfare and education of pupils at Thomas Russell Infants’ School. Each year the school benefits from a charitable trust held for the school and as well as financing annual prizes for our Drapers’ pupils, has assisted with special projects such as the establishment of the Elizabethan Knot Garden and the fundraising for reading books.

Each year selected pupils from Year 2 are presented with a ‘Drapers Prize’ in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the school. Names are added to the special awards board in our school entrance.

On our school site now a spacious Victorian building houses the majority of our classrooms and library area with a newer addition housing a large multi-purpose, well-equipped hall, kitchen and toilet block. Three additional classrooms are situated in the extensive grounds.