A NEW group has been formed to discuss the best way forward for the new primary school in Okehampton and to produce a proposal to run the school. The group, called COPSE (Community of Okehampton Primary School for Excellence) will be exploring the ways in which the new primary school can be developed. COPSE is made up of current school governors, community representatives, town council members, teachers, parents and pre-school groups from Okehampton. Rev Philip Wagstaff, who chaired the initial group set up to discuss the ways the community could work together to propose a school, said: 'The response to the article in the Times was very helpful to us. 'I would like to thank the people who gave their support and who offered suggestions which we can add into discussions around the proposal for the new school. It is important that the views of the community as a whole are expressed.' To try and facilitate this, COPSE will be on hand in Okehampton town centre over the next two Saturdays to talk and listen to members of the public. People will be able to sign a declaration of support and COPSE also hope to make a short DVD which will be submitted to Devon County Council as part of the proposal. Mr Wagstaff added: 'The view of COPSE is that we have excellent education in Okehampton with both the existing primary school and Okehampton College. 'The new school should build on the strong traditions of good standards and opportunities for education in the town for all pupils and students.
