Upgrade for The Mill School in Potterne near Melksham

Matt Hill, owner of Forward Thinking Solutions with his business partner Dave Stanley, have recently bought The Mill Preparatory School in Potterne to prevent it from closure.

They have grand designs for the school, especially since they have now bought the surrounding 15 acres of land, on which they are hoping to base a riding school, an outward bound venture and other events, both local and corporate, throughout the year.

Housed largely in an old watermill, the school has purpose-built classrooms and an artroom behind the main building. In the grounds is the eccentic little Witch's House, now housing the reading rooms for the lower school, and Santa's Grotto for frequent use in the run-up to Christmas.

A whole new IT suite has already been installed, with the old computers being sent to Africa for use in village schools there. Many of the classrooms have been redecorated in cheery yellow by youngsters who are involved in Forward Thinking Solutions' training schemes.

Outside in the grounds, a new wooden playground is slowly being built, there are tennis courts and a rounders pitch as well as a croquet lawn. The wooden hut currently used for games equipment will become the school's new tuck shop and equipment at the Millipedes nursery is being upgraded.

Although most of the staff will stay on at the school, Matt and Dave are currently actively recruiting a new head. Presently there are 65 pupils registered, and they are looking to increase that number to 80 by the time the autumn term starts. The full capacity of the school is 120 pupils.

Following a successful open day at the school on Tuesday 14 June, when pony rides where hosted by Toyboy and his mistress from Pewsey Vale Riding Centre, the new owners will be hosting another open day for prospective parents on Monday July the 11th.

There is also a Strawberry Tea Party at the school on Tuesday 28th from 3.30pm, which is an annual event. There will be pony rides and cake stalls at the tea party.