We have strong links to our local church, St John the Baptist, Boldre and with our local community.  William Gilpin became the vicar of Boldre in 1777 and started a charity school for '20 poor boys and 20 poor girls of farm labourers' from the parish.  This school was later moved to the

workhouse on the present school site, and subsequently became the current William Gilpin Primary School.   He died in 1804 and is buried in the churchyard of St John's.  

Link to St John the Baptist website

SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools)

Church of England and Methodist schools are subject to SIAMS inspection approximately every five years. Inspectors must answer 6 or 7 inspection questions, enabling them to evaluate the school's effectiveness as a Church school.  Our most recent inspection report can be found here.

Children and Families Worker 

I am Claire and I am the Children and Families’ Worker for Brockenhurst Benefice of Churches. My role is about building relationships with children, families and schools; creating opportunities for people to connect with our churches and with one another. I spend time in our local schools, leading collective worship and creating opportunities for children to explore faith, values and questions about life and the world around them in a way that is engaging, accessible and relevant to their lives.

A big part of my role is about building connections between our churches, schools and local communities. I love finding ways to bring people together and helping children and families to feel welcomed and part of the wider church family. Whether through a school visit, a club, a family event or simply getting to know people in the community, I hope to create opportunities for people to connect and discover more about faith.

Before taking on this role, I was an experienced primary school teacher, and I recently completed a Master's degree in Education, specialising in inclusion. My experience in education has given me a real passion for helping every child to feel included, listened to and able to flourish.

I live in Tiptoe with my husband and our Labrador, Obi. We have two sons, aged 22 and 19, so family life has always been a big part of who I am. I feel very privileged to be able to combine my love of working with children and families with my Christian faith, and to be part of the wonderful communities across our part of the New Forest.