Roose Community Primary School had flourished from its humble village beginnings in a tin building, reported The Mail in ‘its regular ‘School of the Week’ feature in 2006.
The school was founded at the site of the St Perran’s Hall on North Row in 1875. Children eventually moved into Roose School’s Victorian building further along North Row.
The caring values were clear at the primary school.
BARROW: Roose Primary School pupils in the council chamber during a visit to the town hall in Barrow in 1994
Like older brothers and sisters, pupils helped the young ones take off their coats and hang them up before settling the children back into class after playtime.
A pupil’s drawing of the late Mrs Jacobs, the school’s head from January 2005 to 2020, featured in a display about people the children respected.
Mrs Jacobs was described as ‘outstanding’ in a glowing Ofsted report that March.
But it was the recognition of the children’s good care and personal development that Mrs Jacobs highlighted in the inspector’s findings.
STUDENTS: Pupils at Roose Primary School in 1989
Ofsted said: “The school is good and as a result is greatly valued by parents, pupils and the local community.
“The good quality of care, guidance and support provided by the school, good teaching and the many enrichment activities provided, lead to pupils’ good personal development.
"This is reflected in their excellent relationships, good attitudes and responsible behaviour.”
Mrs Jacobs said: “The ethos of Roose School is a very happy one. The children are very keen to learn and enjoy themselves, and do both at the same time.
The hard-working pupils achieved above-average SATS results.
TEACHER: Roose School headteacher Wendy Jacobs at work with Year Two pupils in 2006
The children's bright artwork and beautifully handwritten stories covered the school's walls. The school had Healthy Schools Status and its new kitchen had been completed in February.
Roose School worked in a network partnership with St George's and Cambridge schools in Barrow.
The school's relationship with the community was strong. The choir sang to groups at St Perran's Hall, where the original school was founded.
Mrs Jacobs said: "Roose School has still maintained a village school feel. The school is well supported by the local community. When children do special assembles the school is packed."
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