NORTH and South Cowton Community Primary School lies between Darlington, Northallerton and Richmond.

There has been a school in the village since 1878, and the original Victorian building is still there, now accommodating the junior children.

The school is a split site, with the infant department 100 metres along the road.

During the last inspection by a team from the Office for Standards in Education, the pupils' attitude and behaviour were judged to be a real strength of the school.

Since the appointment of headteacher Steve Bailey in November 1996, there have been many innovations, and the school has grown in popularity within the community.

It has also attracted parents who live outside the area, who are prepared to transport their children in order to provide them with what they see as a good school.

The junior building had indoor toilets added in April 1999, and a staff room, cloakroom, secretary's office, headteacher's office and an extra classroom were all built.

In the past year, the school has been accredited with two nationally-recognised awards, Investors in People and the Basic Skills Quality Mark.