On 12 June 2019, the Governing Boards of both Hadlow and Shipbourne Schools voted unanimously in favour of federating the two schools. As of 2 September 2019, the two schools formed the Bourne Partnership, with Mrs Terri Daters as Headteacher at Shipbourne and Miss Nicole Chapman as Headteacher at Hadlow. At a quorate meeting on 2 September 2019, opened by Jude Johnson of The Education People, the two Governing Boards were dissolved and a joint federation Governing Board was inaugurated. Since inauguration, a purposeful and enriching collaborative partnership has developed between the schools to the benefit of all.

Our unique school is situated in the beautiful countryside of Kent, nestling at the bottom of Stumble Hill in Shipbourne village. It is a small school which has served the community since 1852. We have the capacity for approximately 60 pupils, most of whom children come from the immediate vicinity and further afield from villages, such as Hadlow and Plaxtol, as well as Tonbridge.

Our school is a nurturing environment where children are not afraid to take risks on the way to becoming life-long learners. Everything we do is centred on our school values, resulting in an engaging curriculum that prepares children for more than just their next academic step. We are supported by a highly valued community of parents and governors, have a track record of strong attainment and provide a programme of tailor-made professional development to ensure every member of staff reaches their true potential to the benefit of our children. The school has a very active PTA which supports the school in a range of ways to raise money to help us meet the changing demands of life in the 21st century, whilst still retaining the intimate nature of our small school.

The school is currently organised into three classes. Our unique setting and school structure allow for focused teaching to meet the ability and personality of each child; staff get to know pupils quickly and tailor their lessons to facilitate effective learning for all. We take great pride in our nurturing environment and everyone is treated as part of a family: all lives are enriched through sharing and collaborating as we prepare the children for an exciting future in which they can be both independent and aware of the feelings and needs of others.