Budleigh events generate cash for school

St Peter's only due to get four laptops from government

Children at an East Devon school are getting new electronic devices, thanks to two local charities, after the government allocated it only a maximum of four laptops to give out during the pandemic.

St Peter's School, Budleigh Salterton has been gifted £2,000 from the town's Lions Club and Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. It's being used to buy Chromebooks.

But the school needs £6,800 to buy a total of 20 Chromebooks to help more local families.

Last week the BBC’s North America editor Jon Sopel took part in an online event for Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, based on his new book. The session is available until Friday 22 January, through the festival's website for £10 (or £25 including a copy of the book).

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School currently has 30 Chromebooks, but with more than 300 pupils, many of whom don’t have access to their own devices, they need more for online learning during the pandemic. The government has allocated laptops to help schools, but St Peter’s is only due to receive up to four devices.

Headteacher Steve Hitchcock said: “So far we have raised £4,500, which is unbelievable - I have been blown away. The generosity of the community has made this really tough time easier to swallow. I want to say the biggest thank you for all donations so far, they will make a real difference.

“Before I could even officially launch the campaign, the Baptist Church, Budleigh Library, Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and Budleigh Lions were able to get support from their members, who have been so generous. Can I thank them all for getting the word out there and responding so quickly!”

Sue Briggs, chair of the festival, said: “An important part of the festival’s work as a charity is to inspire and nurture a love of books and reading in young people and Festival ticket sales allow us to take authors and illustrators into East Devon schools free of charge. As the pandemic continues, we are keen to adapt our work and join the efforts to ensure minimum disruption to children’s education."

Richard Allen, President of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, said: “We believe it is essential to invest in our young people. We were pleased to be able to respond promptly and in a practical way. We hope that our donation will make a real difference to the education of our local children at such a difficult time.”

Watch a short video from St Peter's School here.