SCHOOL REPORT: The school seeks to provide a caring and happy environment where each child as a unique individual, develops academically, socially and spiritually and makes a full contribution to the life of the school.

The staff work well together as a team to provide interesting and challenging learning opportunities for the children. And the school has very close links with the community it serves, particularly through St Gabriels Church. The school works closely with parents who provide excellent support for the school.

HISTORY LESSON: St Gabriel's School opened in August 1901 in Cornelian Street. We have recently celebrated our centenary. The school replaced Pleckgate National School -- this building still stands on Pleckgate Road. The Cornelian Street building housed the worship centre for St Gabriels prior to the building of St Gabriels Church in Brownhill Drive in 1933. The present school was built in Wilworth Crescent in 1969 and extended in 1975 and 1980 to provide one form entry school.

NUMBER OF PUPILS: The school has 235 children on roll. There are 30 children in each of the infant classes and 36 children in each of the four junior classes.

STAR PUPILS: Many of the school's former pupils work and live locally in a variety of occupations. It is a source of real pleasure when former pupils bring their own children to our school to continue the school's family tradition.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT: Half of the junior children sing in the school choir. The choir recorded a CD with 17 tracks as part of our centenary celebrations. The choir took part of BBC Songs Of Praise at Blackburn Cathedral. The school employs three peripatetic music teachers to teach flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin and trumpet. Those children learning instruments form the school orchestra. Last year £3,650 was raised for local, national and international children's charities. the children participate enthusiastically in all sorting activities organised by Blackburn Primary Schools Sports Associations. The school has successful athletics, cricket, cross country, football and swimming team.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A £100,000 WINDFALL: Improve the library and ICT facilities.