A primary school on the outskirts of Haslemere has launched its first-ever crowdfunding initiative in a bid to update its classroom IT equipment .

Camelsdale Primary School, with support from its community champion, The Man in the Moon, is hoping to raise enough funds to replace its fast-failing whiteboards.

In October last year, The Herald called for the support of the local community to help win crucial funding for Camelsdale School as part of the Aviva Community Fund 2016.

The aim was to replace all seven failing classroom interactive whiteboards – a vital teaching and learning tool – at the cost of more than £20,000.

The project gained a phenomenal 20,257 votes, the highest of 240 projects nationally in their category, “Supporting the Younger Generation” and secured the school a place in the final with a one in four chance of being awarded up to £25,000.

Although the school was not chosen to receive the full funding it was commended by Aviva for a highly successful campaign and awarded £500 towards the project.

Camelsdale is one of many schools and academies in the county facing a real funding gap, preventing investment in much-needed resources and IT equipment.

This year, West Sussex pupils received £44million less than the national average and £200million less than a typical London borough.

With the need to replace the whiteboards remaining ever more urgent, the school decided to embark on a new initiative launching ‘Clevertouch for Camelsdale’ at the beginning of February.

Headteacher Sarah Palmer spoke passionately about the launch, saying: “Camelsdale’s mission is to raise £3,000 to replace one failing whiteboard.

“The new Clevertouch board will immediately transform the teaching for one class teacher and support staff, and – fundamentally improve the learning of 30 plus pupils. Camelsdale teachers and pupils really deserve dependable, up-to-date equipment that enhances, not hinders, their learning journey.”

The campaign got off to a flying start thanks to the incredible support and generosity of several local businesses, including: The Man in the Moon, Progress International, JSPC Computing Services, Choice Family Mediation, S K Electrical Systems & Security Limited and Matt Gander Associates.

Parents, families and other members of the community have also rallied behind the project with great enthusiasm. In two weeks, the school witnessed a total climb to mroe than £3,000, exceeding its target.

As the project gathers momentum, Camelsdale hopes to raise enough to be able to replace not one, but two failing whiteboards.

Mrs Palmer thanked everyone for their support and said: “Once again, we are delighted and overwhelmed by the incredible support our small but mighty school has received and continues to receive.

“This strongly affirms how important the school and its pupils’ futures are to our community.