A STATE school apparently graced by ‘ponies and champagne’ has countered its portrayal in a prestigious magazine.

Tatler praised Great Tew Primary School in its 2018 State Schools Guide, making it only the second Oxfordshire school to appear in the publication in its four-year history.

But the West Oxfordshire school’s headteacher Lucy Miles, though grateful of the compliment, has stressed that the council-run school has the community and pupils at its heart.

She said: “While it is of course lovely to receive such a glowing endorsement, I do feel obliged to put it into context.

"Great Tew is one of many very good non-selective state primary schools in the area.

"Our setting is undoubtedly beautiful and some extraordinary things do happen here, but it is also so much more."

The 94-pupil village school, situated near Chipping Norton, was among just 10 primary schools to be included in the annual guide, and Tatler described the selection as ‘the cream of the country’s crop’.

Great Tew is home to exclusive members’ club Soho Farmhouse, a popular celebrity haunt, as well as the Beckhams’ £6m country mansion.

Tatler focused on the school’s proximity to the former, noting is was just ‘a stone’s throw’ away.

The entry about the school states: “One mother raves about her ‘heavenly school run’ – some pupils commute on their ponies.

“Alas, school peacock Percy is no more, but there were real camels at the nativity play.

“Parents are welcome at Friday morning assembly – ask them about the ‘shaking the champagne bottle’ tradition.”

Mrs Miles, who was also personally praised in the guide, said she did not want the school to be simply thought as ' the Soho Farmhouse school’.

The headteacher stressed that the assembly did not actually involve champagne, but pupils singing three cheers.

She added: "Great Tew is a success because of a huge amount of effort from many people.

"From staff who strive every day to ensure that all of our children have the best possible start in life, albeit within very tight budgets, to parents and others who work tirelessly to augment what we can offer by organising magical events such as our summer and Christmas fetes."

The latter event, as noted in Tatler, did star real camels.

Great Tew Primary School was judged to be ‘outstanding’ when Ofsted last visited in 2011 - the regulator's best possible rating.

Mrs Miles added: "We are proud of our school and its achievements, and the fact that this special place, and the opportunities within, are open to all."

In previous editions the State Schools Guide has included The Cherwell School in Summertown, though it did not feature this year.