Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School, Chard

In its own words: "Within our church of England school community, we offer an experiential curriculum that nurtures children's innate curiosity, creativity, uniqueness and personal aspiration to 'have life, life in all its fullness'. We inspire courageous advocates and deep thinkers who honour God's love and have love for one another."

From the headteacher's welcome: "'That they may have life, life in all its fullness.' John 10:10 We have a dedicated and hard working staff determined to do their best for each and every child. We treat all children as individuals. We strive to value, respect, challenge, motivate and inspire each other. We also aim to develop our staff in their professional journey."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, athletics and forest school.

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Somerset and 77% and 75% across England.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 3 families put Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 9 named it as one of their preferences, for 3 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School are Combe St Nicholas Church of England VA Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 67% reading, 67% maths); Neroche Primary School (3.7 miles, 88% reading, 88% maths); Ashill Community Primary School (4 miles, Good, 83% reading, 67% maths); and The Redstart Primary School (4 miles, Good, 82% reading, 88% maths).

Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School is one of 20 schools run by The Academies for Character and Excellence, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 80% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

9.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 5 pupils (9.3%) received SEN support and 1 (1.9%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St. Marys Church (s-bound), 50 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Somerset (22).

Buckland St Mary Church of England Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.