Cheddar First School, Cheddar

In its own words: "At Cheddar First School, we believe in creating a fun, safe, and caring environment where every child feels happy and supported. Our school values guide us in making the best choices every day and help us build a positive school community. These values are: We make sure that everyone feels safe at school."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Cheddar First School and Preschool. We are very proud of our children, staff and the community that we represent and are excited that you are showing an interest in finding out more about us."

For September 2026 entry, 44 families put Cheddar First School as their first choice and 66 named it as one of their preferences, for 45 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Cheddar First School are Axbridge Church of England First School Academy (1.6 miles, Good); Draycott & Rodney Stoke Church of England First School (1.8 miles); Shipham Church of England First School (2.7 miles); and Weare Academy First School (3 miles, Good).

Cheddar First School is one of 23 schools run by Wessex Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 67% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

66 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Cheddar First School (as of September 2025): 92% would recommend the school, 96% say their child is happy there and 73% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (96%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (73%).

13.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 39 pupils (10.9%) received SEN support and 6 (1.7%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Cheddar First School had 19 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 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 Cheddar First School.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Kings of Wessex (opposite), 280 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 48 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and burglary. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Somerset (22), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Cheddar First School issued 11 suspensions, 3.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Cheddar First School are The Kings of Wessex Academy (0.2 miles) and Fairlands Middle School (0.5 miles).