Ludwell Primary School, Shaftesbury

In its own words: "Our aim for Ludwell Community Primary School is to make high expectations for all members of our school community fundamental to all that we do. Our school will be a place where children, staff and the wider school community are happy because the ethos of care and positive relationships makes everyone feel safe and valued."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children, staff and governors, a very warm welcome to you. Ludwell Primary School is a small community school in the friendly village of Ludwell, Wiltshire which is just a few short miles from Shaftesbury, a small market town in Dorset. We currently have four mixed year group classes."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, tennis, Lego, gardening and art.

The school runs a breakfast club.

In 2025, 47% of Year 6 pupils at Ludwell Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 59% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 73% in Wiltshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 60% in reading and 40% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put Ludwell Primary School as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. That is 1.1 first choices for every place. 2 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ludwell Primary School are Shaftesbury Church of England Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 54% reading, 52% maths); Semley Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School (2.8 miles, Good, 73% reading, 82% maths); The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury (2.9 miles, Good, 90% reading, 86% maths); and Wardour Catholic Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 89% reading, 89% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Ludwell Primary School.

Ludwell Primary School is one of 21 schools run by Pickwick Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 63% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

4.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Mixed (7%).

Ludwell Primary School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 Ludwell Primary School.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Grove Arms (outside), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Wiltshire (34).

Ludwell Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.