Shipham Church of England First School, Winscombe

In its own words: "At Shipham First School, we are proud to be a small, nurturing Church school at the heart of our village community. Rooted in Christian values, our vision shapes every aspect of school life. We are committed to helping every child grow into the very best version of themselves, academically, socially, and spiritually."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to look at our lovely school."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care until 5:30pm.

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put Shipham Church of England First School as their first choice and 26 named it as one of their preferences, for 11 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 Shipham Church of England First School are Winscombe Primary School (1.3 miles, 79% reading, 76% maths); Sandford Primary School (1.7 miles, Good, 79% reading, 88% maths); Churchill Church of England Primary School (1.8 miles, 89% reading, 86% maths); and Axbridge Church of England First School Academy (2.2 miles, Good).

Shipham Church of England 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.

26 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Shipham Church of England First School (as of September 2025): 92% would recommend the school, 92% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that their child feels safe (89%).

2.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (84%) and Mixed (9%).

In 2026, 6 pupils (7.3%) received SEN support and 4 (4.9%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Shipham Church of England First School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 8 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 Shipham Church of England First School.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Bus Shelter (n-bound), 110 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Shipham Church of England First School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

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

Shipham Church of England First School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.