Shirley Infant School, Southampton

In its own words: "It is a real privilege to be the Headteacher of Shirley Infant School (part of Shirley Schools). Our school is a vibrant, happy setting where children come first. Our ethos is what makes us special. At Shirley Infants, we share a passionate commitment to helping everyone to be their best."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Shirley Infant School is an energetic community of learners all striving to be the best we can be. The school aims to provide inclusive and integrated learning experiences for our children and we look to develop the potential of every child."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include dance and drama.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Friday 6 November 2026 at 9.15am and an open day on Wednesday 6 January 2027 at 1.30pm. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

For September 2026 entry, 83 families put Shirley Infant School as their first choice and 152 named it as one of their preferences, for 85 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 Shirley Infant School are Shirley Junior School (under 0.1 miles, Good, 76% reading, 60% maths); Wordsworth Primary and Nursery School (0.4 miles, Requires improvement, 71% reading, 69% maths); Hollybrook Junior School (0.5 miles, Good, 75% reading, 82% maths); and Hollybrook Infant School (0.5 miles, Good).

Shirley Infant School is one of 37 schools run by Hamwic Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 57% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

94 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Shirley Infant School (as of September 2025): 88% would recommend the school, 88% say their child is happy there and 33% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (92%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (33%).

9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 21 pupils (7.9%) received SEN support and 5 (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 speech, language and communication needs.

Shirley Infant School had 17 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Millbrook (Hants) Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Colebrook Avenue (se-bound), 110 metres away.

In 2024/25, Shirley Infant School issued 2 suspensions, 0.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Shirley Infant School are Upper Shirley High School (0.1 miles), Regents Park Community College (0.8 miles), St Mark's Church of England School (0.9 miles) and Oasis Academy Lord's Hill (1.3 miles).