Thurlbear Church of England Primary School, Taunton

In its own words: "Thurlbear CE VA Primary School is a seven class primary school in an idyllic setting in the hamlet of Thurlbear on the outskirts of Taunton. We believe in working as a team, in partnership with parents, to ensure that each individual child’s time at this school is both happy and successful."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are committed to nurturing the whole child: mind, body and the spirit. With the help of parents and carers, we encourage pupils to achieve high academic standards while taking responsibility for themselves and others. Achievement, through working together in a Christian school ethos, is always nurtured and celebrated."

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

In 2025, 90% of Year 6 pupils at Thurlbear Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 90% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Somerset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 79% in reading and 83% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 36 families put Thurlbear Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 58 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.2 first choices for every place. 8 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Thurlbear Church of England Primary School are Ruishton Church of England School (2.3 miles, Good, 83% reading, 76% maths); Holway Park Community Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 57% reading, 55% maths); Blackbrook Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 85% reading, 82% maths); and Hatch Beauchamp Church of England Primary School (2.4 miles).

Thurlbear Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

5.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 17 pupils (8.1%) received SEN support and 11 (5.2%) 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.

The nearest railway station is Taunton Rail Station, about 3.6 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (adjacent), 220 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 Somerset (22).

In 2024/25, Thurlbear Church of England Primary School issued 11 suspensions, 5.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.