Semley Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Semley, Semley School, Shaftesbury, SP7 9AUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Semley Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a primary school in Shaftesbury for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 262 schools in Wiltshire. It ranks 3rd of 5 primary schools in Shaftesbury. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 20 May 2014, report published 20 June 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 May 2023
Pupils believe their school is a warm, friendly, 'family' school. They are respectful and kind towards one another. Pupils are resilient in their efforts to learn. They strive to work hard for their teachers. For example, children in Reception worked studiously together to create a bug hotel. Pupils say teachers show them 'how to be'. Pupils fully take part in school as sports ambassadors, play leaders and members of the school council. Pupils feel staff listen to their views and take them seriously. Pupil librarians listen to younger pupils read. Older pupils care for the younger children. For example, during lunchtime, pupils help to cut food or open packets for the younger children. All of this contributes to a warm, nurturing community. Many pupils attend a range of after-school clubs. Leaders make sure there is variation, such as tennis, cricket or Lego. Several pupils enjoy learning musical instruments, with many playing the piano. Leaders plan regular trips and visits, such as to Stonehenge. This supports the planned learning. With the Coronation imminent, pupils have excitedly prepared for a crown parade. They understand the significance of symbols such as the sceptre and orb.
What the school should improve
- In a few subjects, leaders have not identified the essential knowledge pupils will learn. As a result, pupils do not learn knowledge as deeply as they should. Leaders need to ensure the important knowledge pupils will learn is explicit.
- Some staff do not have sufficient knowledge to provide precise adaptation and support to pupils with SEND. As a result, pupils rely on adults when they are struggling. Leaders need to make sure staff are trained so they can adapt more precisely for pupils with SEND.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
11 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
126 pupils on roll, with places for 150
Schools near Semley Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wardour Catholic Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Shaftesbury Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 44% met the expected standard |
| Ludwell Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 35% met the expected standard |
| Motcombe CofE Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 68% met the expected standard |
| Port Regis Preparatory School | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Abigail Carlyle-Clarke
- Phone
- 01747830427
- Address
- Semley, Semley School, Shaftesbury, SP7 9AU
- Local authority
- Wiltshire
- URN
- 126439
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.