Churcham Primary School

About Churcham Primary School

Churcham Primary School sits within Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean area, a small village primary with just 46 pupils on its roll against a capacity of 56. In the local authority’s primary school rankings, it places 37th out of 39 schools, placing it in the bottom tier for combined Key Stage 2 outcomes. The top-performing peers in the same local authority include Meysey Hampton Church of England Primary School, Temple Guiting Church of England School, and Thrupp School, all of which achieved the highest possible ranking scores. Churcham’s ranking reflects a school that serves a very small, rural cohort, and its position in the local landscape is one of a community-focused setting rather than an academic powerhouse. The school is led by headteacher Mark Davies and has no religious character, nursery provision, or sixth form. It is a state-funded, mixed-gender primary for children aged 4 to 11.

Academically, Churcham’s most recent Key Stage 2 results from the 2023/24 academic year show a mixed picture. Only 25% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared with a local authority average of 59%. In reading, 50% met the expected standard and 25% achieved a higher score, with an average scaled score of 105. In maths, 38% reached the expected standard and none achieved the higher threshold, with an average score of 99. Writing saw 63% meet the expected standard, but no pupils reached the higher level. Progress scores are not available for any of the three subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2024 rated it Good overall, with Good across all categories including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. This represents a consistent rating compared with its previous inspection in 2013.

The school offers a range of facilities including a Forest School, sports hall, gymnasium, playing fields, ICT suite, music rooms, library, and a chapel. Sports on offer include football, rounders, dance, cricket, and tennis, while clubs extend to drama, science club, gardening, and eco club. For pupils with additional needs, the school records provision for moderate learning difficulty. With 26.1% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is above the national average, reflecting the rural and economically mixed catchment. Churcham is oversubscribed relative to its size, and its small, intimate setting will suit families who prioritise a close-knit, outdoor-focused environment over league-table performance. Parents looking for a school with strong Forest School provision and a broad range of clubs in a village setting will find Churcham a solid, Good-rated option.

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