Shipton Bellinger Primary School

About Shipton Bellinger Primary School

Shipton Bellinger Primary School was rated Requires Improvement in its most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025, a downgrade from the Good rating it held in its previous inspection in 2019. The most telling academic metric is the Key Stage 2 combined reading, writing and maths expected standard: just 38% of pupils achieved it in the 2023/24 academic year. That is well below the Hampshire local authority average of 61% and places the school 276th out of 425 primary schools in the county. In the Test Valley area specifically, it ranks 35th out of 40 schools. The school's ranking score of 38 puts it in the bottom 50 nationally. While the overall picture is challenging, there are some brighter spots: 72% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, and the average reading score of 105 is solid. Maths tells a different story, with only 56% hitting the expected mark and just 4% reaching the higher standard.

The Ofsted breakdown reveals a mixed picture. Behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated Good, suggesting the school has strong foundations in these areas. However, the quality of education and early years provision both require improvement. The Parent View survey, based on 30 responses between September 2024 and September 2025, shows that 87% of parents agree or strongly agree their child is happy, and 90% feel their child is safe. Yet only 60% agree that concerns are dealt with properly, and just 53% think the school ensures pupils are well behaved. The question on bullying saw 23% disagreeing that it is handled quickly and effectively, though 50% said it was not applicable. On SEND support, the survey received no responses at all, which is notable given the school lists provisions for dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health, and speech and language needs.

The school is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 academic year, with 30 applications for 17 places and all first-preference applicants receiving offers. It has a capacity of 209 but currently only 144 pupils on roll, so there is room for growth. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, playing fields, music rooms, an ICT suite, a sensory room, and even a chapel. Sports on offer include football, cricket, swimming and tennis, while clubs range from gardening and choir to coding and eco club. With 5.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively less disadvantaged intake than many. For parents weighing up options, Shipton Bellinger offers strong pastoral care and good behaviour, but the academic outcomes and parental concerns around behaviour management and bullying mean it is one to visit and question closely, particularly around how the school plans to raise attainment from its current low base.

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