The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury
91%
Capacity
191
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury
The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury is a state-funded Church of England primary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 191 pupils on roll and is well-filled (91% of 210 places).
Ofsted has rated The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michael Salisbury, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 58% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — close to the national average. Additionally, ranked 8350th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 29th out of 68 in Dorset.
The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury is a popular choice with families — it received 87 applications for 30 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 36 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 4 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 1 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury include Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Forest School, Dining Hall, Sensory Room, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cricket, Swimming, Dance, as well as clubs including Coding, Film Club, Book Club, Eco Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 14.1%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dorset, The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | St James's Street, St James St, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8HQ |
| Headteacher | Michael Salisbury |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 191 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 14.1% |
| School Capacity | 191 / 210 (91% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Dec 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (7 Dec 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 7 Sept 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (58%)
8350th of 13,686
Nationally
801st of 1,469
In South West
29th of 68
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
58%
Expected Standard
10%
Higher Standard
'22/23
72%
'23/24
58%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed30
87
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
36 families put this school as their 1st choice (41% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
St James's Street, St James St, Shaftesbury
Dorset, SP7 8HQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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