Wellesley Primary School

About Wellesley Primary School

Wellesley Primary School in South Gloucestershire is a state primary for mixed pupils aged 5 to 11, and it is a school in demand. With 206 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, it is essentially full. The oversubscription picture is clear: for 2025/26 entry, the school offered its 30 places to first-preference applicants, but received 74 total applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.47. That means nearly two and a half families applied for every place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals sits at 9.3%, which is below the national average for primary schools, suggesting a relatively less disadvantaged intake than many schools nationally. The school does not have a religious character and is led by headteacher Heather Small. It is a community school that serves its local area, and the strong application numbers indicate it is a popular choice among local families.

Academically, Wellesley Primary achieves results that are broadly in line with local averages but with some notable strengths. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 60% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is very close to the South Gloucestershire local authority average of 61%. The school’s ranking within the LA for this combined measure places it 43rd out of 93 primary schools, putting it in the middle of the pack. Where the school stands out is in reading: pupils achieved an average scaled score of 106, with 37% reaching the higher standard, and 77% meeting the expected standard in reading. Maths also performed well, with an average score of 104 and 77% at the expected level. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2024 rated it Good across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision, a consistent improvement from its previous Good rating in 2013.

The school offers a solid range of facilities and support. Pupils have access to an outdoor playground, sports hall, playing fields, music rooms, an ICT suite, art studios, a sensory room, and even a chapel. Sports on offer include athletics, swimming, dance, cross country, and tennis, while clubs include chess, art club, and coding. For children with additional needs, the school lists provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery or sixth form. Given its strong local demand, full capacity, and Good Ofsted rating, Wellesley Primary is a solid, well-regarded option for families in the South Gloucestershire area, particularly those who value a school with a strong reading focus and a broad range of facilities and clubs.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellesley Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents