Situated in the heart of the beautiful village of Shipham, on the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, Shipham Church of England First School offers a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment for children aged 2 to 9 years old. As a small yet dynamic school, it is committed to ensuring that every child feels happy, secure, and valued, creating a strong sense of belonging throughout the school community.
The school prides itself on its close partnerships with families and the wider community, working together to support the development of the whole child. Alongside strong academic foundations, there is a clear focus on emotional, spiritual, and moral growth, underpinned by the school’s Christian values of respect, trust, courage, thankfulness, kindness, and community. These values are woven throughout a broad, ambitious, and engaging curriculum designed to help children discover their interests, build confidence, and develop into resilient lifelong learners. Staff are encouraged to work collaboratively, contributing to a culture where children are supported to thrive both personally and academically.
Since joining the Wessex Learning Trust in 2020, the school has benefited from being part of a wider network of established local schools while maintaining its distinctive identity and strong links with St Leonard’s Church and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. The school’s welcoming ethos, supportive team culture, and commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences make it a rewarding and fulfilling place to work, where staff play a valued role in helping every child shine.