Wookey Primary School is a village community school run by Somerset Local Education Authority. We have capacity for up to 105 pupils of school age on roll across four classes: our Early Years Class (Rowan) made up of our preschool Little Acorns and our reception children; Year 1&2 (Oak); Year 3&4 (Willow) and Year 5&6 (Chestnut) and also an inclusion class known as The Beehive, which supports a number of children from across the school. Our Little Acorns preschool became part of Rowan Class this year, with around 15 children accessing sessions during the week, up to 8 children at a time.
The school is situated on the edge of the village of Wookey, with beautiful views across to the Mendip Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just under two miles from the Cathedral City of Wells. Wookey is a thriving village with a strong sense of community.
The school was founded in 1844 by St Matthew’s Church, Wookey. Alumni include HG Wells who, in 1880, joined the school as a pupil tutor for a short period, following his uncle who was head teacher at that time. The school has obviously seen many changes since the Victorian era and now possesses more modern accommodation but still maintains much of its original character.
The main school building consists of two large classrooms, a smaller staffroom, meeting and intervention room, a small dining hall/teaching space, a library and the rest of the former schoolhouse, which incorporates the administrative part of the school. There are three further classrooms next to the main school building, set in extensive grounds. We have a spacious playing field with a Forest School area, raised beds, adventurous play resources and fixed workout equipment - we are an OPAL school and these outdoor spaces are used throughout the year in all weathers. There are also two playgrounds with table tennis tables, a traverse wall, Harrison’s Hut for drama, music and calm play and an undercover play space.
Parents have a positive role to play in school, helping teachers and children in many areas such as reading, art and craft, cooking and gardening and during visits. The Wookey School Association (WSA) helps to raise funds for equipment and activities by organising many social events throughout the year.
In the latest Ofsted Report (January 2025) the school was judged as good for personal development and requiring improvement in all other areas. The inspectors acknowledged work staff had already done in making the necessary improvements and stated that time would be needed to see the results; the latest set of national testing outcomes evidenced the success we have had in this.