Our School
Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp CE(A) Primary School
Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp CE (A) is a small village school with around 70 pupils in the heart of Ashbury, a rural village that nestles on the edge of the Downs in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
We are very proud of all that goes on here and our motto, “United in a love for learning, we will grow and succeed together", which was created in partnership with our governors, parents and pupils.
Ashbury school is often described as one big family. By being 'United', we are really able to get to know our pupils and our families on a personal level, which allows us to provide tailored support for all. We have high aspirations for our pupils and for our community and are very proud of the progress our pupils make, both academically and in their personal development.
Every Friday, our school community unites through a Celebration worship, which is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate successes in the week, any school achievements in sport, music or further enrichment and to share any outside of school awards and certificates.
"Ashbury is a nurturing school, and this encourages pupils to successfully develop their independence"
"Leaders, governors, staff and parents and carers have a clear determination to make sure that all pupils achieve. Staff have high expectations both academically and socially for all pupils"
We are a caring school with a Christian ethos in which every child and adult are respected, encouraged and assisted towards their full potential in every sphere of their lives. The children are fully supported in their learning by dedicated staff, governors and parents. Each term we teach children about a key Christian value (for example, service and truthfulness) and how this can help them to live flourishing lives. Our three core values of compassion, responsibility and perseverance underpin everything we do.
"Ashbury is such a unique school. We visited lots of local schools when choosing for our children but none had the community feel that Ashbury does. Our children have now been pupils for five years and absolutely love it. Ashbury has nurtured them to become curious about the world and love learning...but most of all, to be kind. We couldn't ask for more from a primary school."
"Ashbury is a fantastic school with such a strong community. Both my children have thrived here. They really put the needs of the children first and give children a voice"
"As an Armed Forces family, Ashbury provides the ideal stable, caring and close community environment for our young children. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to all Armed Forces families, UK and international"
Parent, June 2025
"We are very happy with Ashbury Primary School. The atmosphere is one of inclusivity, acceptance and understanding, whilst also clearly working for the best of every child"
"Both my children love coming to school every day. School nurtures their curiosity and encourages them to be individuals. The school ethos around inclusion and celebrating diversity is wonderful"
History
Ashbury School has been educating local children for 300 years and has a tradition in the village that is second to none.
The first school in Ashbury was set up in 1724 as a charity school formed from subscriptions by Ratepayers Tenant Farmers. The school was set up for the poor children of the village.
In 1777, a man named Reverend Thomas Stock was the Curate of Ashbury in Berkshire.
Revd. Thomas Stock was passionate about sharing stories in the bible and strengthening the community around him. He was keen to encourage more people into the church, which is when he came up with a brilliant idea!
Revd Thomas Stock began to gather children each Sunday and offered them a free education in the Chancel of St. Mary’s Church in Ashbury.
It was not long before the numbers grew and grew and grew. Each Sunday morning, more and more children joined Revd. Thomas Stock to learn more about Christianity. Soon there were too many children to fit in the Chancel at St’ Mary’s Church.
Revd. Thomas Stock needed a bigger space to teach. He discussed this with the Craven Estate who lent a cottage in the village for Revd. Thomas Stock to continue educating the local community for free. This was called Eastwood Cottage. He couldn’t believe his luck! This was the first Sunday School to be run outside of a Church in England.
Revd. Thomas Stock began to develop his educational offer and taught children how to read and write as well as basic arithmetic. The children thrived in their lessons and developed many new skills and knowledge to go on and achieve great things.
In 1778, Revd. Thomas Stock moved to Gloucester to unite with Robert Raikes, leaving behind a well-established Sunday School, which continued to grow.
In 1818, Sunday School and the local Charity School (set up in 1724), both taught in Eastwood Cottage. There was a Master and Mistress teaching the children throughout the week. The Village continued to grow and more children were keen to join the school.
In 1863, the community became excited as plans were drawn for a new, 3 classroom, school building in the village; costing £600. There were celebrations in the village when this opened on 1st January 1865.
The village school continued to educate children and for nearly 100 years in this building until there were too many children to fit inside. In 1959, our current school opened and was named: Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp Church of England, Voluntary Aided Primary School.
1st February 2023, Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp Church of England, Voluntary Aided Primary School joined Cambrian Learning Trust (previously Faringdon Learning Trust) where a new journey begins.
In 2024 Ashbury School celebrated its 300th birthday. We enjoyed welcoming back past pupils and Headteachers as well as the local community who all join in the celebrations.
Our Church
The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice.
The Church encourages and develops the understanding, meaning and significance of faith and promotes all Christian values. The school celebrates its dedicated partnership with the Church and Parish at Diocesan Level.
All children enjoy various worship throughout the week with Collective Worship on a Thursday, which is led by local clergy and members of the congregation. This embeds our Christian Value focus for the term and delivers clear messages through bible stories and reflection time.
There are regular visits from the vicar of St Mary’s and the children enjoy their role in church services at Harvest, Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Leavers’ Service and many others.
"It is a privilege and honour to be associated with the Ashbury Primary School. As a vicar, I have enjoyed the warm and friendly environment within the school. As I enter the school gate I am always welcomed with big smiles from both members of staff and the children. I always sense the spirit of oneness, a happy family where everyone is accepted, respected, loved and cherished. The staff is truly dedicated in nurturing children and bringing the best in each one of them. The children are well-behaved and as a Vicar I am pleased to see them put into practice the values they are taught. I am always fascinated by the children’s participation during collective worship. Indeed, the children are being developed in their awareness of both themselves and the wider world. Well-done Ashbury Primary school and may the Lord continue to bless you always."
Our Community
Our school is an integral part of Ashbury village, so we believe we have a role to play in sharing with the children many of these traditional village qualities: a sense of community and respect for each other, responsible behaviour and tolerance and consideration of others. We pride ourselves on the close relationship we have with our wonderful community.
"This morning I woke to the sound of excited chatter outside my cottage. I looked out of the bedroom window to see the children walking by wearing beautifully decorated Easter bonnets. What a brilliant way to start my day!"
The children enjoy taking part in the village events; parents and other members of the community are welcome to become involved in the day-to-day life of the school.
Our Spirituality
We aim to develop children's awareness both of themselves and the wider world.
Spirituality is not something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions, inspiration and being aware of something ‘bigger’ outside of ourselves.
May our roots go down deep into the soil of God’s love and make us strong Ephesians 3 v 17
"The school is a community of love, where families are welcomed and included. Exceptional care is provided for the wellbeing and mental health of children, their families and staff"