Chippenham is one of Wiltshire’s largest towns and a popular choice for families looking for a balance between good local amenities, transport links, and access to a range of schools. The town offers a mix of primary and secondary schools serving both Chippenham itself and the surrounding villages.
This guide provides an overview of schools in Chippenham, including local primary and secondary options, catchment considerations, and what families should know when choosing where to live. It is designed for families already living in the area and for those considering a move to Chippenham.
For a wider overview of how education works across the county, see our guide to schools in Wiltshire.
An overview of schools in Chippenham Wiltshire
Chippenham has a relatively high concentration of schools compared to smaller Wiltshire towns, reflecting its size and role as a local hub. Most schools in the area are state-funded and fall under Wiltshire Council admissions, although several operate as academies. There are several private schools near Chippenham, including day and boarding schools. For more details on private schools, view our guide to private schools in Wiltshire.
Key features of schooling in Chippenham include:
- A choice of multiple primary schools within the town
- Secondary schools serving wider catchment areas, including nearby villages
- Walking access to some schools for town-centre families
- Increased demand linked to housing growth in and around Chippenham
As with the rest of Wiltshire, Chippenham does not operate a grammar school system, and secondary education is comprehensive.
Early years and nursery provision in Chippenham
Chippenham has a range of early years settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, and children’s centres, supporting families before primary school age. Availability and admissions vary by provider.
Early years settings in Chippenham include:
- Pewsham Pre-School
A local pre-school providing early years education for younger children in the Pewsham area. - King’s Rise Children’s Centre
A children’s centre offering early years provision and family support services. - Atelier Nursery
A private nursery offering early years childcare and education for families living in and around Chippenham.
Families are advised to check age ranges, availability, and funding options, including government-funded early years places, directly with each provider.
Primary schools in Chippenham
Chippenham has a range of primary schools serving different neighbourhoods across the town. These include community schools, academies, and faith schools. Catchment areas and distance from the school play an important role in admissions.
Primary schools in Chippenham include:
- Charter Primary School
A large primary school serving central Chippenham, offering education from early years through to Year 6. - Ivy Lane Primary School
A community primary school with a defined local catchment, serving families in the surrounding residential areas. - King’s Lodge School
An all-through academy providing primary education alongside secondary provision. - Queen’s Crescent Primary School
A well-established primary school serving the northern part of Chippenham. - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
A faith-based primary school where admissions criteria include religious considerations. - St Paul’s Primary School
A primary school serving families in its local catchment area within Chippenham. - Redlands Primary School
A well-established primary school serving residential areas of the town. - St Peter’s Academy
An academy primary school providing education from early years through to primary age.
Availability and demand vary year to year, and families are advised to carefully check catchment details and admissions policies.
Secondary schools in Chippenham
Secondary schools in Chippenham typically serve pupils from the town and surrounding villages. As a result, catchment areas can be wider than those for primary schools.
Secondary schools in and around Chippenham include:
- Sheldon School
A large comprehensive secondary school with sixth-form provision, serving Chippenham and nearby villages. - Hardenhuish School
A co-educational comprehensive school located close to the town centre, offering education through to sixth form. - King’s Lodge School
An all-through school providing secondary education as well as primary provision.
Some families living in Chippenham may also consider secondary schools in neighbouring towns, depending on catchment boundaries and availability. For those considering the independent sector, the nearby city of Bath offers some outstanding private schools. Check our Bath schools guide for more details.
Sixth form and post-16 education in Chippenham
Chippenham offers a range of post-16 education options, including school-based sixth forms and further education provision.
Local options include:
- Sixth forms attached to secondary schools
- Further education colleges offering academic and vocational courses
- Opportunities to travel to nearby towns for specialist pathways
The availability of post-16 provision can influence where families choose to live, particularly for those planning beyond GCSEs.
Catchment areas and admissions in Chippenham
School admissions in Chippenham are managed in line with Wiltshire Council policies, although individual schools set their own admissions criteria. For more details on applying for a school place in Chippenham, head to the Wiltshire Council website.
Key points for parents to consider:
- Living within a catchment area does not guarantee a school place
- Distance from the school is often a deciding factor when schools are oversubscribed
- Faith schools may apply additional criteria
Catchment boundaries and demand can change from year to year
Parents should always refer to the most up-to-date admissions information provided by Wiltshire Council and individual schools.
How Chippenham fits into schooling in Wiltshire
Chippenham is often compared with other Wiltshire towns such as Melksham and Corsham when families are deciding where to live.
For more location-specific guidance, you may also find these guides useful:
- Schools in Wiltshire
- Schools in Melksham
- Schools in Corsham
- Schools in Bradford on Avon
- Schools in Trowbridge
- Schools in Calne
- Schools in Chippenham
Looking for news and family friendly events in and around Chippenham? Check out the Bath & Wiltshire Parent news and events listings.
Top schools in Chippenham: Frequently asked questions
Are schools in Chippenham good?
Chippenham offers a range of well-regarded schools, with quality varying by school and year group. Many families value the choices available within the town. For more details on each school and to help you make an informed decision, you can check the school’s Ofsted report.
How many secondary schools are there in Chippenham?
Chippenham has several comprehensive secondary schools serving the town and surrounding villages, some of which offer sixth-form provision.
Do you need to live in Chippenham to attend a school there?
Not always. Some pupils travel in from nearby villages, although distance and catchment areas affect admissions.
Are there private schools in Chippenham?
There are no large independent schools based directly in Chippenham town, but several private schools operate within a reasonable travelling distance, including in the county of Wiltshire and the nearby city of Bath, B&NES.
How far do children travel to secondary school in Chippenham?
Travel distances vary. Some pupils walk or cycle, while others rely on buses, particularly those attending schools with wider catchment areas.