Old Sarum & Longhedge
We are a primary school near Old Sarum & Longhedge
Old Sarum is one of the most historically important sites in southern England, a precursor to the modern day city of Salisbury. With a medieval royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification, and for 150 years was a major centre of both secular and ecclesiastical government. In 1226 the cathedral was moved to nearby Salisbury and remains a much loved key feature of the city to this day.
Old Sarum and Longhedge are 2 miles away from Salisbury, which has excellent train links and a bustling city centre that boasts its own charter market, since 1227.
Old Sarum & Longhedge Amenities
With approximately 1,450 homes in Old Sarum and Longhedge, and further homes in Laverstock and Ford parish, currently estimated at around 4,100. There is plenty of housing in and around the area.
There is a very well stocked local Coop conveniently located centrally in Old Sarum. Tesco, Waitrose, Lidl, Aldi and Sainsbury's are all available in Salisbury too.
The Old Sarum Community Rooms (OSCR) offer a venue for parties and events and is the place where a majority of community events occur.
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection located at Old Sarum Airfield is a great day out for all.
There is an excellent indoor inflatable Theme Park called Jumpin in Old Sarum. There is also a kids' play park locally, and also on the edge of Salisbury you have Hudsons Field and Castle Hill Country Park, where a variety of regular activities occur: Events, Yoga, Running Groups, Toddler Groups and much more.
Thre are a number of brilliant nurseries in the area.
The population of Old Sarum & Longhedge stands at approx 6000. The last count was made in 2021.
There are also a great number of churches in and around Old Sarum and Salisbury, with some fantastic events and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Our links with the local area
At St. Nicholas, we are deeply proud of our connections to the local area and the communities we serve. These relationships are an essential part of our school’s ethos, enriching both our students’ education and their sense of belonging.
Enriching Education Through Local Heritage
Our bespoke Global Explorer Curriculum places a strong emphasis on curriculum enrichment, often inspired by the rich history and heritage of our local area. Students enjoy class trips to significant historical sites such as Old Sarum—an Iron Age hill fort that offers a tangible connection to the Romans, Normans, and Saxons. Many of our children live near Old Sarum, making these visits an engaging way to deepen their understanding of local history.
In Key Stage 2, students visit Stonehenge as part of their Stone Age project, gaining a hands-on appreciation of one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric landmarks. Additional educational trips include the Living Rainforest, Milestones Museum, Winchester Science Centre, Titanic Museum, Longleat, and Riverbourne Community Farm, all of which provide diverse learning opportunities.
Collaborating with Local Schools
We are part of the Spire Hub within DSAT and we maintain strong connections with other local schools in our Hub, including St. Peter’s, Wilton, Broadchalke, St. Martin’s, and Shrewton. These collaborations enable us to share resources, ideas, and opportunities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across our educational community. By working together, we enhance the experiences and outcomes for all students in the area.
By maintaining and celebrating our links with the local area, we ensure that St. Nicholas remains a vibrant, community-focused school where every child can thrive.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Old Sarum from our school?
Old Sarum is just 4 miles or a 7-minute drive from St Nicholas CE primary school.
What transportation is available for children from Old Sarum?
If within the designated transport catchment area, your child may be eligible for free or assisted transportation to and from school. Wiltshire Council offer this service from Year Reception to Year 11.
Local bus services also offer reduced rates, term tickets and annual passes for school children and young people up to the age of 19, such as Salisbury Reds.
Are there any local clubs in Old Sarum for primary school children?
There are a number of local clubs available for school-age children in the area.
Old Sarum Youth Club
Barracudas Kids Activity Day Camps
Sarum Juniors Orienteering Club
Phoenix Stars Gymnastics
With many more available in Salisbury too, with various football and rugby clubs, dance, ballet and even Parkour! All interests are well catered for and children are able to build strong friendships and networks outside of school whilst learning and developing new skills.
How do I enroll my child in the primary school if we live in Old Sarum?
Applications are submitted through Wiltshire Council. Parents will receive notification from the local authority of your allocated school reception place for September 2025 to early April. Shortly after this, we will be in contact with families to give you more information about our transition visits.