Salisbury
We are a primary school near Salisbury
Salisbury is a historic city in the south-east of Wiltshire, near the edge of Salisbury Plain. Salisbury has a fascinating history and a community that embraces and works to care for and protect it. Many of the buildings, homes and gardens are Grade 1 and 2 listed, including some National Trust houses such as Mompesson House.
Salisbury is famous for it's stunning 13th-Century Cathedral with a 404-foot spire. It has been England's tallest since the late 16th century. The spire's large clock was installed in 1386, and is one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in the world. The cathedral also contains the best-preserved of the four surviving copies of Magna Carta.
Salisbury has a strong artistic community, with galleries situated in the city centre. Salisbury's annual International Arts Festival, started in 1973, and held in late May to early June, provides a programme of theatre, live music, dance, public sculpture, street performance and art exhibitions.
Salisbury has a thriving sports community with well established clubs such as Salisbury F.C., Bemerton Heath Harlequins F.C. and Laverstock & Ford F.C., Salisbury Rugby Club, South Wilts Cricket Club and Salisbury Hockey Club.
Five rivers meet in Salisbury – the Nadder, Ebble, Wylye, Bourne and Avon.
Salisbury Amenities
Salisbury has had a Charter Market since 1227, held in the Market Square every Tuesday and Saturday, along with an excellent variety of shops and eateries.
Salisbury has two impressive cinemas, a golf course, driving range, racecourse, a leisure centre and swimming pool. Salisbury Playhouse, which produces between eight and ten plays a year, as well as welcoming touring productions and a very popular pantomime each year. There is even a Mystery Treasure Trail to help you discover the rest of Salisbury.
There are several secondary schools in and around Salisbury. The city has the only grammar schools in Wiltshire - South Wilts Grammar School for girls and Bishop Wordsworth's School for boys; since September 2020, both have mixed sixth forms. Witshire College is also in Salisbury and offers an incredible range of courses.
Salisbury Hospital and A&E are just on the outskirts of the city centre.
There are a number of brilliant nurseries in the area. In particular, BusyBees in Salisbury is very well regarded.
Salisbury is famous in Hollywood, as various locations and buildings have been used in films and TV - particular mentions would be Wilton House, as seen in Downton Abbey and Bridgerton.
Salisbury railway station is the crossing point of the West of England Main Line, from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids, with excellent connections to Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Bournemouth.
The census population of the City of Salisbury in 2021 was 47,690.
We have a number of churches in and around Salisbury, particular mentions would be St Pauls Church and St.Thomas' Church
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.
Connections to Salisbury Cathedral
Each year, groups of students participate in projects at Salisbury Cathedral. These activities range from History and Geography fieldwork to singing in an 800-piece choir as part of the iSingPOP concert with DSAT. Our students also join with 28 other schools in our family for a grand Leavers’ Service, creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate both learning and community.
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 Salisbury from our school?
Salisbury is just 7 miles or a 22-min drive from St Nicholas CE primary school.
What transportation is available for children from Salisbury?
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 Salisbury for primary school children?
Salisbury has a wealth of activities and clubs for all ages and all interests, from various sports to performing arts and martial arts. There really is something for everyone in Salisbury, from football, martial arts and much more.
How do I enroll my child in the primary school if we live in Salisbury?
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.