Boscombe
We are a primary school near Boscombe, Salisbury
Boscombe is a small village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Allington, Wiltshire, England. It lies about 3 miles south-east of Amesbury on the banks of the River Bourne, on the A338 road which follows the Bourne on its way from Salisbury to Tidworth and beyond. North-east of Salisbury and Porton itself.
The ancient parish of Boscombe, which had land stretching both north-west and south-east onto the downs above the river, was added to Allington parish in 1934. West and East Boscombe were still marked on maps in the mid-20th century but today only the name Boscombe is used.
In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded two estates in Boscombe, one held by William of Eu and the other by Amesbury Abbey. The manor house at East Boscombe, known as Boscombe House, was demolished around 1770. The former manor house at West Boscombe, Queen Manor, still stands today. The church in Boscombe is dedicated to St. Andrew.
An RAF airfield was opened in 1930 on Boscombe Down, northwest of Boscombe towards Amesbury. Since 1939, the site has been a military aircraft test and research facility, now known as MoD Boscombe Down. Although the establishment's buildings are about 2 miles from the village, the south end of one runway is about 900m from the centre of the village.
Boscombe Amenities
There is a recreation centre and grounds with various events and activities throughout the year. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Amesbury, which is just 3 miles north-west of Boscombe, has a wide array of independent shops and amenities, a library, soft play, plus groups and activities for kids.
There isn't much information about the population of Boscombe in Wiltshire. In 2021, the population of Wiltshire was 510,400, which was an 8.4% increase from 2011. This was higher than the overall increase for England, which was 6.6%.
There are a number of brilliant nurseries in the area. Rafakidz in particular is well regarded.
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.
Inspiring Aspirations
In alignment with our Big Idea to be Aspirational, we regularly invite local businesses and industries to speak with our students about their career pathways. These visits inspire children to see how their hobbies and passions can evolve into fulfilling careers, broadening their horizons and nurturing ambition. Visits have included representatives from DSTL and PHE as well as chefs, sports coaches, policemen, nurses and doctors. We even had an opera singer come and perform!
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 Boscombe from our school?
Boscombe is 1.7 miles or a 3-minute drive from St Nicholas CE primary school, via A338.
What transportation is available for children from Boscombe?
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 Boscombe for primary school children?
There are some fascinating and engaging clubs and activities available for kids of all ages in the Boscombe Down area and nearby.
How do I enroll my child in the primary school if we live in Boscome?
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.