Our Rallying Cry

We are united by our rallying cry “Kind hearts. Curious minds. World ready.”

This mantra is more than just words; it’s a belief that our children can understand, embrace, and take ownership of.

Mission (What we do and how we do it)

Our goal is to equip children with the right skills, attitudes, and mindsets they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. We aim to help every child grow into a caring, courageous, and resilient individual.

Our children work hard together and celebrate each other’s successes. They lift each other up and cheer each other on. With kind hearts and curious minds, they step into the world as thoughtful, responsible, creative, and compassionate members of society.

Our vibrant community enables a supportive environment that nurtures growth and a thirst for life-long learning.

Here, we are shaping the builders, makers, movers and shakers of the future!

Vision (The long-term impact of our mission)

Our purpose is to spark curiosity through inspiring learning experiences, empowering children to discover their own potential. We equip them with a toolkit for life, laying a solid foundation that enables them to pursue their goals and dreams with enthusiasm and resilience.

With a deep understanding of our children’s unique strengths, we build a strong sense of belonging and confidence preparing them to embrace the wonderful opportunities ahead in life.

What Sets Us Apart

Deep roots and deeply connected

Vallis First School, established in 1843, has deep roots in the heart of Frome, reflecting a long history of commitment to education and the community it serves. Our long-standing presence provides a sense of stability and belonging for families, reinforcing our dedication to providing quality education. We blend time-honoured values with innovative teaching practices to create a dynamic learning environment.

We take pride in being a community school, standing as one of the few remaining institutions in Frome that are not affiliated with an academy trust or any religion. Our independence allows families to feel connected and actively engaged in their children’s education. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, we celebrate differences and warmly welcome families from all backgrounds, creating a wonderful mix of perspectives within our school family.

Often described by parents as “a village school in a town”, Vallis School is a space to grow, to belong and to seize opportunities – right in the very centre of Frome town and the beating heart of the community.

Celebrating individuality and nurturing growth

At Vallis First School, we believe that education is more than just academic success, it’s a journey of growth where every child is celebrated for who they are. More than a school, we’re “in it together”, encouraging each other, as one united team, creating lasting friendships.

In an increasingly homogenous world, ours is a school that celebrates creativity and independent thinkers. We see each child as an individual, not a “cog in the wheel”. We know each child and what makes them tick.

It’s a point of pride that we create a warm and vibrant environment where every child feels valued and supported. In this nurturing space they are encouraged to explore, take risks and discover who they are. We help them to find their inner fire and to follow their dreams, by learning in a relaxed and playful way, celebrating each and every step as they move forward.

 Our purpose is to cultivate both a zest for life and the solid qualities needed to maintain self-belief and self-confidence. It is a real pleasure to see our children able to have empathy with people from all walks of life and to become rounded individuals, who can connect with everyone, confident in their own individual strengths. Together we foster a community where every child can thrive and shine.

Our dedicated team takes the time to connect with each family and is genuinely invested in every child’s well-being and growth. Vallis School aims to be a nucleus for truly excellent teachers, where quality of leadership is second to none and where all staff, regardless of role, are committed to their own learning journey and the sharing of positive and high-quality education and experience.

Walkable Learning in the Heart of Frome

Nestled in the centre of Frome, perched near the top of Catherine Hill, we have a wealth of opportunities for rich and inspiring learning experiences right on our doorstep.

Our children regularly enjoy hands-on, immersive learning from performances at the Merlin and Lucky Chance Theatres to exhibitions at the Black Swan Art Gallery. We play in concerts at The Cheese and Grain, tend our allotment and play in the woods at Welshmill Park. Geography and History concepts are brought to life by following the course of the River Frome and studying the artefacts in Frome Museum. We visit our friends at Hunting Raven Bookshop and Rye Bakery, building a love for stories and community connection.

Our playing field is nearby down in the beautiful Whatcombe Fields, which we use for sports. We love football and the older children can play every lunchtime with our sports coaches. We also take full advantage of Frome Sports Centre, just a short walk away.

Our value of ‘Community’ is taken seriously and we actively participate in caring for the Milk Street Community Garden, decorating the school for the famous Window Wanderland Trail and take part in Frome Kindness Festival.

Beyond Frome, we relish exploratory excursions further afield to Stonehenge, Hauser and Wirth, Bath, galleries and museums.

All of these opportunities not only enhance our curriculum but also deepen our children’s connection with their community and the world around them.

Our Values:

Our six values (Calm, Community, Courage, Compassion, Connected, Cultured) link to our vision, are explored in assemblies and classrooms and permeate throughout our policies and practice.

• Make Calm, happy, healthy relationships and friendships based on respect. Know how to look after your own wellbeing.
• Build Community with generosity, giving back and helping others, growing the future citizens of Frome.
• Have Courage to make brave choices that open doors to lifelong learning and enable children to realise their big hopes and dreams.
• Show Compassion for others and the world around us, sharing kindness and love.
• Be Connected to others in the wider world, understanding our differences and similarities, enabling us to live in harmony.
• Be Cultured, explore our rich heritage, the artists, makers and historic buildings at the heart of Frome and beyond.