Local Guide · Schools in Alton
Best Schools and Nurseries in Alton: A Guide for Families: Part 2
About This Article
A detailed comparison of the local schools to Alton to assist those looking to move to the area, understand the local educational opportunities.
Need Help Deciding?
Whether you’re comparing Alton and Four Marks or ready to view properties, Alton Property Team can offer honest, no-obligation advice.
Contact Alton Property Team
01420 617303
homematcher@altonpropertyteam.co.uk
21 Lipscombe Rise, Alton, GU34 2HR
altonpropertyteam.co.uk
About This Article
A detailed local comparison of Alton and Four Marks to help buyers decide which East Hampshire location best suits their lifestyle and budget.
Key Takeaways
Alton offers greater choice & convenience
Four Marks delivers village space & calm
Both have strong schools & demand
Prices vary more by property type than location alone
Local knowledge makes the difference
Need Help Deciding?
Whether you’re comparing Alton and Four Marks or ready to view properties, Alton Property Team can offer honest, no-obligation advice.
Contact Alton Property Team
01420 617303
homecatcher@altonpropertyteam.co.uk
21 Lipscombe Rise, Alton, GU34 2HR
altonpropertyteam.co.uk
Choosing where to live with children often means looking beyond the property itself. Schools, nurseries, journey times and the feel of the surrounding neighbourhood can all play an important part in deciding which area is right for your family.
In our first guide to schools and nurseries in Alton, we looked at some of the town's best-known options, including Eggar's School, Amery Hill School, Saint Lawrence Church of England Primary School, The Butts Primary School, Busy Bees @ Chawton Park and The Lime Tree Children's Day Nursery.
However, Alton and the villages immediately around it offer considerably more choice.
In Part 2, we look at several more infant and junior schools within Alton itself, together with primary schools in Holybourne and Chawton and some additional early-years settings families may want to consider.
Ofsted reports provide a useful starting point, but they should never be the only factor in choosing a school or nursery. Inspection frameworks, admissions arrangements and catchment areas can change, so families should always check the latest information directly with the setting and Hampshire County Council before making decisions.
Alton Infant School – Rated Good by Ofsted
Ages 4-7
Located on Normandy Street, close to the centre of Alton, Alton Infant School provides education for children from Reception through to Year 2.
Ofsted currently rates the school Good, with its latest inspection taking place in June 2024. Inspectors found that the school continued to provide a good standard of education and highlighted its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Pupils were described as happy and safe, with positive relationships between children and staff and high expectations for learning and behaviour.
As an infant school, Alton Infant focuses specifically on the early stages of primary education before children move on to junior provision.
Its central location can make it particularly relevant for families considering homes within established residential areas around central Alton, although school admission should always be checked separately rather than assumed from proximity alone.
Anstey Junior School
Ages 7-11
Anstey Junior School, on Eastbrooke Road, caters for pupils from Year 3 through to Year 6 and is one of Alton's main junior-school options.
Ofsted currently rates the school Good, following its most recent inspection in March 2025. Inspectors highlighted the respectful culture within the school, positive behaviour and the support provided to pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school also received positive comments around its provision for English and maths, reading, and the way pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and independence.
For families with younger children, the separate infant and junior school structure in this part of Alton is worth understanding when looking at the progression from Reception through to secondary education.
Its location near Anstey Park also puts the school within easy reach of several residential areas on the eastern and central sides of Alton.
Wootey Infant School
Ages 4-7
Situated on Wooteys Way, Wootey Infant School serves children from Reception to Year 2.
Its latest Ofsted inspection took place in October 2024. Under the inspection framework in place at the time, the school did not receive a new single overall effectiveness grade. Instead, Ofsted assessed the individual areas of provision.
Wootey Infant was judged Good for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The school shares its Wooteys Way location with Wootey Junior School, making this part of Alton particularly relevant for families looking at schooling across the primary-age years.
Wootey Junior School
Ages 7-11
Wootey Junior School sits alongside Wootey Infant School and provides education for children from Year 3 to Year 6.
Ofsted currently rates the school Good, with its latest inspection taking place in May 2022.
Inspectors described it as a happy school where pupils were eager to learn and felt safe. They also highlighted strong relationships between staff and pupils, high expectations around behaviour and calm classrooms.
For parents considering the Wootey area, having infant and junior provision on the same site may be a useful practical consideration, particularly for families with children of different primary-school ages.
Andrews Endowed Church of England Primary School
Ages 4-11
Families considering Holybourne also have a primary school within the village itself.
Andrews' Endowed Church of England Primary School, on London Road, provides education from Reception through to Year 6 and has a Church of England foundation.
Its most recent graded Ofsted inspection took place in May 2023, when the school was judged Good overall. Quality of education, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all judged Good, while behaviour and attitudes were rated Outstanding.
For families looking to live just outside Alton town centre, Holybourne can offer more of a village setting while still being very close to Alton's shops, facilities and secondary schools.
Andrews' Endowed therefore adds another useful option for families comparing homes in Alton itself with properties in nearby Holybourne.
Chawton Church of England Primary School
Ages 4-11
A short distance to the south-west of Alton is the historic village of Chawton, home to Chawton Church of England Primary School.
This is a much smaller primary school than many of Alton's town schools, with just over 100 places, giving it the feel of a traditional village primary.
The school is currently listed as Good by Ofsted, with its latest inspection taking place in November 2024.
For families who like the idea of village living while remaining very close to Alton, Chawton is an obvious area to investigate. The village is particularly well known for its connection with Jane Austen, but for families considering a permanent move, the presence of its own primary school is another important part of the picture.
As with all village schools, parents should check current admission arrangements carefully rather than assuming that living nearby automatically guarantees a place.
Nurseries in Alton
Bushy Leaze Early Years Centre – Rated Good by Ofsted
Bushy Leaze Early Years Centre, on Eastbrooke Road, is a local-authority nursery school providing early-years education for children in Alton.
Unlike a conventional private day nursery, Bushy Leaze is a maintained nursery school and also provides specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Its most recent Ofsted inspection took place in July 2023, when the centre was judged Good overall. Quality of education and leadership and management were rated Good, while behaviour and attitudes and personal development were rated Outstanding.
Its location close to Anstey Junior School also means families living around this part of Alton have several different education and childcare options within a relatively small area.
Enchanted Nursery – Rated Good by Ofsted
Enchanted Nursery is a full-day nursery based on Anstey Road in Alton, providing childcare for babies through to pre-school age.
The nursery is currently rated Good by Ofsted, with its latest inspection taking place in April 2022. It received Good judgements across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The setting provides age-appropriate spaces for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, alongside outdoor play and additional activity areas designed to support children's development and independence.
Its location on Anstey Road also makes it relatively convenient for families living in eastern Alton or commuting towards the A31, while remaining close to the town centre and surrounding residential areas.
First Friends @ Wootey – Strong Standard Across All Areas in Latest Ofsted Inspection
Located within the grounds of Wootey Infant School on Wooteys Way, First Friends @ Wootey provides full-day childcare and early-years education for children from six months to five years.
The nursery underwent its latest Ofsted inspection in June 2026, under Ofsted's newer inspection framework.
First Friends achieved Strong Standard across all six areas assessed. Inspectors highlighted the nursery's ambitious curriculum, nurturing environment, strong relationships with families and the way children are prepared for the next stage of their education.
The nursery also has close links with Wootey Infant and Junior Schools, which can help children become familiar with the school environment before progressing into primary education.
Its location may therefore be particularly convenient for families who already have, or expect eventually to have, children attending the Wootey schools.
Holybourne Village Pre-school – Rated Good by Ofsted
Families looking at Holybourne also have a dedicated village pre-school. Holybourne Village Pre-school operates from Holybourne Village Hall on Church Lane.
Its latest Ofsted inspection took place in September 2024, when the setting was rated Good overall and Good in all four inspection areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Inspectors highlighted positive relationships between staff and children, support for children's independence, opportunities for physical activity and effective provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
For families considering a move to Holybourne, the combination of a village pre-school, Andrews' Endowed Primary School and nearby Eggar's School means there are educational options covering several different stages within or very close to the village.
Choosing Between Schools in Alton, Holybourne and Chawton
One of Alton's strengths for families is the variety of educational settings available within the town and surrounding villages.
Some parents may prefer a larger town school close to shops, leisure facilities and Alton railway station. Others may be attracted to smaller village schools and the lifestyle offered by places such as Holybourne or Chawton.
Neither approach is automatically better. The right choice will depend on your child's individual needs, school availability, admissions criteria, your daily routine and, ultimately, where you want to live.
It is also important to remember that buying a property close to a particular school does not automatically guarantee admission. Catchment arrangements, oversubscription criteria and available places can change from year to year.
Families planning a move should therefore investigate school admissions alongside their property search rather than leaving the question until after they have found a home.
Is Alton a Good Place to Live With Children?
For many families, Alton offers an appealing balance between everyday amenities, schooling and access to the countryside.
There are multiple primary and secondary schools, a good range of nurseries and pre-schools, parks and leisure facilities, a traditional town centre and a mainline railway station, while the surrounding East Hampshire countryside is never far away.
There is also plenty of variety in the local housing market, from period properties and established family neighbourhoods within Alton to village homes in places such as Holybourne and Chawton.
If you're still researching local education options, our first guide to schools and nurseries in Alton covers several additional primary schools, both of Alton's main secondary schools and further nursery options.
As ever, the best area for your family will depend on your priorities, budget, preferred school options and the type of property and lifestyle you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools and Nurseries in Alton
What infant schools are there in Alton?
Alton Infant School and Wootey Infant School both provide education for children aged four to seven. Other primary schools in Alton, including Saint Lawrence Church of England Primary School and The Butts Primary School, educate children across the full primary age range.
What junior schools are there in Alton?
Anstey Junior School and Wootey Junior School both cater for children aged seven to eleven.
Are there village primary schools near Alton?
Yes. Andrews' Endowed Church of England Primary School serves Holybourne, while Chawton Church of England Primary School serves Chawton and the surrounding area.
What nurseries and pre-schools are available in Alton?
There are a number of options across Alton and the surrounding villages. In addition to the settings covered in our Part 1 guide, families may also want to consider Bushy Leaze Early Years Centre, Enchanted Nursery, First Friends @ Wootey and Holybourne Village Pre-school.
Does living close to an Alton school guarantee a place?
No. School places depend on the relevant admissions policy, available places and oversubscription criteria. Families should always check the latest information with Hampshire County Council and the individual school before making a property decision.
Where can I find more information about schools in Alton?
Our first guide to schools and nurseries in Alton covers additional primary schools, both of Alton's main secondary schools and further nursery options.
Thinking About Moving to Alton?
If you're considering a move to Alton, Holybourne, Chawton or one of the surrounding villages, Alton Property Team can help you understand not just the homes available, but the local areas, schools and practical considerations that can influence your decision.
As experienced estate agents in Alton, we combine detailed local knowledge with in-house legal expertise to help buyers and sellers navigate the moving process with greater confidence.
If you're considering selling your home in Alton, we can help with everything from an honest valuation and marketing strategy through to offer negotiation and sales progression. Our solicitor-led approach also means potential legal issues can be identified earlier, helping to reduce avoidable delays once a buyer has been found.
Whether you're planning a move now or simply starting to explore your options, speak to Alton Property Team for straightforward local advice on the Alton property market and the surrounding villages.
Information checked August 2026. Ofsted ratings, inspection frameworks, school and nursery provision, admissions arrangements and other details can change over time. Families should always confirm the latest information directly with the individual school or nursery, Ofsted and Hampshire County Council before making decisions.