Astwood Bank Primary School was opened in 1877 as an all-age school serving the village of Astwood Bank. In the subsequent hundred years the school underwent a number of changes culminating in its redevelopment as a First School during the 1970s, when the three-tier system of education was introduced in Redditch. Today, the school catchment includes the villages of Astwood Bank and Cookhill.

During the last 10 years, the number of pupils attending the school from outside the catchment area has risen to its present level of 60% of our total intake. In 2010 it was judged outstanding by Ofsted and we currently support effective practice in Worcestershire. The school has always been an integral part of the village community and strong links have existed for a number of years with the neighbouring Church and a variety of village groups. Since September 2001 the school has been constantly updated. The main block now houses nine classrooms and an enclosed outdoor learning area.

In March 2002 we opened a purpose-built Early Years Unit, which comprises two classrooms and an outdoor classroom area, together with a new Key Stage 1 classroom. During 2006 and 2007 a new hall was built in addition to upgrading our original facilities which now houses a specialist music room. The Hall is used for physical education, assemblies and drama productions, as well as large meetings and special events. Our hall was developed further in 2010 with the addition of a servery to enable the school to provide hot lunches.

In autumn 2013 we opened a “Nature/ Nurture” room situated near the Forest School area which is used as a nurture space for small groups, a Forest School classroom and as an extra classroom space for special curriculum activities. Most recently, a new six-classroom block was completed, to house the Year 4, 5 and 6 children when we expanded to become a Primary School in September 2017.

The school has its own Environmental Area containing a pond and a small wood, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Our Reception and Year 1 children have a weekly Forest School session which has now been extended to the whole school on a rota basis. The playing fields are directly behind the classrooms and the playgrounds are situated around the teaching block.