Foundry Lane is more than just a school; it is a place where children, families, and staff work together to build confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. 

Our Context 

Foundry Lane Primary School has been part of the Shirley community in Southampton since 1902, providing generations of local children with their primary education. Over the years, the school has grown and evolved, but our commitment to the children and families we serve has remained constant. 

Our main building is a beautiful Victorian building, and many original features remain in place today, including fireplaces, high ceilings, period wallpaper, and historic artefacts, giving the school a real sense of history and character. 

Today, Foundry Lane is part of The Gateway Trust, a multi-academy trust of nursery, primary, and secondary schools, working in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth to provide the best possible education for every child in our care. 

We currently have approximately 450 children on roll, aged 4 to 11 years, and we welcome families from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of our local community. 

Our Motto 

At Foundry Lane, we are passionate about learning. Our school is proud to be at the centre of our local community. We build collaborative relationships, both locally and globally, to develop the life skills and responsibilities that will equip children for the future. We believe that education should take place in a fully inclusive environment, with equity for all, where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. 

Our world is constantly, and often rapidly, changing, and we want our children to continue to thrive as they grow. We encourage our children to be excited about the world around them and the impact they can have on it. By developing their resilience through learning, we want our children to be able to apply this to all aspects of their lives, so they feel supported to adapt to future challenges. Our learners will also be resilient to change, and will learn to be kind to themselves, and to value and nurture their mental health and wellbeing. We equip all children to become healthy and economically self-sufficient individuals. 

Our Values 

Our school values were designed by staff, children, parents, and governors to reflect the personal and learning attributes we wish for our children to acquire. 

Community and Kindness 

All members of the school community treat others with kindness and learn to value difference and celebrate diversity through acceptance and understanding. We all act as role models, embodying our school values. Everyone works together to create a safe, kind, and caring environment. Learners leave Foundry Lane with the courage and conviction to challenge injustice respectfully, and to make a positive difference in the world in which they live. 

Resilience and Independence 

We support learners to be self-motivated and ambitious, embracing each new day as an opportunity to succeed. We develop resilience and help all children see struggle and mistakes as a natural part of becoming a more effective learner. Children feel empowered to be independent, to step back, reflect, and make mindful decisions that enable them to become willing partners in their own learning. 

Creative and Critical Thinking 

Our creative and engaging curriculum provides learners with opportunities to question, analyse, and problem solve. We encourage all children to set aspirational goals and work hard to reach them. We enable children to be inquisitive learners who are encouraged to shine by asking relevant and useful questions and seeking out well-reasoned answers. Our curriculum is designed to give children the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, to maximise their cognitive development, and to develop the whole child and their individual talents. 

Our Grounds 

Foundry Lane is set within extensive grounds that give children plenty of space to learn, play, and explore. The site comprises two main buildings, along with three large playgrounds and a field offering ample space for outdoor play and physical activity throughout the school day. During the school day, access to the school is via Imperial Avenue. 

Our outdoor gym equipment gives children the opportunity to build strength, balance, and coordination as part of active play, while our field provides space for sports, games, and outdoor learning.  

We are also proud of our extensive garden, which includes a pond, giving children the chance to explore nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy quiet, reflective outdoor spaces as part of their day at Foundry Lane. 

We were thrilled to open our outdoor classroom in 2026 supported by funding from the Blackbird Environmental Fund and The Friends of Foundry Lane.  

We warmly welcome visits to the school.