Appledore School
Bideford, EX39 1PF · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th of 279 primary schools in Devon we can score, 309 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.0/10 against 3,510 of them, against 8.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Appledore School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Lego Club, play football or handball, and perform in Appledore’s Got Talent. The school also organises trips to Lundy island and provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 244 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about Appledore School
Overview
Appledore School is a primary school where pupils are described as happy, curious, and eager to learn. Leaders maintain high expectations within a calm, orderly environment that fosters positive relationships and personal development. The school offers a broad, ambitious curriculum designed to prepare pupils for their next stage of education.
Strengths
- Pupils attend regularly and enjoy a "positive and nurturing environment" where they feel safe and valued.
- Leaders have designed a "carefully sequenced curriculum" that builds knowledge systematically, helping pupils become "explorers, gatherers, explainers and evaluators".
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with staff supporting phonics and promoting a "love of reading" through high-quality texts.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils taking on roles of responsibility and demonstrating respect, inclusion, and confidence.
- Staff workload and well-being are supported, and governors are "ambitious about making a difference".
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, leaders do not check curriculum implementation with enough depth, meaning they are not fully aware of where pupil progress has stalled.
- The needs of some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not identified early enough, and some learning targets lack precision, slowing progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear systems in place to manage concerns, regular staff training, and early help available for families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 87% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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