Bickleigh Down Church of England Primary School
Plymouth, PL6 7JW · Devon · primary school
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32nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.4/10 against 4,152 of them, against 8.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bickleigh Down Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join PSSP Extra-Curricular Clubs and a running club. Sports include Cross-Country, Football, Boccia, Dodgeball, Indoor Athletics, Bee Netball, Gymnastics and Bikeability. Dance is offered for arts and music, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 416 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum? What support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Bickleigh Down Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school that is “welcoming to all pupils and families,” where learners are “proud of their school” and demonstrate high levels of politeness and aspiration. Leaders maintain “high expectations for all pupils,” ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education through a clear vision and collaborative approach.
Strengths
- Leaders have created an “ambitious and well-structured curriculum” with a strong focus on reading, where staff “skilfully use expression to bring stories to life.”
- Children in Reception get an “exceptional start,” benefiting from a calm environment and activities that stimulate “interest and imagination.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “achieve well,” receiving targeted support while learning the full curriculum alongside their peers.
- Governors hold leaders to account effectively while ensuring “the workload and well-being of staff is managed well.”
- Attendance levels are “very high” due to robust processes, and pupils show a “strong understanding of fundamental British values.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, assessment is not effective and fails to identify knowledge gaps, meaning the curriculum does not always ensure pupils build knowledge effectively.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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