Bishops Tawton Primary School
Barnstaple, EX32 0AE · Devon · primary school
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256th 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 the 3,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7/10 among them, against 2.0/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bishops Tawton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7 out of 10 among them, against 2.0 out of 10 nationally. The school was inspected in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, tag rugby, tennis, netball, cricket, cross country, Bikeability, volleyball, and dance, with a residential trip to Lundy.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 pupils against a stated capacity of 168. 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 school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Bishops Tawton Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where "pupils are proud to be part of this caring school" and "most pupils achieve well by the time they leave Year 6." Leaders have established a "rich" curriculum that builds skills progressively, resulting in high attendance and a calm, purposeful learning environment.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "close and trusting relationships" with staff, with bullying being "rare" and incidents of poor behaviour addressed swiftly.
- The curriculum is "designed well to build skills progressively," enabling pupils to "skilfully link what they have learned across different subjects."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, as well as disadvantaged pupils, "progress well from their starting points" due to timely adjustments and effective support.
- Attendance rates are "above the national average," reflecting that "pupils enjoy coming to school" and benefit from personalised support when concerns arise.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should provide training so staff "implement the school’s phonics programme consistently well," as some lack the subject knowledge to teach it effectively.
- Leaders should ensure interactions in the early years are used well to "enhance learning and extend children’s language and thinking," as staff do not always probe understanding effectively.
- Governors should "strengthen their oversight, support and challenge" to ensure it is "consistently robust across all areas" and focused on appropriate development priorities.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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