Buckland Brewer Primary School
Bideford, EX39 5LX · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
271st 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 — 0.4/10 against 2,470 of them, against 0.7/10 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 | 33.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.17 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| 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.
Buckland Brewer Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 33.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in April 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 49 pupils against a stated capacity of 49. 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 plan to raise attainment in reading, writing and maths following the 2024 inspection? What specific steps are being taken to address the gap between current results and the national median? How does the school support pupils in reaching the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Buckland Brewer Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school is "ambitious for all pupils to succeed" and has made changes to the curriculum since the previous inspection. While these actions are "making a difference," it is noted that "it is still early days" and the curriculum does not yet support pupils to build their knowledge well enough.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending the school, reflected in "high attendance" and a "positive learning environment where successes are celebrated."
- Pupils are "respectful and treat others equally," and they "feel safe" knowing adults will help them.
- "Pupils’ personal development is a strength," enriched by trips, clubs, and leadership roles such as ‘family captains’.
- Behaviour is described as "calm and orderly," with pupils knowing how learning behaviours help them be successful.
- Early years provision shows improvement, with "warm relationships" helping children settle and maintain focus.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure all staff develop the "subject knowledge and expertise" needed to deliver the new curriculum effectively across all subjects.
- Precise support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) must be identified and put in place so they can "learn the curriculum well."
- The school needs to check curriculum implementation with "enough precision" and follow up improvements with "rigour" to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
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 | 22% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 33% |
| 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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