Burlescombe Church of England Primary School
Tiverton, EX16 7JH · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
58th 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 — 6.9/10 against 2,959 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 86.0 · 95 | 62% | 5.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Burlescombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 86.0% 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 30 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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
Since 0.0% of pupils reached the higher standard, what specific strategies are used to stretch high-achieving students? How does the school support pupils in developing their confidence in reading and writing?
What Ofsted said about Burlescombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Pupils are proud of their village school and benefit from "warm and caring relationships" with adults, resulting in good behaviour and personal development. However, the quality of education and leadership require improvement because pupils have not learned the "essential knowledge" needed for future success, leading to lower-than-expected achievement.
Strengths
- Phonics teaching is a strength, with "rigorous and robust" systems ensuring all Year 1 pupils passed their screening check.
- Personal development is strong; pupils understand online safety, learn about diverse beliefs, and build resilience through residential trips and sports.
- Early years provision is good, offering a "warm and inviting space" that balances literacy and numeracy with a love of the outdoors.
- Behaviour is good, characterised by "mutual care and respect" and high attendance rates.
Areas to improve
- The school must identify the "essential knowledge" pupils need to remember, as teachers currently lack clarity on which content to emphasise and revisit.
- Assessment practices need improvement; teachers must use assessment effectively to check understanding and design ambitious tasks that build on prior knowledge.
- Targets for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not sufficiently precise, meaning these pupils do not receive timely or appropriate support.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 36% |
| 2024/25 | 86% |
| 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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