Decoy Primary School
Newton Abbot, TQ12 1DH · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
191st 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 — 1.7/10 against 2,826 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Decoy Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, 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 (1.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Year 6 pupils attend a residential trip at Heatree. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 443 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 school manage class sizes when the roll exceeds capacity by 23? What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How is the 2023 inspection report being used to improve teaching in the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Decoy Primary School
Overview
Decoy Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by an inclusive environment with a strong "family ethos". Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in pupils who work hard, achieve well in most curriculum areas, and treat others with courtesy.
Strengths
- The curriculum is engaging and carefully structured, ensuring new ideas build on prior knowledge from the early years.
- Reading is a priority, with staff delivering phonics effectively and providing access to "high-quality, diverse texts" that widen pupils’ reading repertoire.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are accurately identified and receive tailored support to access learning successfully.
- Staff possess secure subject knowledge, planning activities that allow pupils to recap previous learning before introducing new concepts.
- Personal development is promoted well, with pupils learning resilience and independence while taking on responsibilities such as playtime leaders.
Areas to improve
- Teachers’ checks on pupils’ understanding in the wider curriculum are not always precise enough, hindering the identification of gaps or misconceptions.
- Some subject leaders are new to their roles and do not yet know how well their subject plans are working; they need a secure understanding of pupil achievement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance, thorough record-keeping, and robust processes for safer recruitment.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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