Drake Primary Academy
Plymouth, PL2 2EN · Plymouth · primary school
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62nd of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 — 3.3/10 against 1,448 of them, against 2.8/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| 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.
Drake Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Family FUNS club, take part in Bikeability and Balanceability, and access both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 136 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 areas did the recent Ofsted inspection highlight for improvement? How does the school structure the transition from the breakfast club into the main school day?
What Ofsted said about Drake Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school undergoing significant leadership changes, with new structures providing clear accountability. While leaders have an accurate understanding of necessary improvements and are proactive, much of this work is in the early stages and some actions are being implemented too slowly. The school is fulfilling the expected standard in early years and personal development, but requires attention in achievement, attendance, behaviour, curriculum, inclusion, and leadership.
Strengths
- Early years provision is a "calm and nurturing environment" where staff "skilfully adapt the curriculum" and ensure children are "well prepared for learning in Year 1".
- Pupils benefit from a "generous and inclusive range of extra-curricular clubs" and opportunities to contribute to the community, such as through "eco warriors" and the school council.
- Disadvantaged pupils "achieve well by the end of Year 6", with outcomes broadly in line with national averages.
- Leaders have established "meet-and-greet routines" and "safe spaces" to support pupil wellbeing, and bullying is "not presently a significant issue".
Areas to improve
- Leaders must strengthen oversight of support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring strategies are implemented consistently and adapted quickly as needs change.
- Teachers need to use new assessment systems effectively to identify knowledge gaps and adjust teaching, while phonics instruction requires greater consistency and precision.
- Leaders should analyse attendance patterns more closely to remove barriers to attendance and ensure improvement actions are carried out by appropriately skilled staff to bring about more rapid improvements.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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