East-the-Water Community Primary School
Bideford, EX39 4BZ · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
92nd 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 — 6.7/10 against 1,487 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
East-the-Water Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Video Animation, Gardening, Cooking, Creative Writing, Water Colour, and Sewing clubs. Sports include Cross Country Running, Cycling, Handball, Hockey, Athletics, Netball, Cricket, and Football. Arts and music options cover Dance, Musical Theatre, and Choir. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 439 pupils against a stated capacity of 466. 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 activities are included in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about East-the-Water Community Primary School
Overview
East-the-Water Community Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a “vibrant and welcoming community school” where pupils are happy. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and learning, fostering “warm and nurturing” relationships that ensure pupils feel safe and supported.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” with a strong focus on developing children’s language and communication skills from the early years.
- Early reading is a high priority; staff are well trained, books are “well matched to the sounds pupils are learning,” and extra support helps those falling behind catch up.
- Teachers use “strong subject knowledge” to explain new learning clearly and address errors before moving on, ensuring pupils build on existing understanding.
- The school provides an inclusive environment where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “bespoke support” to follow the curriculum.
- Staff are “highly motivated and proud,” with governors actively supporting staff well-being and checking that leaders are carrying out their vision.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, the curriculum is new and “not yet embedded securely,” meaning pupils’ knowledge in these areas is not as secure as leaders want.
- Leaders need to ensure the curriculum is embedded consistently across the school so that pupils develop a “deep understanding” and remember more over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify concerns quickly and working closely with other professionals to ensure pupils receive appropriate support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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