High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy
Umberleigh, EX37 9AY · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 the 2,720 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.6/10 among them, against 7.8/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 90 | 35% | 3.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.6 out of 10 among them, against 7.8 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 84 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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 the inspection is recent, what specific improvements have been made in the areas graded under the new framework? How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy is a small, close-knit school where pupils are "safe and say they feel safe." The report describes a nurturing environment where staff have "high expectations" and pupils "strive to do their absolute best," resulting in strong attendance and exemplary behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary behaviour," creating "calm and focused" classrooms where they show "self-discipline" and treat each other kindly.
- The early years provision is a "strength," with staff ensuring a "flying start" through purposeful interactions and a rigorous focus on vocabulary and phonics.
- Inclusion is embedded in the school’s culture, with "equality of opportunity" ensuring SEND and disadvantaged pupils are "very well supported" and access the curriculum successfully.
- Personal development is highly inclusive, with pupils engaging in sophisticated discussions on ethical issues and taking on roles of responsibility to build confidence.
- Parents value the "open-door culture" and describe the school as a place where children "fall in love with learning."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers’ use of assessment to check what pupils already know enables them to adapt teaching, preventing "gaps in their knowledge" and ensuring work is as ambitious as it could be.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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