Holbeton Primary School
Plymouth, PL8 1LT · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th 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 — 9.8/10 against 4,247 of them, against 9.6/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 25.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holbeton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 25.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Cross Country Club and Football Club, and attend Forest School, Farm School, and Beach School trips. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 51 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the Forest School trips? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine?
What Ofsted said about Holbeton Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Holbeton Primary School are described as “happy, safe and enjoy learning,” with strong attendance and positive relationships. The report highlights a curriculum that fosters a “strong connection to the world around them,” particularly through outdoor learning and a focus on reading. While early years provision is exceptional, the overall effectiveness is rated as Good.
Strengths
- Early years provision is “Outstanding,” with children developing “very strong imaginative interpretations of the world” through a “language-rich curriculum.”
- Reading is a clear priority; leaders have established a “well-planned early reading programme” and pupils “love reading.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “effective support that enables them to learn with success and confidence.”
- Staff are “unanimously positive” and proud, with early career teachers receiving “strong support.”
- The school uses the local forest to create “excellent learning opportunities,” where pupils are “enthused about their learning.”
Areas to improve
- The curriculum in some subjects is “not as well designed” as others; specifically, pupils “do not develop their writing knowledge as well” and do not always consider language choices for specific audiences.
- Leaders must ensure all subjects are “consistently well structured” so pupils can “develop complex knowledge incrementally.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with clear systems in place to prioritise pupils’ physical and emotional safety and diligent maintenance of recruitment checks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 33% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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