Holywell Church of England School
Barnstaple, EX31 3HZ · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
220th 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 4,263 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holywell Church of England School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 86 pupils against a stated capacity of 108. 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 core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children reach the higher standard in reading and maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between current results and national medians?
What Ofsted said about Holywell Church of England School
Overview
Holywell Church of England School continues to be a good school, where pupils are proud to attend and eager to learn. Christian values permeate all aspects of school life, fostering strong relationships and a sense of safety among pupils. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in positive attitudes and secure progress through the curriculum for most students.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong, with older pupils helping younger ones and bullying being rare.
- Phonics teaching is accurate and effective, with staff quickly identifying and supporting pupils who struggle with reading.
- Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities without delay, ensuring they receive suitable help.
- Staff feel well supported and appreciate leaders’ consideration for their workload, contributing to a happy working environment.
- Pupils learn to be active citizens, participating in fundraising and valuing the opinions of others.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to ensure that sequences of learning consistently build on what pupils know and can do, as this is currently not done well enough, making it hard for some pupils to remember their learning over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify risks and report concerns, which are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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