Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School
Ilfracombe, EX34 9LW · Devon · primary school
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259th 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 — 1.0/10 against 2,106 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 37.0 · 6 | 62% | 0.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 38% | 0.82 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Tai Chi, Karate, Creative Writing, and Tarka Drama Groups. Sports include volleyball, football, netball, yoga, dance, cricket, and running. Trips visit Arlington Court, Simonsbath, Landmark Theatre, and Stonehenge. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 326 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment from the current 37.0%? How does the curriculum balance academic rigour with the wide range of extracurricular activities offered?
What Ofsted said about Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School
Overview
The report describes a school where ‘Thriving together’ is central, fostering highly positive attitudes to learning and strong, nurturing relationships. It is characterised as ‘a sanctuary’ for pupils, many of whom face barriers to learning, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school successfully prioritises social and emotional needs, resulting in exceptional behaviour and a highly inclusive environment.
Strengths
- Pupils develop ‘highly positive attitudes to learning’ and become ‘respectful, caring and thoughtful individuals’.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and designed to help pupils with low starting points ‘catch up to their expected levels’.
- Staff expertise in SEND provisions ensures disadvantaged pupils ‘quickly gain the confidence and resilience needed to tackle challenges’.
- Governors ‘provide the necessary challenge and support’ and the school leads on work that others seek as ‘examples of good practice’.
- Attendance is improving because pupils ‘want to be in school’ and feel safe.
Areas to improve
- Published outcomes do not yet fully reflect the quality of education; the school must refine the curriculum so academic achievements better align with pupils’ knowledge.
- Monitoring lacks precision; the school must strengthen its analysis of ‘patterns and trends over time’ to better evaluate the impact of its actions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| 2024/25 | 37% |
| 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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