Instow Community Primary and Pre-School
Bideford, EX39 4LU · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
74th 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 4,223 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.1/10 among them, against 6.1/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Instow Community Primary and Pre-School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.1 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 136 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 does the daily routine look like for children attending the breakfast club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in the coming years?
What Ofsted said about Instow Community Primary and Pre-School
Overview
Instow Community Primary and Pre-School continues to be a good school, where pupils feel safe and benefit from an inclusive community. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in calm, focused environments where pupils display positive attitudes towards learning and strong relationships with staff.
Strengths
- Pupils are "confident readers" due to carefully selected books matching their phonic knowledge and effective early identification of those needing support.
- Mathematics teaching is effective, using regular "flashbacks" to help pupils connect new concepts and ensure "no gaps in pupils’ knowledge".
- The early years provision prepares children well for Year 1, incorporating outdoor areas to build independence and using precise questioning to develop speech and language.
- Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through personalised curriculum adaptations and life skills training.
- Governors are effective in their strategic role, supporting the headteacher and reviewing the impact of improvement work to enhance the quality of education.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is not as well designed or sequenced as reading and mathematics, meaning pupils do not gain the necessary depth of knowledge.
- Leaders need to ensure all subjects are implemented consistently well so that learning builds effectively on previous knowledge and pupils "know and remember more in every subject".
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders creating a strong culture where staff receive regular updates and are effective at identifying pupils at risk.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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