Kentisbury Primary School
Barnstaple, EX31 4NG · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
109th 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 4,107 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3/10 among them, against 4.9/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Kentisbury Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 25.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3 out of 10 among them, against 4.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 51 pupils against a stated capacity of 42. 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 was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to support reading and writing since then? How does the school manage class sizes when the total roll exceeds the designated place count?
What Ofsted said about Kentisbury Primary School
Overview
Kentisbury Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff know pupils well, and children learn alongside those from the sister school, Parracombe Church of England Primary School, as if it were one institution. The school fosters confidence, kindness, and a strong sense of community among its students.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "well-designed curriculum" with a strong focus on early reading, where children use books "well matched to their reading skills."
- Staff have a "detailed understanding of what each child can do," ensuring those needing extra help receive timely support.
- The school offers a "rich curriculum" that introduces pupils to literature and nature, helping them develop "engaging and precise" writing.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported" and benefit from shared resources within the federation.
- Staff feel "well supported by leaders and governors" and are encouraged to undertake training to develop their careers.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should plan the curriculum to enable pupils to "learn more complex ideas sooner" in some subjects, as they are currently not learning as much as they could.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being vigilant, using reporting systems confidently, and leaders being "tenacious in securing the right support for pupils and their families."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 29% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of EX31 4NG, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT