North Molton Primary School
South Molton, EX36 3HL · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
122nd 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.4/10 against 2,559 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Molton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can learn piano and violin, and the school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 124 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths, where the national median is 7%? What specific support is available for children learning violin or piano outside of regular lessons?
What Ofsted said about North Molton Primary School
Overview
North Molton Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "friendly and welcoming" environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, fostering a curriculum that is "designed well" with a strong emphasis on reading and mathematics.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of clubs and visits" and value roles such as the school council, which help them feel responsible.
- Reading is a priority; pupils read with "increasing fluency, accuracy and expression" and benefit from effective phonics teaching.
- The mathematics curriculum is "well-structured," allowing children to confidently understand number patterns and build knowledge over time.
- Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively, ensuring they receive precise plans and a "broad and balanced curriculum."
- Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, understanding "fundamental British values" and treating everyone equally.
Areas to improve
- Assessment in some subjects is not yet used well enough to check long-term retention, leading to "gaps in their knowledge" for some pupils.
- Subject leadership requires further development so leaders have a "well-informed view" of their subjects and the impact of the intended curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" across the school and up-to-date training for staff.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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