Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Barnstaple
Barnstaple, EX32 8DN · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
175th 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 — 3.6/10 against 2,685 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 62% | 1.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 38% | 2.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Barnstaple 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%. A higher 9.0% 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 (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 214 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 activities take place during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Barnstaple
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this welcoming school where they are described as “kind and polite” and feel safe. Leaders have designed a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that is well sequenced, resulting in pupils achieving well in most subjects, particularly in reading and the early years. The report highlights strong staff support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn alongside their peers.
Strengths
- Staff have “high expectations” for academic achievement, and pupils generally meet these, with “positive attitudes to reading” and strong progress in early years.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported” through skilfully managed adult assistance, enabling them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Behaviour is excellent, with pupils knowing the rules to “be ready, be respectful, be safe,” and attendance has improved due to “robust systems” for tracking and supporting families.
- The wider curriculum allows pupils to explain detailed connections between past and current learning, such as in art and science, demonstrating secure knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must expand experiences beyond the local community, as pupils currently lack a “deep understanding of life in the wider community” and are not fully prepared for modern Britain.
- The school needs to refine assessment in the wider curriculum to address “gaps in pupils’ knowledge,” as checks on understanding are not yet effective in all subjects.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 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
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