Parracombe Church of England Primary School
Barnstaple, EX31 4QJ · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
99th 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 — 6.4/10 against 2,230 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Parracombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 37 pupils against a stated capacity of 56. 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 do not reach the higher standard in their core subjects? What specific activities are available during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about Parracombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Parracombe Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as "friendly, polite and helpful." The report highlights a nurturing environment where children feel "protected" and are "proud of their school," with parents being "overwhelmingly positive" about the education provided.
Strengths
- Pupils follow routines well, focus respectfully, and take on responsibilities such as organising play equipment or fundraising for charities.
- The curriculum is "well-structured" in key areas, with a strong early reading programme enabling pupils to develop "strong reading skills" and complex vocabulary.
- Staff possess "good subject knowledge" and use assessment effectively to provide "bespoke" support for pupils requiring additional help, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Leaders and governors actively support staff well-being, ensuring workloads are manageable, while governors challenge leaders to drive improvement.
- Children in Reception develop a strong understanding of number and the world through "well-structured activities and routines."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must plan the curriculum more carefully in some subjects to enable pupils to "extend and deepen their knowledge" and learn "more complex concepts sooner."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders being "tenacious about keeping pupils safe" and ensuring thorough checks on all staff.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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