Payhembury Church of England Primary School
Exeter, EX14 3HT · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
34th 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 2,153 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2/10 among them, against 7.8/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Payhembury Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2 out of 10 among them, against 7.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Choir Club and Gardening Club, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 93 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 school support pupils who do not reach the higher standard? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the curriculum adapt for the small cohort of 93 pupils?
What Ofsted said about Payhembury Church of England Primary School
Overview
Payhembury Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils ‘sparkle’ with enthusiasm and demonstrate exceptional behaviour. The report highlights a nurturing environment underpinned by the ‘PARCH’ values, where staff possess accurate knowledge of pupils’ needs to ensure all can access an ambitious curriculum. While core subjects are strong, the wider curriculum requires further embedding to match the high standards seen elsewhere.
Strengths
- Pupils display ‘exceptional’ behaviour and attitudes to learning, supported by strong, nurturing relationships and a sense of independence.
- Staff effectively identify and meet individual needs, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring full access to the curriculum.
- Reading is a particular strength, with pupils becoming ‘reading experts’ through a robust phonics programme and opportunities to reflect in reading journals.
- Mathematics outcomes have improved through curriculum changes, fostering increased pupil confidence and fluency.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences and strong community links, helping them become ‘well-rounded and well-prepared individuals’.
Areas to improve
- The school should work to fully embed all subjects in the wider curriculum, as pupils currently do not recall and build new learning as successfully in these areas as they do in core subjects.
Safeguarding
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 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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