Pennycross Primary School
Plymouth, PL2 3RL · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 — 9.3/10 against 2,559 of them, against 8.4/10 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 | 82.0 · 90 | 41% | 3.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.71 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 26% | 1.91 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pennycross Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 82.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council.
Getting in
The published school roll is 402 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific activities does the School Council organise for students? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Pennycross Primary School
Overview
Pennycross Primary School continues to be a good school, with leaders having successfully overhauled the curriculum and improved pastoral support since a previous dip in performance. Pupils feel valued, safe, and included, responding to high expectations with good behaviour and enthusiasm for learning. The school demonstrates strong momentum in improvement, particularly in early reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and valued, with bullying incidents being rare and dealt with quickly.
- Leaders prioritise reading, ensuring children get a "flying start" in the early years with effective phonics and support for those falling behind.
- Staff provide effective pastoral support, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The personal, social and health education curriculum is high-quality, helping pupils express views on diversity and tolerance with "appropriate maturity".
- Teachers routinely check learning and correct misconceptions immediately, ensuring pupils have a thorough understanding in most subjects.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum leaders in some subjects have not identified important knowledge pupils need, resulting in gaps in learning; plans must include this information.
- The reading and writing curriculums are not ambitious enough for more accomplished pupils, with activities often being too easy and holding them back.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with thorough recruitment checks, suitable staff training, and precise records of work with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 82% |
| 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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