Shakespeare Primary School
Plymouth, PL5 3JU · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
47th 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 — 4.5/10 against 1,335 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 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.
Shakespeare Primary School 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% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Times Tables club, attend a Year 6 residential at Grenville House, visit Parliament in London, and see English and Drama performances at All Saints. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 381 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is offered during the Year 6 residential? How are class sizes managed given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Shakespeare Primary School
Overview
Shakespeare Primary School has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, with leaders responding with rigour to past weaknesses. The report describes a school where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe, underpinned by nurturing relationships and a strong culture. Consequently, pupils are in a good position to learn well and achieve better outcomes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Strengths
- Nurturing relationships create a strong culture where pupils feel safe and are in a good position to learn.
- Pupils behave well, understanding expectations, and are polite and respectful of different opinions.
- The phonics curriculum is implemented effectively, with staff using secure subject knowledge to ensure pupils keep up.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with books providing a ‘mirror’ for identification and a ‘window’ to the wider world.
- Attendance is rising due to robust management, with clear improvements in persistent absence.
Areas to improve
- In some curriculum areas, pupils do not have secure knowledge because developments are recent; the school should ensure pupils know and remember important concepts before moving on to new content.
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 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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