Shebbear Community School
Beaworthy, EX21 5SG · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
124th 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 — 4.5/10 against 3,161 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.64 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.79 |
| 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.
Shebbear Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% 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%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 54 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to help children progress to the higher standard in literacy? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Shebbear Community School
Overview
Shebbear Community School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "friendly" atmosphere and a strong "family ethos" that helps new pupils settle. Leaders maintain high expectations, ensuring pupils are "well prepared for life in modern Britain" through a curriculum that broadens their understanding of the world.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-sequenced, particularly in religious education where teachers "break learning down carefully into small steps" to help pupils build knowledge.
- Reading is a "high priority" throughout the school, with older pupils showing enthusiasm for high-quality books and challenging texts.
- Staff possess "strong subject knowledge" in mathematics, and the curriculum is well-sequenced from the early years to Year 6.
- Leaders provide a "comprehensive programme for pupils’ personal development," including visits to local courtrooms and meetings with sporting ambassadors.
- Staff morale is high, and all staff surveyed would recommend the school, reflecting a positive working environment.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure early years pupils who have fallen behind in reading receive "precise support" and "expert support" to catch up quickly, as current planning is inconsistent.
- The approach to assessment in mathematics needs strengthening, as some strong mathematicians complete activities that do not "deepen their knowledge" due to poorly considered starting points.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and knowing how to identify signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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