Sherford Vale School & Nursery
Sherford, PL9 8FA · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
152nd 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 — 4.1/10 against 2,392 of them, against 3.6/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sherford Vale School & Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 347 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 activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sherford Vale School & Nursery
Overview
Sherford Vale School provides a "good quality of education" where pupils are "happy and safe." Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour, creating a "calm and positive atmosphere" supported by "warm and respectful relationships" between staff and pupils. The school fosters active pupil contribution through roles such as 'playleaders' and school councillors.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully planned and sequenced," particularly in mathematics and science, allowing pupils to learn subject content "in depth."
- Reading is a clear priority; the early reading curriculum enables pupils to read "accurately and fluently," with effective support for those needing help.
- Staff receive "effective professional development," ensuring they possess the subject knowledge required to teach well and adapt for pupils with special educational needs.
- Leaders place a "sharp focus on improving pupils’ vocabulary and spoken language," establishing routines that encourage "confident speaking and respectful listening."
- Trustees "rigorously hold [leaders] to account" while providing appropriate support, ensuring resources are managed well and staff feel supported regarding workload.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is "in its infancy," meaning pupils do not yet gain "detailed knowledge and skills." Leaders must ensure pupils learn this content in depth across all areas of the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with leaders being "vigilant in ensuring the safety of children" and "tenacious when securing the support that children need."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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