Southmead School
Braunton, EX33 2BU · Devon · primary school
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113rd 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 — 4.6/10 against 3,598 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Southmead School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with 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 (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join music and sport clubs, perform in the school choir, and participate in the Infant and Junior Music Festival. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 341 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the music and sport clubs? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Southmead School
Overview
Southmead School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. The environment is described as "calm and well ordered," with staff maintaining high expectations and promoting core values such as respect and curiosity.
Strengths
- Pupils behave very well, with "low-level disruption" being rare and bullying reported as non-existent.
- Leaders have designed a "broad curriculum" with clear learning steps, helping pupils build subject knowledge effectively.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they are included and achieve well.
- Teachers use strategies like recall and recap activities to help pupils remember knowledge, while also encouraging a love of reading through pleasure sessions.
- Staff are positive about working at the school, noting that leaders work to "minimise unnecessary workload."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the phonics curriculum is implemented effectively so that pupils with historical gaps receive teaching targeted to the specific sounds they need next.
- Reading books provided to these pupils must match the sounds they know, as mismatched books currently hinder their ability to read fluently.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders being vigilant, staff receiving regular training, and pupils knowing how to stay safe online and in relationships.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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