St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Buckfast
Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EA · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
248th 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 — 3.2/10 against 2,311 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| 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.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Buckfast overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in dance, gymnastics, and choir, with opportunities to engage with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 168 pupils against a stated capacity of 110. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is provided for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum to support learning?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Buckfast
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils feel safe and happy, with early years provision meeting the expected standard. However, inconsistencies in teaching, behaviour management, and leadership oversight mean that achievement, attendance, and curriculum delivery currently require attention.
Strengths
- Early years children are "happy, settled and confident" and make a "positive start" with high staff expectations.
- The school’s "inclusive ethos" supports pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils effectively, with timely identification of needs.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils benefiting from a "well-structured programme" that promotes spiritual growth and wellbeing.
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of opportunities" including trips, clubs, and roles like 'respect champions' that build confidence.
- Parents are "highly supportive" and value the "warm welcome" and approachable staff.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure assessment and feedback are used consistently to address gaps in knowledge, particularly in handwriting, spelling, and grammar.
- Staff need to implement the behaviour policy consistently to reduce low-level disruption and ensure pupils develop secure learning behaviours.
- Leaders and governors must provide "robust oversight" of improvement actions to address inconsistencies in teaching and curriculum implementation promptly.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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