Swimbridge Church of England Primary School
Barnstaple, EX32 0PJ · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st 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 — 7.3/10 against 4,158 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Swimbridge Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Science and Sketchbook Clubs, play swimming, tennis, surfing, and netball, and perform in productions like *Peter Pan*. They visit Bristol and Barnstaple, attend the Bournemouth Symphony, and can stay in the after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 79 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children who need help settling into the after-school club? How does the school prepare pupils for the residential trips to Bristol and Bournemouth?
What Ofsted said about Swimbridge Church of England Primary School
Overview
Swimbridge Church of England Primary School is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, maintaining high standards despite significant challenges, including a temporary relocation for site works. The school fosters a strong ethos based on values such as wisdom and respect, ensuring pupils become successful learners who are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.
Strengths
- The teaching of reading is ‘highly effective’, with almost all pupils becoming accurate readers by the end of Year 1 through systematic phonics checks.
- Pupils engage with an ‘ambitious’ curriculum that is presented clearly, leading to confident work in subjects like mathematics and art.
- Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are often identified early and receive effective support to overcome social or behavioural difficulties.
- Leadership is described as ‘capable and committed’, with a skilled governing body providing effective strategic direction and collaboration with a multi-academy trust.
- The school successfully opens pupils’ eyes to the world beyond north Devon through initiatives such as sponsoring a family in Uganda and local cultural events.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure pupils’ special educational needs are ‘clearly identified’ and evaluate the impact of support more precisely, as identification is occasionally unclear.
- Leaders should encourage and support pupils to enjoy a wider range of sporting and cultural activities, as some do not currently make the most of the extra-curricular offer.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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