The Beacon Church of England (VA) Primary School
Exmouth, EX8 2SR · Devon · primary school
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183rd 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 — 5.0/10 against 3,494 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Beacon Church of England (VA) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, 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 (5.0 out of 10 either way). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 151 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 core subjects? What specific activities are available for pupils to join after the main teaching day? How does the new inspection framework affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about The Beacon Church of England (VA) Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are "not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement." While pupils enjoy school and feel safe, significant weaknesses in early years provision, phonics, and the consistency of teaching mean many pupils are not prepared for their next stage of education.
Strengths
- Pupils generally behave well and feel safe, with bullying considered rare and concerns resolved quickly.
- Attendance rates are "broadly in line with the national average," supported by close work with families.
- The school provides a "wide range of opportunities" for personal development, including charity work and cultural projects.
- Pupils speak proudly of being part of the "one big Beacon family" and value inclusive, kind relationships.
- Staff support for workload and wellbeing is viewed positively by employees.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must urgently improve the early years curriculum, which is currently "not sufficiently ambitious, coherent or well sequenced."
- Staff must deliver precise phonics instruction and support to close gaps in reading, writing, and foundational knowledge.
- Leaders and governors must identify needs for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) with greater precision and ensure support is effective.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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