Thornbury Primary School
Plymouth, PL6 8UL · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
31st of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 the 4,247 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 4.7/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 62% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 38% | 2.84 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thornbury Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 12.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 4.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including Sing and Sign, Science, Art, Drawing, Lego, Book Worms, and French. Sports options cover multiskills, football, rugby, netball, archery, handball, and cross country, with dance for arts. Trips include a visit to Grenville House, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 279 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 support is available for children joining the after-school club? How does the curriculum integrate the various club activities into daily learning?
What Ofsted said about Thornbury Primary School
Overview
Thornbury Primary School is described as an inclusive environment where pupils from a diverse community learn and play together well, with strong pastoral care and positive relationships. However, the quality of education requires improvement because the curriculum does not always ensure pupils achieve well, leaving many without the necessary knowledge and skills for their next stage of education. While behaviour and personal development are rated as good, inconsistencies in curriculum design and staff subject knowledge hinder secure, cumulative learning.
Strengths
- The school fosters an inclusive culture where pupils, including those in specially resourced provision, are encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life.
- Pastoral care is strong, with staff building positive relationships that help pupils feel safe and confident to share worries.
- Early years provision is well matched to children’s starting points, with adults using specific vocabulary to build communication and understanding.
- The phonics programme is well implemented, with adults quickly identifying and supporting pupils who need help to keep up.
- Governors and trustees effectively challenge and support the school, prioritising staff recruitment and training.
Areas to improve
- Staff’s subject knowledge is not secure across the curriculum, hindering the provision of learning activities that match the curriculum’s ambition.
- The school has not fully identified the specific knowledge pupils need to learn in all subjects, preventing deeper understanding in some areas.
- The school is not always effective in accurately evaluating the impact of improvement changes on pupils’ knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, and the school’s culture of safeguarding is identified as a strength.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 36% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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