Thurlbear Church of England Primary School
Taunton, TA3 5BW · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 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 2,587 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9/10 among them, against 7.4/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thurlbear Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 10.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9 out of 10 among them, against 7.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join board games, football, netball, street surfing, athletics, cricket, drumming, and guitar clubs. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 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 to progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll matches the total capacity?
What Ofsted said about Thurlbear Church of England Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Thurlbear Church of England Primary School remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it might achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The report highlights a school where pupils ‘thoroughly enjoy’ attending, characterised by a ‘strong sense of community and warmth’ and high expectations for behaviour. Leaders are described as ‘highly ambitious for all pupils to achieve well’, ensuring a coherent curriculum that prepares children effectively for their next educational stage.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘coherent and well sequenced’, with content broken into small steps and regular opportunities to ‘revisit and recap on previous learning’.
- The teaching of reading is ‘exemplary’, underpinned by a ‘firm and unrelenting belief’ that every child will become a successful reader, supported by robust assessment systems.
- Staff possess ‘strong subject knowledge’ and use assessment ‘extremely well’ to swiftly remedy misconceptions and deepen pupils’ understanding.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘quickly identified’ and receive precise support plans to access the same ‘ambitious curriculum’.
- A wide range of enrichment activities, including sports, arts, and debating, helps pupils ‘develop talents and interests’ beyond the academic core.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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