West Buckland Primary School
Wellington, TA21 9LD · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
68th 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 3,672 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.57 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
West Buckland Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 135 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
Since the last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to support reading and writing since then? How does the school manage class sizes when the total roll exceeds the designated place count?
What Ofsted said about West Buckland Primary School
Overview
West Buckland Primary School continues to be a good school where pupils "flourish" and enjoy their learning. The report highlights a "calm and orderly atmosphere" with strong relationships between staff and pupils, though it notes that some subject curriculums require further development to ensure deep understanding.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy" and "enjoy their learning," with bullying described as "rare."
- Reading is a clear priority, with systematic teaching helping pupils become "fluent and confident readers."
- Mathematics is delivered with a "consistent approach," enabling pupils to use vocabulary "precisely" and secure knowledge.
- Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they "access the same curriculum as their peers."
- Staff workload and well-being are considered, with governors having an "accurate view" of the school’s strengths.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify the "key knowledge" pupils need to learn in wider curriculum subjects to build deeper understanding.
- Staff need to use assessment more effectively across all subjects to check that pupils have "remembered the knowledge they have been taught."
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective, with staff receiving "relevant and regular training" and being "alert to the signs that pupils might be at risk," while leaders work with external agencies to support vulnerable families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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