Wilcombe Primary School
Tiverton, EX16 4AL · Devon · primary school
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275th 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 — 0.1/10 against 1,446 of them, against 0.4/10 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 | 17.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.22 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wilcombe Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 17.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools). An Ofsted inspection took place in February 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join a gardening club and Jamie Knight Freestyle Football, play football and rounders, and perform in the Year 4 Dance Show at TCAT. Trips include residencies at Grenville House, London, and PGL, plus visits to Otter Farm, Wildwood Escot, a museum, and the Eden Project. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 157 pupils against a stated capacity of 200. 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 literacy? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Wilcombe Primary School
Overview
Wilcombe Primary School provides a calm, inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and valued, with strong provision for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, the quality of education is inconsistent, as many pupils lack foundational knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics, leaving them poorly prepared for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a "targeted provision" for pupils with SEND, ensuring they "make a strong start" and "achieve well from their starting points."
- The school fosters a positive culture where pupils demonstrate an inclusive ethos, articulating that "no one is left out."
- Attendance is around the national average, supported by leaders who are "relentless and successful" in identifying barriers and working with families.
- Early years staff ensure children get a "positive start," with secure phonics learning and progressive skill development.
- Pupils benefit from a "comprehensive range of enrichment opportunities," including residential trips and clubs, which support personal development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff have the "pedagogical expertise" needed to teach consistently well and address gaps in foundational knowledge quickly.
- Assessment and feedback must be used more effectively to identify misconceptions and plan learning that builds securely on prior knowledge.
- Staff must share "consistently high expectations" to ensure pupils produce work of a high quality, particularly in handwriting, spelling, and number facts.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 93% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 17% |
| 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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