Wiveliscombe Primary School
Taunton, TA4 2LA · Somerset · primary school
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74th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.9/10 against 3,364 of them, against 4.1/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wiveliscombe Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, 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 (3.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Singing, Crochet and Knitting, Sketching, Journalism, and Eco-Clubs. Sports include football, tag rugby, cricket, rounders, hockey, dodgeball, catchball, and netball. Trips visit the forest and beach. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 191 pupils against a stated capacity of 260. 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 maths? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Wiveliscombe Primary School
Overview
Wiveliscombe Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, including the quality of education and leadership. Leaders have ‘stabilised the school’ since the headteacher’s arrival, fostering an ‘inclusive environment’ where pupils ‘feel safe’ and ‘enjoy coming to school’. The curriculum is described as ‘rich and varied’, with a strong emphasis on reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Staff maintain ‘high expectations of all pupils’, resulting in a ‘calm and orderly environment’ where bullying ‘rarely happens’.
- Reading is ‘central to the school’s curriculum’, supported by ‘daily phonics teaching’ and ‘high-quality texts’ that pupils discuss fondly.
- Leaders provide ‘effective leadership’ and have ‘forged positive relationships’ with parents and the community.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified ‘early and accurately’ and follow the ‘full curriculum alongside their peers’.
- The school offers a ‘rich and varied curriculum’ including ‘weekly forest school sessions’ and clubs that develop pupils’ interests beyond academics.
Areas to improve
- In ‘a few subjects’, teachers do not sufficiently ‘build on pupils’ prior knowledge’, causing pupils to ‘struggle to remember what they have learned’.
- ‘Some support staff do not have the subject expertise needed’ to identify and correct pupils’ misconceptions, meaning these errors ‘go unnoticed’.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’ where staff are ‘well trained’ and pupils know who to talk to if they have worries.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 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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