Woolacombe School
Woolacombe, EX34 7BT · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
132nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,166 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Woolacombe School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 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
Since the higher standard attainment is 0.0%, what specific support is provided to help pupils progress beyond the expected level? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about Woolacombe School
Overview
Woolacombe School is described as a place where pupils are “happy, safe and well cared for” within a “calm and nurturing environment.” The report highlights that personal development is a “real strength,” with pupils taking pride in their school and benefiting from extensive leadership opportunities. While the curriculum is ambitious and reading is a high priority, the inspection identifies specific areas regarding knowledge retention and support for vulnerable pupils that require attention.
Strengths
- Personal development is “at the heart of pupils’ education,” fostering confidence and responsible citizenship through initiatives like the “Woolacombe way.”
- Pupils are “happy, safe and well cared for,” resulting in high attendance and positive attitudes towards learning.
- Reading is a “high priority,” with staff expertise ensuring pupils become “confident readers” who enjoy sharing their favourite books.
- Early years provision is strong, with children thriving and showing “curiosity about the world” through well-designed language activities.
- Governance is effective, with trustees who “know the school well” and hold leaders to account for educational quality.
Areas to improve
- The trust must ensure gaps in pupils’ prior knowledge are identified and learning adapted, as some subjects are in their “infancy of implementation.”
- The school must identify with “enough precision” the support needed for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to help them build knowledge securely.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of EX34 7BT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT