Best primary schools in Devon
Devon’s 410 primary schools are a mix of local authority, community, faith and academy schools and most of them are of medium to large size. Unusually, there are also four all-through state schools taking children from nursery to GCSEs and even A level. Many of the best primaries, particularly in urban areas close to the grammar schools, are oversubscribed and academic results are generally higher than the UK average. Faith based schools in the area have a variety of approaches to admissions, for many the importance of faith in securing a place falls below geographical proximity, so it is highly advised to check the oversubscription criteria on admissions before relying on attendance at church or a baptismal certificate to secure you a place at a specific school.
Our article on primary school admissions sets out the application process and advises on the best ways to build a thorough understanding of your preferred schools.
Primary schools in Exeter and east Devon
Exeter has a fantastic selection of primary schools, with many performing well above the UK average academically and receiving rave reviews from local families. St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy sits right in the centre of the city and is a large, much-loved favourite despite being hugely oversubscribed every year. West Hill Primary is also noted for its academic performance as is Stoke Hill Infant and Nursery School, located close to Exeter university.
Alternatively, there are some academic superstars on the outskirts of the city: the village of Christow, nestled in the Teign Valley on the edge of Dartmoor some 12 miles from Exeter, is the setting for Christow Primary School, which has a staggeringly good academic profile for such a small school, as does nearby Dunsford Community Academy. Situated six miles out of Exeter, it is another small, rural option with some of the highest academic results in the area. A further two miles west lies the highly rated Tedburn St Mary School. To the north west of Exeter is Westclyst Community Primary School which, together with its sister school Broadclyst Community Primary School - just two miles up the road, offers a fantastic village based, high achieving start to education.
Primary schools in Plymouth
Many of Plymouth’s 65 primary school options are oversubscribed so be sure to check catchment areas and ask where the admissions line is drawn before getting too over excited about one choice. Ernesettle Community School is the shining jewel in the crown of Plymouth primaries, always oversubscribed, it is extremely popular with its large modern site and fantastic SATs results. Glen Park Primary has a strong local reputation and outstanding results with places surprisingly not as difficult to secure as other schools. Other popular choices include Mayflower Academy and Marine Academy Primary.
Primary schools in north Devon
Kingsacre Primary School in Braunton has a strong reputation for its family feel and good academic progress, with Bishops Tawton Primary School an academically strong alternative. Berrynarbor Church of England Primary School in Ilfracombe is a tiny but wonderful rural delight.
Primary schools in mid Devon
The Duchy School in the town of Bradnich is a popular choice whilst those wishing to gain access to the highly rated secondary school, Uffculme School favour mid Devon primary schools such as Uffculme, Kentisbeare, Burlescombe, Hemyock and Culmstock.
Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School near Crediton is highly thought of with strong academics.
Primary schools in south Devon
South Devon primaries perform extraordinarily well academically and it is easy to see that this is a grammar feeding area. There are several primary schools noted for their academic success: Abbotskerswell Primary School near Newton Abbot, Berry Pomeroy Parochial CofE School near Totnes and Thurlestone All Saints Church of England Academy in Kingsbridge. Newton Abbot is also home to Canada Hill Community Primary School an enduringly popular local school and to nearby Shaldon Primary School. Another two worthy of note due to their popularity and results are Marldon Church of England School near Paignton and The Grove School in Totnes.
Primary schools in Dartmoor and west Devon
Sampford Peverell Church of England Primary School in Tavistock is a very popular school with a fifth its cohort performing at a higher level in English and maths, with Mary Tavy and Brentor Community Primary School on Dartmoor another academic highlight.
State primary schools for children with special educational needs in Devon
Many primary schools have good SEND provision in Devon but some shine by having specifically resourced provision. In Plymouth, the Mayflower Academy runs The Support Centre for 12 children with complex needs within a larger than average ‘outstanding’ mainstream school. In Torquay the Hearing Support Centre at St Margaret’s Academy provides for up to ten children who benefit from a specialist teacher of the deaf, speech and language therapy, as well as a soundfield system and whole-school training in BSL. At Preston Primary School enhanced provision is available in The Nest for up to 16 children with a diagnosis of autism and an EHCP. Further north, Okehampton Primary and Newport Community Primary can provide extra support for eight children with complex communication and interaction needs, including autism, who benefit from the language focus in the Communication and Interaction Resource Base.
There are also some wonderful gems of state-run special schools. The Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter is an all-through school on two sites for 3 to 9-year-olds with severe learning difficulties and complex needs. Its Learning to Live curriculum prepares children to achieve at an appropriate level, with some taking functional skills qualifications. It also provides a range of specialist therapies including hydrotherapy, rebound therapy and specialist physio, speech and language and visual impairment support. All enjoy its outdoor classroom and rural skills education.
Woodlands School in Plymouth is built on the same site as a mainstream primary and secondary school and has more than 80 aged pupils between 2 and 19 years old with physical disabilities, sensory impairment and complex medical needs. It caters for a whole range of levels with pathways of learning, covering both core academic skills and life skills. The 14-19s curriculum has a practical focus in preparing for adulthood with opportunities for work experience.