Ashburton Primary School

About Ashburton Primary School

Ashburton Primary School’s headline Key Stage 2 results sit slightly above the Devon local authority average, but the gap is narrow. The proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined is 59%, compared with the LA average of 57%. That puts the school in the middle of the pack locally — it ranks 119th out of 309 primary schools in Devon, and 26th out of 43 in Teignbridge. Where it really stands out is in maths: 72% of pupils hit the expected standard, and the average scaled score of 106 is solid. Reading and writing both also hit 69% and 72% respectively at expected level. The school is not a high-flyer in terms of the top end — only 14% of pupils reached the higher standard across all three subjects — but it delivers consistent, above-average outcomes for a typical primary in the area.

Ofsted’s most recent graded inspection in May 2023 rated the school Good across every category: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. That’s a clean sweep, and it matches the Good rating the school held in its previous inspection back in 2013. The school is small, with 187 pupils against a capacity of 210, and just over a fifth of pupils (20.3%) are eligible for free school meals, which is slightly above the national average for primary schools. The headteacher, Annette Layland, leads a team that has clearly maintained standards over a decade. The school’s Progress 8 scores for reading, writing and maths are not available in the data, so it’s hard to say how much value the school adds beyond raw attainment, but the Ofsted judgement suggests effective teaching and strong behaviour.

For families considering Ashburton, the practical picture is one of a well-equipped village primary with a strong sense of community. Facilities include a library, music rooms, art studios, a gymnasium, a sensory room and a Forest School area — the latter a real draw for outdoor learning. There’s a good range of clubs, from coding and chess to gardening and drama, and sports provision covers gymnastics, football, cricket, netball and more. The school is oversubscribed: for 2025/26, it received 28 applications for 20 places, with 19 first-preference offers made. That’s a ratio of 1.4 applicants per place, so early application is wise. SEND support is broad, covering dyslexia, moderate and severe learning difficulties, speech and language needs, SEMH, physical disability and autism. This is a school that suits families who want a solid, Good-rated primary with strong outdoor provision and a calm, inclusive feel, but who are realistic about it not being the highest-attaining option in Devon.

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