Bishops Tawton Primary School
95%
Capacity
159
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Bishops Tawton Primary School
Bishops Tawton Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the North Devon community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 159 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 168 places).
Ofsted has rated Bishops Tawton Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Melanie Smallwood, it falls under Devon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 75% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2712th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 31 in North Devon.
Bishops Tawton Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 33 applications for 21 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 21 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 2 areas, including Speech, Language & Communication, Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bishops Tawton Primary School include ICT Suite, Library, Outdoor Playground, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Athletics, Football, Dance and 1 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Book Club, Drama.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 8.2%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in North Devon, Bishops Tawton Primary School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | School Lane, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 0AE |
| Headteacher | Melanie Smallwood |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Number of Pupils | 159 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 8.2% |
| School Capacity | 159 / 168 (95% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 Mar 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 May 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (75%)
2712th of 13,686
Nationally
228th of 1,469
In South West
2nd of 31
In North Devon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
75%
Expected Standard
5%
Higher Standard
'22/23
73%
'23/24
75%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed21
33
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
21 families put this school as their 1st choice (64% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bishops Tawton Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
School Lane, Barnstaple
North Devon, EX32 0AE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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