Blackawton Primary School

About Blackawton Primary School

Blackawton Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For the 2025/26 reception intake, the school received 20 applications for just 12 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.67. All 12 first-preference applicants were offered a spot, which suggests that for those who put it first, the school is a realistic and achievable option. The school currently has 135 pupils on roll, just shy of its 140 capacity, so it is running close to full. While the data does not include a specific parent recommendation percentage, the fact that every first-preference applicant secured a place, combined with the overall oversubscription, points to a school that local parents actively want and trust. The headteacher, Liam Fielding, leads a school that has clearly built a strong reputation in the South Hams area of Devon.

Academically, Blackawton performs solidly against both local and national benchmarks. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 63% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That is six percentage points above the Devon local authority average of 57%. The school’s ranking score of 63 places it 103rd out of 309 primary schools in the county, putting it comfortably in the top half. In the South Hams district specifically, it ranks 20th out of 35 schools. Looking at individual subjects, reading is a particular strength: 75% of pupils met the expected standard, with 31% achieving the higher standard. Writing and maths both saw 75% and 63% at expected level respectively. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, with leadership and management judged Outstanding. This is a notable improvement from its previous inspection in 2007, which rated the school as Requires Improvement.

Beyond the classroom, Blackawton offers a practical and well-resourced environment for primary-aged children. The school has a Forest School, playing fields, an outdoor playground, a gymnasium, a library and even a chapel. Sports provision includes football, cricket, cross country, tennis, athletics and netball, while clubs range from choir and art club to coding and film club. The school also provides nursery provision for children from age two. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and physical disabilities. This is a state primary that feels comprehensive in its offer, and the oversubscription suggests it is a realistic first choice for families in the South Hams area who want a Good-rated school with strong leadership and a clear academic track record.

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