Bowhill Primary School

About Bowhill Primary School

Bowhill Primary School in Exeter is a state primary for mixed pupils aged 5 to 11, currently home to 464 children against a capacity of 525, meaning it is not yet full but clearly in demand. The school received 114 applications for 65 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, with 54 of those coming as first preferences, and it was officially oversubscribed with a ratio of 1.75 applicants per place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.3%, which is worth noting against the national primary average of around 23% and suggests a slightly lower-than-average level of deprivation in the intake. The school is non-religious and is led by headteacher Anna Lopez. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 95% of respondents to the Ofsted Parent View survey would recommend the school, and 95% either agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy there, with 76% strongly agreeing that their child feels safe.

Academically, Bowhill’s most recent Key Stage 2 results from the 2023/24 year show a mixed picture. The proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined was 44%, which is notably below the Devon local authority average of 57% and places the school 193rd out of 309 similar schools in the county. In the Exeter local ranking it sits 15th out of 17 primary schools, putting it in the bottom tier. Looking at individual subjects, reading was the strongest area with 71% reaching the expected standard and 23% achieving a higher score, while maths saw 50% at expected and 16% at the higher level. Writing had 73% at expected but only 8% at the higher end. The average reading score was 105 and maths 100. Ofsted’s most recent graded inspection, from 2016, rated the school Good overall, with Good for leadership and management and for early years provision. A subsequent ungraded inspection in May 2025 confirmed that standards were maintained.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a library, art studios, music rooms, playing fields and an outdoor playground, plus a chapel. Sports provision covers swimming, tennis, cricket, athletics and rounders, and there are clubs such as chess, book club, eco club and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, Bowhill lists support for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. However, the Parent View data on SEND support is more divided: 32% strongly agreed and 35% agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, but 16% disagreed and 16% strongly disagreed, suggesting some inconsistency in experience. With oversubscription at 1.75 to 1, families applying here should be prepared for competition, particularly for first-preference places. This school will suit parents who prioritise a strong sense of safety and happiness over top-tier academic rankings, and who value a broad range of extracurricular activities.

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