Chulmleigh Primary School

About Chulmleigh Primary School

Chulmleigh Primary School is a state-funded, mixed primary school in North Devon that currently educates 240 pupils, well above its official capacity of 170. This oversubscription is reflected in the most recent admissions data for the 2025/26 intake, where the school received 21 total applications for 19 places, with all 19 first-preference applicants being offered a spot. The school’s intake includes a notable proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, at 17.9%, which is higher than the national average for primary schools. This suggests a community with above-average levels of economic disadvantage, yet the school continues to attract strong local demand. The school also offers nursery provision for children aged two and above, broadening its appeal to families with younger children. With a mixed gender intake and no religious character, Chulmleigh serves a broad cross-section of the local community in Devon.

Academically, Chulmleigh Primary School was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection in September 2023, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2019. The inspection found all key areas — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management — to be Good, with early years provision also rated Good. At Key Stage 2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 44% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the local authority average of 57% and places the school in the bottom half of primary schools nationally. However, individual subject scores were stronger: 84% met the expected standard in reading and 81% in maths, with average scaled scores of 107 and 106 respectively. Only 6% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, and the school ranks 27th out of 31 primary schools in North Devon on this combined measure.

The school offers a range of facilities including a library, music rooms, an outdoor playground, forest school provision, art studios and a chapel. Sports on offer include football, cricket, dance and cross country, while clubs extend to coding, drama, science club and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school provides support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, hearing impairment, and autistic spectrum disorder. With its oversubscribed status and strong local demand, Chulmleigh is a school that suits families living within its catchment area who value a broad curriculum and inclusive SEND support. The improvement trajectory from Requires Improvement to Good in recent inspections will also appeal to parents looking for a school that has demonstrably raised its standards.

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