Instow Community Primary and Pre-School
99%
Capacity
138
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Instow Community Primary and Pre-School
Instow Community Primary and Pre-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 138 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 140 places).
Ofsted has rated Instow Community Primary and Pre-School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lucy Mardling, it falls under Devon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 50% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 10797th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 23rd out of 31 in North Devon.
Instow Community Primary and Pre-School is a popular choice with families — it received 32 applications for 20 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 20 were first-preference applications.
Instow Community Primary and Pre-School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.8/5 from 1 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Instow Community Primary and Pre-School include Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Sensory Room, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cricket, Netball, Dance and 3 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Science Club, Book Club, Chess and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 10.1%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in North Devon, Instow Community Primary and Pre-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 | Rectory Lane, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 4LU |
| Headteacher | Lucy Mardling |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Number of Pupils | 138 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 10.1% |
| School Capacity | 138 / 140 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (4 May 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 Dec 2011. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (50%)
10797th of 13,686
Nationally
1065th of 1,469
In South West
23rd of 31
In North Devon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
50%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
83%
'23/24
50%
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
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed20
32
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
20 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instow Community Primary and Pre-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
Rectory Lane, Bideford
North Devon, EX39 4LU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Instow Community Primary and Pre-School!
Write a Review