Shiphay Learning Academy

About Shiphay Learning Academy

Ofsted's Parent View responses for Shiphay Learning Academy, collected between September 2024 and September 2025, show that 75% of the 124 parents who responded would recommend the school. That's a solid majority, though it's worth noting that a quarter said they wouldn't. The school is clearly popular in terms of demand: for the 2025/26 reception intake, it received 60 applications for just 33 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.82. All 33 first-preference applicants were offered a place, so being first choice matters here. Looking at the individual responses, parents are most positive about their child's happiness and the range of subjects and clubs on offer, with strong majorities agreeing or strongly agreeing on those points. However, there are areas of concern: only 57% of parents felt that concerns are dealt with properly, and just 57% agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, with 37% actively disagreeing on that last point.

Academically, Shiphay Learning Academy is a solidly performing primary school. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 65% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That's above the Torbay local authority average of 61%, placing the school 12th out of 29 primaries in the area. Nationally, it sits in the 44th percentile, so it's comfortably in the middle of the pack. Individual subject scores are decent: a reading average score of 106, maths at 103, and 77% of pupils met expectations in both writing and maths. Only 2% hit the higher standard across all three subjects, though 28% did so in reading alone. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2024 judged it Good across all areas, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. This is a clear improvement from its previous inspection in 2022, when it was rated Requires Improvement across the board.

Shiphay Learning Academy is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11, with nursery provision on site. It's a mixed, non-religious school with 416 pupils, very close to its capacity of 420. The school offers a range of facilities including a forest school, music rooms, a gymnasium, sports hall, and playing fields, plus clubs like drama, science club, choir, chess and art club. Sports on offer include cross country, netball, swimming, tennis, football and gymnastics. The school's SEND provisions cover a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health support. With 16.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, it's a broadly representative intake. This is a school that suits families who want a well-regarded local primary with improving Ofsted grades and a strong community feel, though those with SEND children may want to dig deeper into the support on offer.

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