Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School, Kingsbridge

Ofsted's report card from its 27 January 2026 inspection grades Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 4 strong standard and 3 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Aveton Gifford is a very nurturing school."

Early years - Strong standard. "Children thrive in the early years because of adults' subtle and thoughtful interactions."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "This is a highly inclusive school."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "The school's extensive personal development programme, which links pupils' academic learning to their wider experiences, is highly effective."

Achievement - Expected standard. "By the time pupils leave school, they reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics national tests that are well above national figures."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The curriculum in English and mathematics is rich and ambitious."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders are passionate and proud of the school's achievements."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• Leaders should ensure that teachers receive the support they need to deliver the wider curriculum well so that pupils achieve confidently across all subjects, in line with their success in English and mathematics. • Leaders should refine the wider curriculum so that knowledge is clear and taught in a logical order, with teaching checking that pupils are ready for the next steps in learning".

From the headteacher's welcome: "A very warm welcome to Aveton Gifford CE (VC) Primary School. We are a small, friendly 'village school' in the heart of our local community. Our original school building opened in 1867, to provide education for the village and parish of Aveton Gifford."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football and swimming.

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 79% of Year 6 pupils at Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Devon and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 75% in reading and 75% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 15 families put Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School as their first choice and 18 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School are Loddiswell Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 92% reading, 92% maths); Thurlestone All Saints Church of England Academy (3 miles, Good, 96% reading, 89% maths); West Alvington Church of England Academy (3 miles, Good, 88% reading, 63% maths); and Modbury Primary School (3.4 miles, Good, 79% reading, 89% maths).

Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School is one of 29 schools run by The First Federation Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 57% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

44 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School (as of April 2026): 100% would recommend the school, 93% say their child is happy there and 57% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they would recommend the school (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (57%).

10.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 5.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 10 pupils (10.3%) received SEN support and 1 (1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Tree Corner (e-bound), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Devon (16).

Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.