Bridestowe Primary School, Okehampton
Bridestowe Primary School is a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11 in Okehampton, part of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, in October 2026, ended in a report card: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Before that it was rated Good at its last graded inspection, in April 2022. Its 2025 Key Stage 2 results were the highest of the 6 schools in Okehampton with published results, and 5,291st of 14,452 across England. For 2026 entry it had 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. It was full in 2025, at 105% of capacity.
- SATs results
- In line with England
- Ofsted report card
- 1 of 7 areas strong or better
- Demand
- 1.5 first choices per place
- Attendance
- In line with England
Reception applications for September 2027 close in 81 days
Deadline Friday 15 January 2027. Apply to Devon (the council where you live). Offers on 16 April.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Bridestowe Primary School in detail
What Ofsted's report card says
Ofsted's report card from its 6 October 2026 inspection grades Bridestowe Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.
Early years - Strong standard. "Children in the Reception Class get off to an impressive start to their education."
Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils typically achieve appropriate standards in their learning over time."
Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Most pupils attend highly."
Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have constructed an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum."
Inclusion - Expected standard. "Inclusion is clearly evident through leaders' work and the culture of the school."
Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders at all levels know and understand the school well."
Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have developed a full and effective personal development offer."
Safeguarding standards were met.
Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should strengthen how well the curriculum is taught, and how successful pupils are in their learning, so this is as consistently strong as the most effective and embedded practice in place across the school"; "Leaders should increase the precision and accuracy with which gaps in learning are identified and addressed to enable more pupils to develop a greater depth of knowledge and security in their learning, as well as higher outcomes, across the curriculum"; "Leaders should continue their work to strengthen the mathematics curriculum so that it is fully embedded and leads to increasing numbers of pupils securing the mathematical knowledge they need for their next stage in education and achieve standards in line with their peers nationally at end of key stage 2".
Read the full report card on Ofsted's site (school website)
Source: Ofsted report card (Open Government Licence), quoted
Results
In 2025, 85% of Year 6 pupils at Bridestowe Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 77% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Devon and 77% and 75% across England.
Results rose from 80% in reading and 60% in maths in 2024.
With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.
Getting a place at Bridestowe Primary School
For September 2026 entry, 18 families put Bridestowe Primary School as their first choice and 21 named it as one of their preferences, for 12 places offered. That is 1.5 first choices for every place. 6 families who put it first were not offered a place there.
Admissions history and your chances at Bridestowe Primary School
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Bridestowe Primary School are Lydford Primary School (2.6 miles, Good); Boasley Cross Community Primary School (2.8 miles, Good); Lew Trenchard Church of England Primary School (3.9 miles, Good, 44% reading, 31% maths); and Okehampton Primary School and Foundation Unit (5.8 miles, Good, 72% reading, 73% maths).
Bridestowe Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 2 of them.
Lydford Primary SchoolBoasley Cross Community Primary SchoolLew Trenchard Church of England Primary SchoolOkehampton Primary School and Foundation Unit
The trust
Bridestowe Primary School is one of 19 schools run by Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, an academy trust.
Across the trust's primary schools, 56% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.
Who goes there
16.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.
In 2026, 18 pupils (20.9%) received SEN support and 8 (9.3%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.
Staffing
Bridestowe Primary School had 10 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.
Getting there
The nearest tram or metro stop is Meldon Quarry Station (Dartmoor Railway), about 3.7 miles away in a straight line.
4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is White Hart Inn (n-bound), 100 metres away.
Suspensions and exclusions
In 2024/25, Bridestowe Primary School issued 1 suspension, 1.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.
Sources: DfE school performance data (averages: state mainstream schools); DfE school-level applications and offers; council admissions booklets; DfE appeals statistics; DfE multi-academy trust performance data; DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; DfE school workforce census; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); DfE exclusions statistics
Location
Our estimate from how close the nearest similar schools are and how oversubscribed the council's schools are. It is not a published boundary.
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · this monthReport card - no single overall grade (Ofsted's framework since November 2025)
Safeguarding standards met
- Early yearsStrong standard
- AchievementExpected standard
- Attendance and behaviourExpected standard
- Curriculum and teachingExpected standard
- InclusionExpected standard
- Leadership and governanceExpected standard
- Personal development and wellbeingExpected standard
Ofsted's report card, in its own words
What it's like to be a pupil at Bridestowe Primary School
Pupils at Bridestowe Primary School are proud of their school being a kind and welcoming place to learn. They have a firm understanding of what makes their school inclusive and enjoy celebrating this with visitors. Pupils wholeheartedly agree with the view of one of their peers who said, ‘I like it here. The community is amazing. Different people come here and we treat them all the same.' Pupils are prepared well for the demands of secondary school. Their academic outcomes are improving. The curriculum now in place provides pupils with important foundational knowledge in English and mathematics, with reading being a real success. Pupils enjoy their learning across the wider curriculum, particularly in history and art. They enjoy school and want to attend. Pupils conduct themselves with respect and consideration for others, across the school. This begins in the early years. Pupils do not have concerns about the behaviour of their peers. They are clear that there is no bullying at the school. Pupils are realistic about how some can struggle with their emotions but they trust staff to address this. This helps pupils to feel safe and appreciate that people need different strategies and support to be successful. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, have opportunities to have a say in their education and school development. Pupils take on responsibilities such as ambassadors, school councillors and lead lunchtime clubs. Older pupils enact the positive relationships with younger pupils that staff model to them. For example, the reading shed is well used during play times by younger pupils listening to older pupils read to them and share books with them. Pupils benefit from the wide range of experiences the school affords them, such as church visits, school clubs, productions and residential trips. The school makes use of links with other schools in the trust to extend pupils' social skills and friendships. These opportunities broaden their awareness of the world around them and helps prepare them for their next step in education. Bridestowe pupils become well-rounded, vibrant and confident individuals.
What Ofsted says the school should do next
- Leaders should strengthen how well the curriculum is taught, and how successful pupils are in their learning, so this is as consistently strong as the most effective and embedded practice in place across the school.
- Leaders should increase the precision and accuracy with which gaps in learning are identified and addressed to enable more pupils to develop a greater depth of knowledge and security in their learning, as well as higher outcomes, across the curriculum.
- Leaders should continue their work to strengthen the mathematics curriculum so that it is fully embedded and leads to increasing numbers of pupils securing the mathematical knowledge they need for their next stage in education and achieve standards in line with their peers nationally at end of key stage 2.
From Ofsted's report card (inspection 6 October 2026). Read the full report Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's October 2026 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Bridestowe provides an exceptionally strong start in Reception, with children developing impressive communication skills and reaching above-average levels. The school excels at creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where all pupils feel they belong, with particularly effective support for children with additional needs. Teachers have high expectations of behaviour and attendance, and pupils respond positively because they understand the approach is fair and makes a real difference.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional early years provision with children well-prepared for Year 1 and achieving above average development levels
- Strong phonics teaching leading to positive reading outcomes and love of reading across the school
- Highly inclusive culture with excellent support for pupils with SEND and other barriers to learning
- Consistently high pupil attendance with pupils showing a firm sense of belonging
- Ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum giving pupils important knowledge for their next steps
Areas for Improvement
- Mathematics outcomes not yet at national levels, though improving year on year
- Teaching adaptations not always consistent, precise or accurate enough to support depth of learning
- Some wider curriculum areas lack sufficient depth and detail in pupils' learning
- Need to embed greater consistency in teaching and learning practices across the school
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - the school has created an open and positive culture of safeguarding where all legal requirements are met, concerns are actively identified and acted upon, and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Extra-curricular clubs, residential visits to cities, school council, pupil ambassador roles, trips
Bridestowe Primary School is a well-led primary school where children get off to an impressive start in the Reception Class and develop strong foundational knowledge across the curriculum. The school has an inclusive, nurturing culture with high attendance and positive behaviour, though leaders recognise the need to increase consistency in teaching to deepen pupils' learning further.
At a Glance
16.3%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2024/25KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has improved from 80% to 85% (2024 to 2025). Maths has improved from 60% to 77% (2024 to 2025). Writing has improved from 0% to 62% (2024 to 2025).
Class Sizes
21.5
Avg class size
29.0
Infant (KS1)
22.0
KS2
4
Total classes
2025/26 academic year
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby primary schools
Keep up with Bridestowe Primary School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Free school transport
Check free transport to Bridestowe Primary School from your postcode →
You apply to the council where you live. Bridestowe Primary School is in Devon; for families living there:
- Devon's school travel policy: Free school transport
- How to apply: Apply for free school transport
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in Devon is 3 (the median across 426 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Your chances of a place at Bridestowe Primary School
Will you get a place at Bridestowe Primary School? Get the admissions report
Your home postcode, set against Bridestowe Primary School's admissions figures, in one report saved to your account.
What the report includes for Bridestowe Primary School:
- The straight-line distance from your home to Bridestowe Primary School.
- We hold no last distance offered figures from Devon, so the report covers demand, alternatives and dates.
- Applications, first choices and offers at Bridestowe Primary School for 2018 to 2026 entry.
- How many families in Devon got their first choice, and how often appeals there succeed.
- The nearest state schools to your home, with Ofsted rating, demand and last distance offered where published.
- Key dates for September 2027 entry and how to apply.
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
105%
Over capacity
88 pupils
84 places
4 pupils over capacity in 2025
2025, DfE school capacity data
Area Demand Pressure - Okehampton
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Okehampton
Across Devon council
Places available
9,014
Applications
6,494
Got 1st preference
96.5%
Got preferred school
99.1%
All primary applications across Devon council (2026/27), not just this school.
This school: 1.5 first choices per place
Inspection History(3)
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
18
SEN Support
8
EHC Plans
30.2%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
Pupil Demographics
Ethnicity
2026 academic year
Key Indicators
86
Total Pupils
43
Boys
43
Girls
2026 academic year
Workforce
10
Teachers
8.6:1
Pupil-teacher ratio
£47,055
Mean salary
2026 data
School Funding
£6,524
Per pupil
£638k
Total funding
£15k
Pupil premium
2025-26 financial year allocations
Pupil Absence2024/25
4.8%
Overall absence
9.0%
Persistent absence
78
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Questions parents ask about Bridestowe Primary School
What are SATs results like at Bridestowe Primary School?
Of the pupils at Bridestowe Primary School who took the 2025 Key Stage 2 assessments, 85% reached the expected standard in reading and 77% did so in maths.
What is Bridestowe Primary School's Ofsted rating?
Bridestowe Primary School's most recent Ofsted inspection, in October 2026, produced a report card, which grades each area but gives no overall grade. At its last graded inspection, in April 2022, it was rated Good.
What is the catchment area for Bridestowe Primary School?
No fixed boundary. When Bridestowe Primary School is oversubscribed, Devon allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.
Is it hard to get a place at Bridestowe Primary School?
Bridestowe Primary School was full in 2025, at 105% of its capacity, so places are allocated on the oversubscription criteria.
How big are the classes at Bridestowe Primary School?
Classes at Bridestowe Primary School average 21.5 pupils (2025/26).
How many pupils go to Bridestowe Primary School?
Bridestowe Primary School has around 86 pupils on roll. 16% are eligible for free school meals.
What is attendance like at Bridestowe Primary School?
4.8% of sessions were missed at Bridestowe Primary School in 2024/25. 9% of pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of sessions).
How do I apply to Bridestowe Primary School?
Apply through Devon's coordinated admissions process, naming Bridestowe Primary School on your application. Applications for Reception places starting in September 2027 close on Friday 15 January 2027, and offers are made on Friday 16 April 2027.
How many road collisions happen near Bridestowe Primary School?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in Devon is 3 (the median across 426 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Bridestowe Primary School?
Bridestowe Primary School is at Bridestowe, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4EL.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)