Dolton Church of England Academy, Winkleigh

In its own words: "As small, rural schools with a Christian foundation we believe in the importance of developing a passion for learning in a safe and creative environment where every child can succeed. Our aim is to inspire everyone to be the best that they can be whilst supporting and loving one another."

For September 2026 entry, 5 families put Dolton Church of England Academy as their first choice and 7 named it as one of their preferences, for 5 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places, so in 2026 a family who put it first could expect an offer unless the school's other criteria ruled them out.

First-choice demand has risen from 1 in 2021 to 5 in 2026, while places went from 1 to 5.

Across Devon, 96% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2025, families in Devon lodged 45 appeals against primary school offers; 15 reached a hearing and 2 succeeded (13.3% of those heard).

The nearest other state primary schools to Dolton Church of England Academy are Beaford Community Primary & Nursery School (2 miles, 47% reading, 47% maths); The Clinton Church of England Primary School (2.7 miles); The Clinton Church of England Primary School (2.7 miles, Requires improvement); and Winkleigh Primary School (4.6 miles, Good, 76% reading, 81% maths).

Dolton Church of England Academy is one of 22 schools run by Learning Academy Partnership (south West), an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 73% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2023/24.

37.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (the average state school: 24.5%), and 5.7% speak English as an additional language (average: 18.5%), according to the 2025 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (86%) and Mixed (6%).

In 2025, 2 pupils (5.7%) received SEN support and 2 (5.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 15.6% and 3.9% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Dolton Church of England Academy employed 5 teachers in 2024, roughly one for every 5 pupils. Their average salary was £36,521.

Its 2026 funding allocation works out at £12,792 per pupil (£0.4 million in total), including £16,665 of pupil premium for disadvantaged pupils.

There is no railway or Underground station within about three miles of Dolton Church of England Academy.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Dolton Church of England Academy stands in is among the 40% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 6th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 6 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences and public order offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Devon (16).

Dolton Church of England Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2023/24.