Parkham Primary School, Bideford

Ofsted's report card from its 6 January 2026 inspection grades Parkham 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. "Leaders have prioritised the development of the early years, resulting in high-quality provision from when children begin school."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils achieve well at Parkham Primary School."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate and informed view of pupils' behaviour and attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate and well-informed view of the quality of the curriculum."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders and staff are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to be fully included in all that the school provides."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Across all levels of leadership, there is a culture that each decision is made in the best interests of pupils and the school community."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders give careful consideration to pupils' personal development and wellbeing."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• Leaders should ensure that assessment and feedback are used effectively to address gaps in pupils' knowledge and support teachers to design learning activities that build on what pupils know and can do. • Leaders should continue to strengthen opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of cultural diversity, so that they are even more well prepared for life in modern Britain".

In 2025, 63% of Year 6 pupils at Parkham Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Devon and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 71% in reading and 71% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Parkham Primary School as their first choice and 11 named it as one of their preferences, for 9 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Parkham Primary School are Buckland Brewer Primary School (2.1 miles, Requires improvement, 50% reading, 50% maths); Woolsery Primary School (3.5 miles, Good, 65% reading, 62% maths); St Helens Church of England Academy (4.1 miles, Good, 77% reading, 73% maths); and Monkleigh Primary School (4.4 miles, Good, 93% reading, 93% maths).

Parkham Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Parkham Primary School is one of 6 schools run by Atlantic Coast Co-Operative Trust, an academy trust.

21 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Parkham Primary School (as of April 2026): 95% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that they are kept well informed about progress (76%).

12.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 7 pupils (12.7%) received SEN support and 1 (1.8%) 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.

Parkham Primary School had 9 teachers in 2026, one for every 6 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 Parkham Primary School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (n-bound), 20 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 0 crimes within a mile of the school. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Devon (16).

Parkham Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.