South Molton United CofE Primary School, South Molton

Ofsted's report card from its 23 June 2026 inspection grades South Molton United CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 6 expected standard and 1 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate understanding of attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed an ambitious and coherent curriculum since the last inspection."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear vision for giving children the best possible start."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear approach to inclusion."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders are highly ambitious."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders prioritise pupils' personal development."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Pupils across the school make progress through the curriculum."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure they continue to support staff in strengthening the teaching of foundational skills in writing and early number to ensure that more pupils achieve at least in line with the national average in writing and mathematics"; "Leaders should ensure that they support teachers to make precise and effective adaptations in the wider curriculum, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, so that all pupils progress as well as possible".

In its own words: "We are a one form entry primary school situated in the thriving market town of South Molton We have a modern building set in extensive grounds with great outdoor space, which is used to support the curriculum."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, guitar, cooking, gardening and homework club.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care, from £3.00 per session.

In 2025, 65% of Year 6 pupils at South Molton United CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 55% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Devon and 77% and 75% across England.

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

For September 2026 entry, 32 families put South Molton United CofE Primary School as their first choice and 39 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.1 first choices for every place. 2 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to South Molton United CofE Primary School are South Molton Community Primary School (0.6 miles); North Molton Primary School (3.1 miles, 83% reading, 78% maths); Bishops Nympton Primary School (3.1 miles, Requires improvement, 90% reading, 60% maths); and Filleigh Community Primary School (3.3 miles, Good, 30% reading, 30% maths).

South Molton United CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 3 schools.

South Molton United CofE Primary School is one of 36 schools run by The Harbour Schools Partnership, an academy trust.

6.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 52 pupils (23.4%) received SEN support and 10 (4.5%) 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.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of South Molton United CofE Primary School.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Parklands (se-bound), 200 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 51 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Devon (16), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, South Molton United CofE Primary School issued 11 suspensions, 4.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.