St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School, Crediton

Ofsted's report card from its 2 June 2026 inspection grades St Thomas of Canterbury CofE 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.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Pupils behave remarkably well."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, progress well through the curriculum."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Pupils benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum, which is suitable for mixed-age classes."

Early years - Expected standard. "There have been recent changes to the early years due to the addition of the new nursery."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those who are disadvantaged and those known to social care are included fully in day-to-day school life."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Since the previous inspection, the school has improved significantly across leadership, behaviour, teaching quality and community engagement."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The personal development curriculum is woven seamlessly through every element of school life."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to strengthen their work to embed strategies for developing writing and transcription so they can continue to improve pupils' achievement"; "Leaders should continue developing the personal development programme to ensure that it has a highly positive impact on all groups of pupils".

In its own words: "Welcome to St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary School, Lapford, a small rural school nestled in the heart of our close-knit community. We pride ourselves on being more than just a school; we are a family that fosters a sense of belonging for both our pupils and their families."

From the headteacher's welcome: "As your child begins their journey in Reception, this marks a truly special milestone - full of new experiences, friendships and learning opportunities. We understand this is a time of both excitement and adjustment for families. To help support you through this transition, please see the guidance below with practical tips and reassurance for the weeks ahead."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, rugby, cricket, choir, guitar, recorder, chess, coding and gardening.

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care until 6:00pm.

In 2025, 89% of Year 6 pupils at St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 56% 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 25% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 5 families put St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School as their first choice and 9 named it as one of their preferences, for 5 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 St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School are Morchard Bishop Church of England Primary School (2.5 miles, 92% reading, 83% maths); East Worlington Primary School (4.2 miles, Good, 67% reading, 50% maths); Copplestone Primary School (4.2 miles, Good, 77% reading, 46% maths); and Bow Community Primary School (4.4 miles, Requires improvement, 70% reading, 55% maths).

St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School is one of 4 schools run by Chulmleigh Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 46% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 6 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Lapford Rail Station, about 880 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Shelter (opposite), 190 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often shoplifting, other theft and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Devon (16).

In 2024/25, St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School issued 6 suspensions, 12.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.