Swimbridge Church of England Primary School, Barnstaple

In its own words: "Swimbridge Church of England Primary is a village school , situated in a beautiful rural setting in North Devon . It has served its close-knit community for over 150 years . We have around 1 00 pupils, arranged in four classes who are supported by an experienced, highly skilled team of teachers and enthusiastic support staff."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include rugby, choir, Lego and STEM.

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

In 2025, 85% of Year 6 pupils at Swimbridge Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 85% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Devon and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 88% in reading and 53% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 14 families put Swimbridge Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 22 named it as one of their preferences, for 14 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 Swimbridge Church of England Primary School are Landkey Community Primary Academy (1.7 miles, Good, 75% reading, 68% maths); Orchard Vale Community School (2.7 miles, Good, 77% reading, 72% maths); Goodleigh Church of England Primary School (2.8 miles, Good, 94% reading, 78% maths); and Bishops Tawton Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 77% reading, 65% maths).

Swimbridge Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

15.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 7 pupils (8.9%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) 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.

Swimbridge Church of England Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Chapelton (Devon) Rail Station, about 3.4 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bridge (nw-bound), 220 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Devon (16).

In 2024/25, Swimbridge Church of England Primary School issued 5 suspensions, 6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.