West Buckland Primary School, Wellington

Ofsted's report card from its 14 July 2026 inspection grades West Buckland 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. "Leaders have high expectations for pupils' attendance."

Achievement - Expected standard. "From the start of Reception, children learn the basic skills they need to build on throughout school."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have planned a broad and balanced curriculum that is suitable for all pupils."

Early years - Expected standard. "Children get off to a positive start."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders retain a clear oversight of how well all pupils are included in the life of the school."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders are dedicated and act in the best interests of pupils."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a personal development programme that supports pupils to grow into responsible young people."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that the targets set for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are precise enough for teachers to know whether these have been achieved and when pupils are ready to move on"; "Leaders should continue to strengthen the teaching of spelling and punctuation so that pupils learn to write with accuracy"; "Leaders, including those responsible for governance, should continue to develop their expertise so that they can more accurately evaluate the quality of teaching and the curriculum".

In its own words: "To build further upon our Trust values, at West Buckland Primary School and Nursery we provide a welcoming, happy and safe place where children are encouraged to try new and exciting things. Our supportive and inclusive team create a learning environment that stimulates conversation, develops curiosity, allowing children to discover their interests and grow their love of learning."

Coming up: an open day on Monday 9 November 2026 at 9am, an open evening on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 5pm, an open evening on Thursday 12 November 2026 and an open evening on Friday 13 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 73% of Year 6 pupils at West Buckland Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 80% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Somerset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 92% in reading and 85% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put West Buckland Primary School as their first choice and 30 named it as one of their preferences, for 16 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 West Buckland Primary School are St John's Church of England Primary School (2.1 miles, Good, 68% reading, 68% maths); Wellesley Park Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 67% reading, 72% maths); Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School (2.3 miles, Good); and Beech Grove Primary School (2.5 miles, Good, 70% reading, 70% maths).

West Buckland Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

West Buckland Primary School is one of 6 schools run by Richard Huish Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 60% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

6.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 4 pupils (3%) received SEN support and 2 (1.5%) 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 autism.

West Buckland Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 West Buckland Primary School.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is County Primary School (se-bound), 30 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 3 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Somerset (22).

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