Best 3 Primary schools in Bideford – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of primary schools: Appledore School (Primary) in Bideford; Woolsery Primary School (Primary) in Bideford; West Croft School (Primary) in Bideford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Appledore School, Woolsery Primary School and West Croft School. They are primary phase and foundation school and community school type located around Bideford, Devon. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Appledore School), published Sep 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Appledore School (Sep 2023). average roll around ≈ 300, combined total ≈ 850, typical FSM 20–25%, range 10–15%–40–45%; all under Devon local authority.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Appledore School EX39 1PF	Woolsery Primary School EX39 5QS	West Croft School EX39 3DE
Phase / Type	Primary • Foundation school	Primary • Foundation school	Primary • Community school
Location	Bideford Devon EX39 1PF	Bideford Devon EX39 5QS	Bideford Devon EX39 3DE
Latest Ofsted	2 21 Sep 2023	2 21 May 2023	2 31 Mar 2022
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 500 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	210	140	630
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	Devon (878)	Devon (878)	Devon (878)
Website	www.appledore-primary.devon.sch.uk	www.villageschools.org.uk	www.westcroft.devon.sch.uk
Telephone	01237474365	01237431307	01237473548
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Appledore School

EX39 1PF

Phase / Type: Primary • Foundation school
Location: Bideford
Devon
EX39 1PF
Ofsted: 2 21 Sep 2023
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Devon (878)
Website: www.appledore-primary.devon.sch.uk
Telephone: 01237474365

Woolsery Primary School

EX39 5QS

Phase / Type: Primary • Foundation school
Location: Bideford
Devon
EX39 5QS
Ofsted: 2 21 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Devon (878)
Website: www.villageschools.org.uk
Telephone: 01237431307

West Croft School

EX39 3DE

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Bideford
Devon
EX39 3DE
Ofsted: 2 31 Mar 2022
Pupils: ≈ 500 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Devon (878)
Website: www.westcroft.devon.sch.uk
Telephone: 01237473548

Unlock Full School Data — Advanced Search & Exports

Apply deep filters (phase, type, trust, region, town, postcode-area) and export clean CSV/Excel/PDF reports — all ad-free and ready for your analysis.

Advanced filters Full dataset access CSV & Excel export Ad-free browsing

Upgrade to Pro today and lock in today’s rate — all future tools included.

See Pro plans Create account

Built for professionals

All the data you need — export-ready for reports, dashboards and presentations.

Full dataset access: pupil counts, FSM %, inspection history & more.
Export tools: one-click CSV, Excel & PDF for immediate download.
Search & filter across: region, district, city, county, local authority, trust, school type, gender, religion—and combinations.
Refine by metrics: number of pupils, capacity, % FSM, postcode-area & more.

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.