High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy
High Bickington, Umberleigh, EX37 9AYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy is a primary school in Umberleigh for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 416 schools in Devon. It ranks 29th of 266 primary schools in Devon. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in March 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 17 March 2026, report published 14 May 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Strong standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Strong standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Strong standard
- Leadership and governance
- Expected standard
- Early years
- Strong standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 17 March 2026
The school’s vision of ‘Let your light shine’ is lived out daily by the pupils at High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy. Expectations for what pupils can achieve are high. The atmosphere in the playground, as pupils arrive at school on their bikes and scooters, is calm and welcoming. As pupils move into their classrooms, they remain calm but swiftly focus their attention on purposeful activities that support them in their learning. By the end of Year 6, many pupils achieve highly in national curriculum tests. The school is at the heart of the community. Staff know pupils well. Staff swiftly remove any barriers to pupils' learning and wellbeing. Pupils are safe and say they feel safe. They know that if they had any concerns, they could speak to a member of staff. They know they would be supported. Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend well. They strive to do their absolute best. Pupils across the school behave extremely well. They are polite and courteous to visitors as well as to each other. Older pupils engage in conversation with visitors in a confident and mature manner. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and talents. For example, pupils learn to play different musical instruments, and they then perform at a proms event at a local theatre. Pupils also participate in activities to build their confidence and resilience, such as rock climbing and gymnastics events. Pupils are well prepared for life beyond school. They learn how relationships change over time. They also learn to keep themselves safe when they are online. Parents are highly positive about their children’s experience at school. They say that the school and staff are nurturing and it is a place where children fall in love with learning.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should continue to ensure that teachers' use of assessment to check what pupils already know, including through questioning, enables them to make changes to their teaching as necessary so that pupils achieve very well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
15 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
84 pupils on roll, with places for 70
Schools near High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umberleigh Primary Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 86% met the expected standard |
| Beaford Community Primary & Nursery School | 4 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 35% met the expected standard |
| Kings Nympton Community Primary School | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Dolton Church of England Primary School | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Swimbridge Church of England Primary School | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 69% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- TEAM MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Daniel Polak
- Phone
- 01769560324
- Address
- High Bickington, Umberleigh, EX37 9AY
- Local authority
- Devon
- URN
- 144535
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.