Pennycross Primary School
Arden Grove, Pennycross, Plymouth, PL2 3RLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Pennycross Primary School is a primary school in Plymouth for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 103 schools in Plymouth. It ranks 12th of 71 primary schools in Plymouth. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2016.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 9 November 2016, report published 9 January 2017
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 28 April 2026
Pennycross is an inclusive school. Pupils experience a deep sense of belonging as soon as they join. They are proud of their school and their community. Pupils describe the school as friendly and welcoming for everyone. Tolerance, inclusion and equity are at the forefront of every decision made. The school is proud of its award as a School of Sanctuary for supporting pupils experiencing hardship, including refugees. Pupils enjoy coming to school and this is reflected in their high attendance. Staff greet pupils warmly at the start of every day. They take time to get to know every child. Pupils feel safe knowing that staff are there for them. They know staff will deal promptly and effectively with any concerns they may have. Pupils are clear that bullying does not happen and know that it would be addressed swiftly if it did. Behaviour throughout the school is typically calm. Pupils are polite and respond well to staff. Lunchtime is a positive and sociable experience. Pupils interact well and show respect for one another. Older pupils thrive in their ambassador roles and other leadership opportunities. Pupils speak positively about the wider curriculum offer, particularly the residential trips. Year 6 pupils are ready to move on to the next stage of their education. Overall, pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education and in life. Children get off to a positive start in the Reception class. Any barriers to learning which pupils may face are identified quickly. Pupils learn a broad curriculum. It is carefully organised so that pupils build their knowledge over time. There is a sharp focus on ensuring pupils master the fundamental knowledge of reading, writing and mathematics. Typically, pupils achieve well. This includes disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should ensure that support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is consistently well designed and implemented effectively, and that staff ensure learning activities build on what pupils with SEND know and can do, so that all pupils achieve well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
60 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
402 pupils on roll, with places for 420
Schools near Pennycross Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montpelier Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 64% met the expected standard |
| Mayflower Academy | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 84% met the expected standard |
| Manadon Vale Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 74% met the expected standard |
| King's School | 0.8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Shakespeare Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 50% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Stuart Tulloch-Thomas
- Phone
- 01752705137
- Address
- Arden Grove, Pennycross, Plymouth, PL2 3RL
- Local authority
- Plymouth
- URN
- 113297
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.