Pilton Community College
Chaddiford Lane, Barnstaple, EX31 1RBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Pilton Community College is a secondary school in Barnstaple for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 416 schools in Devon. It ranks 2nd of 2 secondary schools in Barnstaple. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 February 2023, report published 2 May 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 28 February 2023
Pupils are happy and safe. They value the warm and respectful relationships that they have with staff. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils usually live up to these and learn without disruption. As a result, the school has a calm and orderly atmosphere. Most pupils and parents say that staff deal well with any incidents of bullying. However, a minority of pupils use disrespectful or derogatory language. Staff are quick to challenge pupils when they do this. They are determined that pupils should uphold the school's values, which include kindness, respect and responsibility. Pupils enjoy a range of trips. Some of these are local, for example to beaches and regional universities. Other trips are further afield, such as to Spain, Austria and Martinique. The school has a strong culture of internationalism. Pupils enjoy welcoming visitors from abroad and taking part in shared projects. These opportunities provide a range of enriching experiences beyond the curriculum. Leaders ensure that pupils have a strong voice in the school. For example, pupils use the school's 'drop box' to share acts of kindness. Leaders have sought pupils' views on how they can best provide advice and support for pupils about how to deal with harmful sexual behaviours should they experience this.
What the school should improve
- The curriculum does not consistently make a strong contribution to some elements of pupils' personal development. As a result, some pupils do not develop their ability to debate issues confidently or know how to look after some aspects of their well-being. Leaders should ensure that the personal development curriculum is consistently well implemented, so that all pupils are well prepared for their future.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
225 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
1,165 pupils on roll, with places for 1,350
Schools near Pilton Community College
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Park Community School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 46.6 |
| Braunton Academy | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 53.7 |
| West Buckland School | 7 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 54.1 |
| Kingsley School Devon | 8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 36.6 |
| Bideford College | 8 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 45.7 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE HARBOUR SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Danny Heaton
- Phone
- 01271374381
- Address
- Chaddiford Lane, Barnstaple, EX31 1RB
- Local authority
- Devon
- URN
- 136867
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.