South Molton United CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

This is an inclusive, welcoming school. The school’s values, 'ready, respectful and safe', support pupils in making good choices. Pupils enjoy breaktimes in the school's vast grounds. Pupils of various ages get along well together, for example, while drawing with chalk on the playground and playing ball games. Pupils feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe, for instance, during periods of hot weather. Pupils behave well. From the moment they join the early years, children learn to share and respect one another. Pupils are proud to belong to the school, and they are keen to attend well. Incidents of bullying are rare. If they do happen, pupils know that staff will address them swiftly. During lessons, pupils generally engage well with learning. They benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum that helps them build secure knowledge and skills over time. Results in national tests at the end of Year 6 were below average last year. However, leaders' actions have led to improvements. Current pupils achieve increasingly well across the curriculum. Disadvantaged pupils, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those known or previously known to social care are supported well to make progress from their starting points. Pupils are enthusiastic, confident and capable readers. They benefit from a considerable focus on early reading. Pupils appreciate the wide range of opportunities that support their personal development. They take part in clubs, trips and leadership roles. These nurture pupils' talents, enhance their learning and develop their character. Pupils with additional needs and vulnerabilities participate fully in school life. They receive effective support that helps them develop confidence, independence and positive relationships with those around them. All pupils understand the importance of respecting difference and treating others fairly. Pupils are well prepared for life beyond South Molton.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure they continue to support staff in strengthening the teaching of foundational skills in writing and early number to ensure that more pupils achieve at least in line with the national average in writing and mathematics.
• Leaders should ensure that they support teachers to make precise and effective adaptations in the wider curriculum, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, so that all pupils progress as well as possible.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)