St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Axminster

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Lyme Road, Axminster, EX13 5BEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Axminster is a primary school in Axminster for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 416 schools in Devon. It ranks 225th of 266 primary schools in Devon. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 2 July 2019, report published 28 July 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

The school has high expectations of pupils to achieve well. They enjoy learning a well- structured curriculum. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their ideas with each other, which helps them to extend their thinking. For example, pupils were observed discussing with insight their 'useful inventions' based on a book they had read. Pupils, including children in the Reception Year, learn the routines of school well. The learning environment is calm and orderly, which helps pupils to learn well. Through the curriculum, pupils learn to be kind, respectful and welcoming towards others. Pupils develop compassion for those less fortunate by fundraising for charities and providing food at Harvest time. Pupils also act as 'buddies' for children in the Reception Year and support them with their reading. The personal development of pupils at the school is strong. Pupils learn about the importance of liberty and democracy. The personal, social and health education curriculum is effective in supporting pupils to learn about the world. They are supported in developing their social skills through group conversations at lunchtime. Pupils relish the opportunities to play outside with mud kitchens and other resources. Children in the Reception Year learn to play well together. They share, take turns and forge strong friendships.

What the school should improve

  • The school has not ensured that staff check with precision what pupils know and do not know in some subjects in the wider curriculum. Consequently, some pupils do not receive the support they need to learn effectively. The school must ensure staff use assessment information to inform adaptations to the teaching of some subjects in the wider curriculum so pupils learn well.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

19 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths21%

21%, 41 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths5%

5%, 3 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score101

101, 5 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score98

98, 7 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score97

97, 8 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

136 pupils on roll, with places for 140

Eligible for free school meals11.8%

11.8%, 14.7 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language13.2%

13.2%, 8.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.6%

9.6%, 5.2 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.4%

4.4%, 1.6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Axminster

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Axminster Community Primary Academy0.2 milesOfsted judgements: Good52% met the expected standard
Kilmington Primary School2 milesOfsted: Requires improvement38% met the expected standard
All Saints Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good60% met the expected standard
Musbury Primary School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Shute Community Primary School3 milesOfsted judgements: Good71% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
PLYMOUTH CAST
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr Rob Meech
Address
Lyme Road, Axminster, EX13 5BE
Local authority
Devon
URN
140772

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.