The Duchy School Bradninch
Bowley Meadow, Townlands, Bradninch, Exeter, EX5 4RFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Duchy School Bradninch is a primary school in Exeter for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 416 schools in Devon. It ranks 1st of 47 primary schools in Exeter. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in April 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 April 2025, report published 19 May 2025
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 23 April 2025
The school motto of 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow' shines through many aspects of school life. Pupils thrive academically, socially and emotionally at this exceptional school. They eagerly embrace the 'create' values of curiosity, respect, equality, ambition, tenacity and empathy. They act on these and can explain their meaning. For example, pupils reflect maturely on their learning about equality. They understand, appreciate and respect people's differences, such as religion or gender, and celebrate things that are common to all people. Pupils understand the school's high expectations for how they should behave. Consistent routines start in the early years where children learn together well. In the playground, pupils play together harmoniously. They enjoy their own games, dressing up or dancing to music with staff. As a result, school is fun and enjoyable. Pupils feel safe and happy. They love school. Pupils enjoy the wide range of clubs and activities on offer. There is 'something for everyone'. These include photography, tag-rugby, eco club and quidditch. They learn to sing, play musical instruments and delight in the many performances that the school plans for them. The school is a friendly, supportive and positive environment where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish.
What the school should improve
- The school's focus on letter formation and transcription for children in the early years is not sharp enough. This hinders the quality of children's early writing skills. The trust and the school need to refine their approach to writing in the early years so that children gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become proficient writers.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
27 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
207 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near The Duchy School Bradninch
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverton Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 56% met the expected standard |
| Willowbank Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 56% met the expected standard |
| Clyst Hydon Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Andrew's Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 63% met the expected standard |
| Plymtree Church of England Primary School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 22% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE HARBOUR SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Simon Roberts
- Phone
- 01392881482
- Address
- Bowley Meadow, Townlands, Bradninch, Exeter, EX5 4RF
- Local authority
- Devon
- URN
- 140078
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.