Watcombe Primary School
Moor Lane, Torquay, TQ2 8NUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Watcombe Primary School is a primary school in Torquay for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 45 schools in Torbay. It ranks 16th of 17 primary schools in Torquay. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 July 2024, report published 10 September 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 2 July 2024
This nurturing school is at the heart of the community. Relationships between pupils, staff and families are strong and as a result pupils thrive. The positive behaviour of pupils reflects the school values of confidence, respect, aspiration and responsibility. School leaders have ensured that there are regular opportunities for pupils to demonstrate these values. Older pupils act as reading buddies to the younger pupils. Play leaders support their peers in the playground and house captains demonstrate what it means to be a role model. The school provides pupils with a wide range of experiences. Career fairs for Year 6 pupils help them to learn about the different jobs available to them in the future. Pupils go on residential visits to develop independence and explore nature. Pupils also have the opportunities to learn and develop new skills in extra-curricular activities, such as gymnastics, football and athletics. Pupils say they are treated fairly. They are tolerant of differences and believe in equality for all. Pupils learn to stay safe online. They also learn to stay safe in the community and near the sea. If pupils are worried, they say they have a trusted adult to speak to.
What the school should improve
- In a minority of subjects, leaders have not fully considered what it is they want pupils to learn. This means there is not always a consistently logical sequence for the curriculum. As a result, pupils develop gaps in their knowledge. The school must consider the end points of these subjects and identify what it is that pupils will need to learn so that these end points can be reached.
- School attendance is low for some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged. Low attendance means these pupils are missing out on important learning for their future. The school should ensure that their ongoing work with families leads to improvements in attendance, so that all pupils attend school regularly.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
27 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
221 pupils on roll, with places for 242
Schools near Watcombe Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lift Barton Hill | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 74% met the expected standard |
| St Marychurch Church of England Primary and Nursery School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 53% met the expected standard |
| Priory Roman Catholic Primary School, Torquay | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 44% met the expected standard |
| St Margaret's Academy | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 54% met the expected standard |
| Abbey School | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Tim Nield
- Phone
- 01803327419
- Address
- Moor Lane, Torquay, TQ2 8NU
- Local authority
- Torbay
- URN
- 113233
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.