Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School Review 2026: High-performing village primary with strong outdoor learning

A small rural primary serving children aged 2 to 11, Cheriton Fitzpaine combines the intimacy of a four-class school with the added capacity that comes from being part of a wider federation. The site itself signals the priorities: the current building opened in 2010 and the grounds include a MUGA (multi-use games area), a large field, a small allotment and the school’s “story mountain”, all of which are used as learning spaces rather than occasional extras.

Academically, results place it well above England averages at the end of Key Stage 2. The school’s primary outcomes rank 414th in England and 1st in the Crediton area (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it well above England average (top 10%). This level of performance is especially notable in a small intake where year groups are taught in mixed-age classes.

Leadership is clearly defined. Mrs Claire Theedom is Head of School, and she took up the post from 01 September 2020.

Cheriton Fitzpaine feels like a school designed around relationships. Mixed-age teaching can sharpen that sense of community because pupils spend longer with the same adults and learn to collaborate across ages. It also tends to create a “small school” culture where responsibilities are visible and pupils are expected to contribute, whether through practical roles, performance events, or helping younger children settle.

The physical environment supports a strong outdoor thread. The grounds are described as having undercover teaching spaces alongside the MUGA, large field, allotment and “story mountain”, which helps the school run learning beyond the classroom without it feeling weather-dependent. The prospective parent material also highlights features such as a pond and wildlife area, a willow sculpture, and a fire pit on the story mountain, all of which point to an outdoor learning approach that goes beyond standard playtime provision.

Parents looking for a broad primary experience, not just a classroom-heavy model, tend to value this sort of set-up. For children who learn best through practical exploration and talk, these spaces can make topics stick. For others who prefer predictable routines and quieter environments, it is worth understanding how outdoor learning is structured across the week.

The 2024 Key Stage 2 outcomes are strong. In reading, writing and mathematics combined, 78.67% of pupils met the expected standard, compared with an England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 35.67% reached greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, well above the England average of 8%.

Scaled scores reinforce the same picture: reading 110, mathematics 111 and grammar, punctuation and spelling 110, each comfortably above typical national benchmarks. High score rates are also notable, with 50% achieving a high score in reading and 57% in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Science is the one area that reads as slightly less strong relative to the England average. In 2024, 79% reached the expected standard in science, compared with an England average of 82%. That difference is not a concern by itself, but it is a useful prompt for parents to ask how science knowledge builds across mixed-age classes and how gaps are identified and addressed.

For context on relative performance, the school ranks 414th in England and 1st in the Crediton area for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). That level typically signals consistent teaching and well-organised end-of-Key-Stage preparation.

Parents comparing nearby primaries can use the FindMySchool Local Hub page and Comparison Tool to view these outcomes side-by-side.

Curriculum design is framed around a “knowledge-engaged” approach, described as combining a skills-progression model with knowledge that underpins how skills are applied. The school also runs a two-year rolling programme, a common and often effective approach in mixed-age settings when sequencing is planned carefully.

The most distinctive academic thread is how rural context is woven into learning. The curriculum description explicitly references local farms, farming history, sustainable practices and environmental management, and then uses that local grounding to compare with more urban or coastal contexts. For families living in and around Cheriton Fitzpaine, this can make learning feel relevant rather than abstract.

The published inspection evidence points to deep dives in early reading, mathematics and geography during the most recent visit, which aligns with the school’s priorities and the areas that typically drive Key Stage 2 outcomes.

As a Devon state primary, transition into Year 7 is typically coordinated through the local authority admissions system, and the likely destinations depend on where families live and the secondary options they apply for.

The federation’s sporting programme shows a working relationship with Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton through festivals and tournaments, which offers a useful indicator of local secondary links and familiarity. For parents, the practical step is to look at Devon’s current secondary allocation arrangements and, where relevant, to discuss transition support early in Year 6 so that children are emotionally and academically ready for a larger setting.

Devon County Council is the admissions authority for Reception entry, with applications made through the local authority rather than directly to the school. The school also notes that a fresh Reception application is required even for children already attending the pre-school provision.

Demand is material even in a small intake. The most recent published admissions figures show 17 applications for 13 offers in the main intake route, which aligns with an oversubscribed profile. Without a published “last distance offered” figure here, families should treat proximity as helpful but not decisive, and check the current Devon oversubscription criteria carefully.

For September 2026 starters, Devon’s published timetable indicates that offers are made on 16 April 2026, and the application window closes on 15 January each year. (As of 25 January 2026, the on-time deadline for September 2026 entry has already passed.)

Parents who are relying on distance should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their exact home-to-school measurement and then treat this as a planning tool rather than a guarantee.

The school day routines and expectations are clearly set out. The day begins at 9.00am and ends at 3.30pm, with pupils arriving by 8.45am for lining up and registration routines. That level of clarity tends to support calm starts and consistent attendance habits, both of which matter in mixed-age classes.

Pupils’ sense of security is a headline strength. The most recent inspection confirms that pupils feel safe and learn how to manage risk appropriately, and it also records that safeguarding records are kept meticulously.

There are also structured opportunities for pupil voice and responsibility. The handbook describes a school council with representatives from each year group, including roles in celebration assemblies and welcoming visitors, which often helps children build confidence and public-speaking comfort over time.

A small school can only run a limited number of clubs at any one time, so specificity matters more than sheer volume. The published Spring 1 2026 programme includes Band (Key Stage 2), Film Club, Arts and Crafts, a British Sign Language club (Hands Together BSL), and a Sports Club, alongside wraparound provision. The existence of a named band, in particular, fits with the school’s wider emphasis on arts performances and musical participation.

Outdoor and adventurous activity is another distinctive pillar. The federation’s curriculum materials describe the Exmoor Challenge for Year 6, a 16-mile route completed in teams using map-reading and compass skills, with practice walks in advance. That is a demanding, confidence-building experience that tends to suit children who enjoy teamwork and perseverance.

Sport is not positioned as a generic add-on. The curriculum information references swimming lessons led by specialist swim teachers, gymnastics sessions, and additional outdoor sports sessions using external facilities and specialist expertise, which can broaden the quality of provision for a small primary.

The core school day runs from 9.00am to 3.30pm, with pupils arriving by 8.45am. Wraparound care is available in term time. Breakfast Club runs 7.45am to 8.45am, and After School Club runs 3.30pm to 6.00pm on weekdays.

For families budgeting carefully, it is useful that wraparound charges are published in the club information, including a Reception to Year 6 rate for Breakfast Club and priced session blocks for After School Club. Nursery and pre-school fees are structured separately; parents should use the school’s published information for the current early years pricing and funded-hours guidance.

Travel-wise, this is a rural setting where driving and village walking routes are the practical norm. The handbook also notes on-site arrangements for drop-off, including use of the parent car park and clear expectations around safe movement at busy times.

• Mixed-age classes. Four mixed-age classes can be a real strength for relationships and peer learning, but it does mean children sometimes move through topics in a rolling programme. Ask how prior knowledge is revisited, especially if your child finds change difficult.

• Assessment in foundation subjects. The most recent inspection highlights that assessment systems outside English and mathematics were new at the time, and that some pupils may not build securely on prior knowledge as a result. A sensible question is what has changed since then and how leaders now track learning in subjects such as geography and history.

• Competition for places. Even with a small cohort, recent demand data shows more applications than offers for the main intake route. Families should plan with alternatives in mind and understand Devon’s oversubscription criteria early.

• Wraparound costs and logistics. Wraparound care is available and clearly timetabled, but regular use can become a meaningful monthly cost. It is worth modelling this alongside transport time if you commute out of the village.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School stands out for two reasons: unusually strong Key Stage 2 results for a small village school, and an outdoor learning environment that is built into the daily rhythm rather than treated as an occasional enrichment activity. The close-knit feel will suit children who thrive when adults know them well and when learning is supported through practical experiences.

Best suited to families who want a high-performing state primary with a genuine outdoor and arts thread, and who are comfortable with mixed-age classes as part of the school’s structure. Admission is the main uncertainty, so families should approach it with a realistic plan and a well-managed shortlist.