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Reviewed

Churston Ferrers Grammar School

State school · Brixham, TQ5 0LN
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,034 pupils
Academically selective state school
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If you live in Torbay, there are three grammar schools to choose from, one for girls, one for boys and Churston for those in favour of a co-ed school life. Churston is a family-orientated school that is academic, but not exceptional. The biggest difference is that it’s more relaxed than your average grammar school, maybe because it’s co-ed or maybe because it's less traditional. The school works hard to keep the school open to new challenges, fully adaptable for change and in tune with the rest of the world, not just the rolling hills of Devon.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,034 ·
Sixth form numbers
265 ·
Religion
None
Local authority
Torbay Council
Area guides

Headteacher

Headteacher

James Simpson

Since September 2023, James Simpson, previously senior deputy head at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, Marlow.

Entrance

The three grammar schools in Torbay operate a co-ordinated joint entrance exam in English, maths and verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning. No practice material but familiarisation booklets provided. Approximately 140 out of 300 applicants are

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
June

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 31 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Oldway Primary School 12 %
White Rock Primary School 10 %
Galmpton Church of England Primary School 7 %
The Grove School 6 %
Collaton St Mary Church of England Primary School 4 %
Unknown 4 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Furzeham Primary School 3 %
Preston Primary School 3 %
Roselands Primary School 3 %
Eden Park Primary & Nursery School 3 %
Hayes School 3 %
Ipplepen Primary School 3 %
Broadhempston Village Primary School 3 %
Marldon Church of England Primary School 2 %
Berry Pomeroy Parochial CofE Primary School 2 %
Data highlight

Exit

Most go on to university. Nearly half of these to Russell Group universities, including two to Oxbridge in 2023. Cardiff, Plymouth and Exeter most popular. Sometimes the odd medic and a few overseas, though none in 2023.

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
74%
LA avg.
61%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2023, 57 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 36 per cent A*/A at A level (63 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 52 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 31 per cent A*/A at A level (60 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
91.3%
LA avg.
47.9%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
37.03
LA avg.
35.27
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Grades fluctuate. Top results in biology, history, maths and psychology at A level. Interestingly, these subjects also have the highest number of pupils taking them. Few takers for languages. GCSE curriculum now begins in year 9.

Churston takes

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
60
Number of teachers
17:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

Learning support is looked after by the student services team and SENCo along with a LSA, a full-time counsellor and literacy support co-ordinator. Action plans for individual or group work are set up according to needs, and screening is ongoing.

0.8 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
4.3 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

‘The academic emphasis can mean the arts are under-invested,’ said one parent, but there's now a new music and art block. A recent production, Legally Blonde, Jr, involved 140 students of all ages. Others have included Mary Poppins and Beauty and the

Sport

Great sports facilities. The playing fields outside the new sports hall are pretty inspiring, with a view down the valley to the sea. The old sports hall is still in use, plus there’s a gym for older pupils, Astroturf and cage for basketball and

Ethos & heritage

Originally Dartmouth Grammar School, Churston Ferrers is one of 42 co-educational grammar schools in the country. Set amongst the rolling hills of Devon in a picturesque seaside location, the school gives an impression of calm and tranquility.

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

All parents agreed the school’s pastoral care is outstanding. ‘We feel the school is very well run with a truly human hand’. A large student services team ensures there’s always someone available. Pupils are from all walks of life and the school is

Pupils & parents

Most families are local, from Torbay, Brixham or Paignton, but some from as far as Totnes. As with all grammar schools, there are pupils from varied backgrounds; parents are solicitors, directors, nurses, PAs. One said, ‘Churston was all our first

1,034
Number of pupils

Money matters

Bursary fund 16-19 for sixth formers.

The last word

If you live in Torbay, there are three grammar schools to choose from, one for girls, one for boys and Churston for those in favour of a co-ed school life. Churston is a family-orientated school that is academic, but not exceptional. The biggest

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Good
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Good

What the school says

Entrance examination consists of: 11+ Maths, English & CEM. No past papers given.

Converted to an academy January 2011

Contact the school

Address

Greenway Road
Churston Ferrers
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 0LN
Get directions

Telephone: 01803 842289

Email: secretary@churston.torbay.sch.uk

Website: https://www.churstongrammar.com

Local authority: Torbay Council

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School data & information Churston Ferrers Grammar School Greenway Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0LN
1,034 Pupil numbers
265 Sixth form numbers
9.3 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
3 % Pupils whose first language is not English
17:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
60 Number of teachers
6 Number of teaching assistants
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Churston Ferrers Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
91.3%
LA avg.
47.9%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
66.00
LA avg.
45.80
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.17 Score Average
≈ 35% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 25 7
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 77 7
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 140 6
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 49 6
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 6
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 148 7
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 68 7
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 66 7
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 24 8
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 148 7
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 148 7
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 41 7
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 34 7
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 44 8
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 36 7
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 140 6
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 56 7
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 140 7
Art & Design (Textiles) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 19 8
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 27 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
13.8%
LA avg.
18.4%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
37.03
LA avg.
35.27
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCE A level 6 B
Sociology GCE A level 13 B
Religious Studies GCE A level 20 B
Psychology GCE A level 41 B
Physics GCE A level 23 B
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 12 B
Mathematics GCE A level 52 A
History GCE A level 20 B
Government and Politics GCE A level 9 A
Geography GCE A level 22 B
French GCE A level 10 A
English Literature GCE A level 24 B
English Language GCE A level 8 B
Economics GCE A level 22 A
Drama and Theatre Studies GCE A level 7 A
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE A level 9 B
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 9 B
Chemistry GCE A level 32 C
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 28 A
Biology GCE A level 47 B
Art and Design (Textiles) GCE A level 12 A
Art and Design (Photography) GCE A level 11 B
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 19 A
Mathematics (Further) GCE AS level 15 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Churston Ferrers Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Learning and Pastoral Support Provision at CFGS

We currently have two students with a Statement of Special Education Need. One of whom is medically categorised and the other has cognitive and behaviour difficulties. These students have access to a designated LSA whenever there is a need but we try to avoid situations that set them apart from their peers as far as possible.

We have several students with Dyslexic and Dyspraxic profiles (SpLD), although none require withdrawal from lessons. These are supported by our other LSA on either an individual basis or in small groups. This occurs either in dropped lessons or in tutor time for the same reason as stated earlier. We now screen any student for Dyslexia who is identified with literacy issues by the English department or other teaching staff. Any student who is highlighted by the 'Screener' is screened further using more specific diagnostic tests by an outside agency, paid for by the department. It is very unlikely that our students will meet the criteria for a local authority diagnosis.

The 11 plus does not test for medical, physical or emotional and behavioural difficulties and these are the areas where most of our special needs lie. These students have access to the Learning and Pastoral Support team as well as the School Counsellor, Mentors and Listeners. They also have additional support from outside agencies such as CAMHS, if required.

We have had particular success with reintegrating students with 'school phobia'. Several of our students who have joined the school with severe physical disabilities, including brain injury, have gone on to complete degrees and gain related employment.

Promoting excellent self esteem is at the centre of our work.

0.8 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
4.3 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Good
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Good
Our data explained
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