Ages 
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 ar
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- June
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
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)
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).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
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.
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 t
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
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.
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
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 n
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. Ext
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 i
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
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 d
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
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 |
