Ages 
A calm and inspiring haven of education where children feel proud to be bright, are challenged academically and are encouraged to be their very best within their community.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,041 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 271 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Devon County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Tim Harris
Since 2016, Tim Harris. Hugely highly thought of by both parents and pupils, he is summed up by many as being ‘approachable, focused and absolutely dedicated to his role’. We concur. State educated in south Wales, he studied ancient history in New
Entrance
Selective, with entry dependent on passing the rigorous exam for the coveted 160 year 7 places. The only state grammar in Devon to allow nationwide rather than purely regional applications, it is also the only one using the FSCE 11-plus papers, wh
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
There is very little movement among those that gain a place here; leaving in-year is almost always based on family relocation. Post GCSE, 10 per cent leave, usually to ensure sixth form places closer to home or for broader subjects or qualificatio
% 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, 83 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent A*/A at A level (86 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent A*/A at A level (86 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
There is an overwhelming atmosphere of quiet industrious learning at this school. One of the school’s trustees, himself a previous head of the school, described it as ‘purposeful calm’ – it is unmistakable and very distinct. Classes are a meeting
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Learning and SEN support is run through the wellbeing centre, which has quiet study rooms, single desks and a relaxed seating area with sofas for those needing some time to re-regulate. A permanent SEN leader oversees one assistant and two full-ti
Arts & extracurricular
Art of a staggeringly good standard and enthusiastically encouraged. Fine art the mainstay as ‘it’s a better launch pad for an art specialisation later on in their lives’, but ceramics, textiles and photography all explored alongside the ubiquitou
Sport
Sports provision and achievements here are very good. A vast 3G sits at the back of the site and alongside this and the acres of sports fields is the modern sports centre building. Every child has timetabled lessons in options that include athleti
Ethos & heritage
This is an ancient institution, first established as a grammar school in 1546, moving to its current location in 1929. Scholarship, humility and service remain the core values at the school and its pupil-led initiatives are a good example of how t
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The remarkable behaviour in class is ‘not imposed with iron discipline’, according to parents. Rather, ‘There is an admirable ethos of respect amongst the pupils. It is simply not viewed as funny or impressive to be the class joker. Whereas in oth
Pupils & parents
Parents extolled the school for its holistic and positive approach. ‘This is not a school just focused on the academic, they are producing students who can do well in life and are positive and happy in their education,’ said one parent.
The
Money matters
Students qualifying for Pupil Premium receive statutory support and the option to apply for a sixth form bursary with similar funding. There is an additional Bradbeer bursary to assist pupils needing financial support to cover costs for sporting o
The last word
A calm and inspiring haven of education where children feel proud to be bright, are challenged academically and are encouraged to be their very best within their community.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
