Ages 
This school is a revelation. Watch Sir Ken Robinson’s infamous TED talk on creativity and schools; read some John Holt quotes on the flaws in the modern education system; take a deep, questioning and honest look at the education your children would most want and benefit from; then pop to Sands for a visit. You may well come back and put your house on the market to relocate and make this crazy dream come true.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 77 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £14,190 pa
- Local authority
- Devon County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Sean Bellamy
When they say ‘democratic education’, they mean it. There is no head here and no hierarchy whatsoever. Everyone’s opinions, from pupils to teachers and support staff, are valid and impactful. The school is run, managed and governed by the central
Entrance
After an initial tour of the school, any pupil wanting to come here must apply for a five-day trial, carried out Wednesday to Tuesday to ensure a break midway. At the end of that, a meeting is held with their year group cohort where they have the
- Open days
- Contact school for open events
Exit
With independence of thought and future encouraged from the start, there is no hard and fast pathway after Sands, but a solid percentage go on from here to the sixth form colleges across the county, most frequently Exeter College, to study A levels.
Latest results
In 2025, 26 per cent 9-7 at GCSE.
A level - Average points score (2024)
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
Think of the most creative and relaxed lessons that you had as a child and imagine having one of those for every class. The teachers here are fun, wise, creative, intelligent and empathetic. Rather than operating by rote learning, the classes are
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Special needs are addressed by all teachers and two specialists; additional needs are accepted and embraced. Parents of children with SEN spoke of the ‘absolute transformation’ that their children had gone through at the school, thanks primarily to
Arts & extracurricular
The art facilities here are paint-splattered perfection and art is, understandably, incredibly popular and hugely encouraged. Housed in wonderful outbuildings, they are akin to wandering into an artist’s studio space: you cannot fail to be inspired.
Sport
This is not a school for those seeking big competitive team sport participation. There is a small concrete court in the grounds, which forms the daily base for more traditional school sports such as hockey, netball, football etc. All voluntary and
Ethos & heritage
The backstory is almost folkloric at Sands. In 1987 fourteen students and three teachers sat together and designed from scratch a new school to replace their newly closed Dartington Hall School. This ethos of pupils and teachers designing, discussing
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The pastoral care here is second to none and on a level that is incredibly hard to match in a large mainstream setting – which is probably why they have more than their fair share of ‘refugees turned phenomenal success stories’ from other schools.
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Sands School recognises that personal communication through mobile technologies is part of everyday life for many students, staff and parents/carers. Mobile technology should always be used safely and appropriately at school and outside of school. The school does not as a general rule limit or prohibit students, staff or visitors from bringing mobile devices (including mobile phones and tablets) into the school. However, the use of mobile technology must always follow school policies and acceptable use.
Pupils & parents
It would be easy to assume that this is a school for troublemakers who have been thrown out of mainstream education – but this couldn’t be further from the truth, according to the parents that we spoke to. Yes, there are children at the school who
Money matters
Fees are low compared to other independent day schools in the area. The school offers a handful of income-based bursaries on a first come, first served basis of up to one-third of the fees.
Delicious vegetarian lunches are an optional extra, as
- Fee information
- £14,190 pa
The last word
This school is a revelation. Watch Sir Ken Robinson’s infamous TED talk on creativity and schools; read some John Holt quotes on the flaws in the modern education system; take a deep, questioning and honest look at the education your children would
