Ages 
A haven of inspired, structured academic provision with focused, undisrupted classrooms – all supported by a nurturing and enlightened pastoral approach and a wealth of opportunities. Girls leave with the belief that everything is attainable - let's hope the boys will too.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,064 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 241 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Torbay Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Ms Sarah Forster
Since September 2021, Sarah Forster (30s), her first headship. Previously deputy head at Valentine’s High School in Ilford, London. Warm, eloquent and ambitious with 17 years of experience across comps and grammars. A social sciences expert, she
Entrance
Selection via two 11+ exam papers, with 160 places on offer for those with the top grades, irrespective of proximity to the school. Competition is high and tutoring is commonplace. School believes places equate to those performing in top 25 per cent
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- See website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
A quarter leave after GCSEs, usually fed up of travelling long distances to school. Exeter College takes the majority. Post A level, 70 per cent to Russell Group and generally a handful to Oxbridge, though none in 2025. Strong medics programme highly
% 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 2025, 58 per cent 9-7 at GCSE (93 per cent achieving 5-9 in English and maths); 39 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % 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.
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
Current headship brought a fresh energy, a lot of staff changes and teaching staff who 'bring the fun back into the classroom.’ The school is mindful of the pandemic’s influence on students - brilliant for encouraging quiet self-study but detrimental
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
‘We were absolutely not expecting this level of expertise and have been blown away by the school’s support at every point of our SEN journey,’ said a parent, not untypically. ‘There are no limits for neurodiversity here - if they are academically
Sport
Not a school to shout about its sport yet the opportunities and successes are impressive. Good breadth of facilities, some shared with the boys’ grammar next door. ‘They use our Astroturf, sometimes at the same time as us - last week we were doing
Boarders
For a school known for its academic excellence, the extensive extracurricular offering comes as a surprise to many. From knitting to coding, cake decorating to Model UN, and debating to dance, there really is something for everyone. Top that with an
Ethos & heritage
This school has been in situ and held in the highest local esteem for over 100 years but don’t expect to fall in love at first sight - there is no impressive architectural frontage here. Shabby pre-war buildings prevail, though there are modern
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Academically demanding it may be, but the school is also inclusive, kind and collaborative - a place where pupils are supported, listened to and counselled. Pastoral care, a key focus for the head and her team, is ‘exemplary,’ according to parents.
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 All pupils are allowed to bring a mobile to school as we recognise that students need to be contacted on journeys to and from school, but they are not allowed to be visible or heard once students enter the school site. Students can use their phones in the school building once the school day has finished. Pupils are only allowed to use their phones in registration periods and lessons at the direction of the teacher for teaching and learning purpose. If a phone is seen or heard during the school day, it will be confiscated.
Pupils & parents
Most families have had their eye on this school for a long time or have alumni family members – they are highly supportive of the school and its approach. Buses and trains bring in pupils from far and wide, some travelling over an hour each way.
The last word
A haven of inspired, structured academic provision with focused, undisrupted classrooms – all supported by a nurturing and enlightened pastoral approach and a wealth of opportunities. Girls leave with the belief that everything is attainable - let's
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 |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
