The short version
Above-average GCSE results. 85% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.2
5.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
49%
6.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
47%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.23
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 163 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
23% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 82 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,003
- Capacity
- 85%
- FSM
- 20.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Plymouth
- Trust
- WESTCOUNTRY SCHOOLS TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Caroline Granville (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Charnhill Way, Elburton, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 8ES
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Coombe Dean School a selective school?
No. Coombe Dean School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Coombe Dean School's Ofsted rating?
Coombe Dean School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Coombe Dean School?
Coombe Dean School currently has 1,003 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Coombe Dean School take?
Coombe Dean School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Coombe Dean School?
Coombe Dean School is in Plymouth, PL9 8ES, in the Plymouth local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Coombe Dean School have a sixth form?
Yes, Coombe Dean School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.