The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.8
3.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
49%
7.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
63%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.38
Band 4Source: 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
83%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
72%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
10%
Based on 145 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
26% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 86 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 873
- Capacity
- 61%
- FSM
- 26.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Devon
- Trust
- EDUCATION SOUTH WEST
- Head
- Mrs Helen Coulson (Head of School)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Coombeshead Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1PT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Primary · Very close
Fieldstone School
Independent · 361m away
Newton Abbot College
Secondary · 371m away
Highweek Community Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 435m away
Wolborough Church of England Nursery and Primary School
Primary · 897m away
Bradley Barton Primary School and Nursery Unit
Primary · 967m away
Bearnes Voluntary Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
All Saints Marsh CofE Academy
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Coombeshead Academy a selective school?
No. Coombeshead Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Coombeshead Academy's Ofsted rating?
Coombeshead Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Coombeshead Academy?
Coombeshead Academy currently has 873 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Coombeshead Academy take?
Coombeshead Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Coombeshead Academy?
Coombeshead Academy is in Newton Abbot, TQ12 1PT, in the Devon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Coombeshead Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Coombeshead Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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