The short version
Below-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 36.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
36.9
6.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
25%
17.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
8%
Source: 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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
88%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 255 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 22 days per year on average — over a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
7% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 155 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,582
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 32.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Torbay
- Trust
- THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Derwyn Williams
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Waterleat Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3WA
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHayes School
Primary · 569m away
Cambian Devon School
Independent · 625m away
St Michael's Church of England Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Collaton St Mary Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Roselands Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Curledge Street Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Kings Ash Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Kings Ash Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Paignton Academy a selective school?
No. Paignton Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Paignton Academy's Ofsted rating?
Paignton Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in December 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Paignton Academy?
Paignton Academy currently has 1,582 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Paignton Academy take?
Paignton Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Paignton Academy?
Paignton Academy is in Paignton, TQ3 3WA, in the Torbay local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Paignton Academy have a sixth form?
No, Paignton Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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