The short version
Average GCSE results. 87% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.5
0.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
51%
9.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.27
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
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 205 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 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, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 116 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,131
- Capacity
- 87%
- FSM
- 30.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Torbay
- Trust
- Westlands School Trust
- Head
- Ms Alex Newton (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
13 official reports linked on this page, including 12 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
April 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
March 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
December 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
June 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
March 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
May 2010 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2008 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
December 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
November 2002 | Full Inspection
Location
Westlands Lane, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmEllacombe Church of England Academy
Primary · 467m away
All Saints Babbacombe CofE Primary School
Primary · 601m away
Homelands Primary School
Primary · 616m away
Abbey School
Independent · 742m away
St Margaret's School
Primary · 758m away
Upton St James CofE Primary School
Primary · 760m away
Priory Roman Catholic Primary School, Torquay
Primary · 837m away
Warberry CofE Academy
Primary · 941m away
Questions parents ask
Is The Spires College a selective school?
No. The Spires College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Spires College's Ofsted rating?
The Spires College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Spires College?
The Spires College currently has 1,131 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Spires College take?
The Spires College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Spires College?
The Spires College is in Torquay, TQ1 3PE, in the Torbay local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Spires College have a sixth form?
Yes, The Spires College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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