Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
School Open Days Devon 2023
Devon– School Directory
We know that this is a unique time in the school life of Year 6 pupils who are looking forward to their move to secondary but also may be nervous at the prospect of such a big change. With this in mind, the application process will be opening and schools across the region will shortly be hosting open events in order for you to have face-to-face visits with them and find out all the information you need to make the very important decision about which school your child and you wish for them to attend.
There are other resources available that can help you and your family come to the right decision. Go to www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk to find the Progress 8 scores - this score shows how much progress pupils at a school make between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. On the website you’ll also find league tables, statistics and the Ofsted rating for individual schools.
To find an Ofsted inspection report about an individual state maintained school visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk. For independent schools, inspection reports can be found on the Independent Schools Inspectorate website by visiting www.isi.net.
Catchment Areas
Catchment areas have been pre-determined by the relevant local authority. Although most pupils end up applying to the school in their catchment area, there are some schools, such as faith and grammar schools, that do not operate designated areas and have a slightly different admissions policy. So, it is worth checking the admissions policy on each school’s website for further information. If you are considering applying to a local independent school, it will have its own separate admissions procedure.
Catchment Areas in Devon County Council locations: To find the catchment school for your area, use the QR code visit this link: https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/apply-for-a-school-place/school-designated-areas/)
Catchment Areas in Torbay Council locations
Not all schools have catchment areas. All schools have their own admissions policies which you will find on the school websites. To find out more about the schools in your area visit www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/
Catchment areas in Plymouth City Council Locations:
To find out more about the designated school for your area, visit the Plymouth City Council school admissions site: www.plymouth.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Applying to a School out of Catchment Area: You’ll be asked to list state schools in order of preference on your application form. Whether a place is offered will depend on the school’s admission process and if places are available. For most schools in Devon, there is an admissions priority for children who live in the school’s catchment area.
The Application Process
Submit your application for a primary or secondary school place online. An email receipt will confirm that the application has been received.
Devon County Council Applications:
Primary School Applications: The online system will be available from 15th November 2023 to 15th January 2024
Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available until 31st October 2023
Devon County Council Contacts:
- Education helpline: 0345 155 1019
- Online applications: www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/apply-for-a-school-place
- You can search for information about a school in Devon at www.devon.gov.uk/schools
- Email: admissions@devon.gov.uk
Torbay Council Applications:
Primary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st November until 15th January 2024
Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st September until 31st October 2023
Torbay Council Contacts:
- Education helpline: 01803 208908
- Online applications: www.torbay.gov.uk/schooladmissions
- Email: pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk
Plymouth City Council Applications:
Primary, Infant and Junior School applications in Plymouth: The application system will be available until 15 January 2024.
Secondary School applications in Plymouth: The application system will be available until 31 October 2023.
Plymouth City Council contacts:
- School Admissions: Primary admissions: 01752 307166; Secondary admissions: 01752 307469
- Email (depending on education phase that you require): primary.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk
junior.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk
secondary.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk
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- Online applications: www.plymouth.gov.uk/school-admissions
Allocation Days
The dates when councils will send offers of school places are:
1st March 2024 – Secondary Schools
16th April 2024 – Primary Schools
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St Cuthbert Mayne School
St Cuthbert Mayne is a joint Roman Catholic and Church of England secondary school that serves Torbay and South Devon. They are an inclusive school that welcomes all students, regardless of whether they have a faith background or not.
Their vision for learning at St Cuthbert Mayne is ‘Educating for life in all its fullness.’ They aim to provide an inspirational education that challenges and nurtures all students so that they can live life to the full both now and in the future.
The curriculum at St Cuthbert Mayne is designed to enable students to make great progress in their academic studies but also extends beyond the academic curriculum to support students’ broader personal development. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Significant investments have gone into improving the school environment and learning facilities over the last three years. This reflects the schools ambition to provide the best learning environment for students.
They look forward to meeting prospective students and their families at their Open Day/Evening this autumn term.
For more details please visit www.st-cuthbertmayne.co.uk or call 01803 328725
Cullompton Community College
Cullompton Community College is an ambitious, successful, dynamic school which strives to maximise the potential of all learners. Opportunity is at the heart of CCC’s work. As such, college staff get to know the pupils very well and strive daily to develop the gifts and talents of all. Pupils’ welfare is at the forefront of the school’s work which complements the expert teaching and broad, balanced curriculum.
They welcome visitors to see the school in action. Indeed, prospective parents and applicants are afforded the opportunity to meet our greatest asset: the pupils of Cullompton Community College. Their aim is to embody the phrase:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Ofsted, September, 2022:
“Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful… pupils feel safe and enjoy attending this school.”
“Leaders want the best for pupils. They have high expectations for pupils’ learning and wider development.”
“Teachers are subject experts and present information clearly.”
“Pupils receive effective careers information, education and guidance. They take part in meaningful work experience opportunities.”
“Leaders work tirelessly to secure the help that pupils need. They are tenacious and are prepared to challenge if help is not forthcoming.”
Find out more at www.cullompton.devon.sch.uk
Brixham College
While academic success is very important, at Brixham College they believe that there is more to a good education. As well as ensuring their students succeed in exams, they aim to develop their values of high expectations, knowledge, character, leadership and continued improvement.
Throughout their time at Brixham College, students are expected to contribute to their community and to society. The College want students to try things they cannot do, to persist in the face of difficulty and to become resilient in overcoming obstacles. To approach life with a growth mindset and a can-do attitude.
To achieve this, they provide a breadth of opportunities and experiences that seek to help their students become confident, well-rounded and ambitious young adults. Their curriculum and co-curriculum are overflowing with opportunities to try something new and develop new skills. In addition to their very wide range of additional activities, their students enjoy trips abroad or various residentials, university visits, talks by inspirational speakers, and countless opportunities to collaborate with their peers from other schools across the region.
Brixham College is proud to be values led.
Find out more at www.brixhamcollege.co.uk
Sidmouth College
"hatever your child’s skills and interests, Sidmouth College has a great deal to offer. Students achieve academic success, develop their creativity, excel on the sports field and encounter a multitude of new experiences in a safe and enjoyable environment, encouraged by a team of dedicated and highly experienced professionals.
Rated a ‘Good’ school by Ofsted in October 2022, the College has moved from strength-to-strength over recent years. They believe that learning is an adventure to be enjoyed and their focus is on delivering exciting and challenging teaching which motivates students to achieve the very best they can. Your child will be encouraged to have strong ambitions and work hard to achieve these. Their overarching aim is to provide their young people with the skills and qualifications they need to be happy, successful adults and their curriculum is personalised to meet students’ individual needs. You can find information about their performance on our website at www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk.
Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to engage in a wide programme of interesting, fun and educational activities which extend the curriculum, widen their interests and succeed in new hobbies and experiences. Students who enjoy sport are encouraged to trial for College sports teams and compete, and those interested in the creative arts can join the Sidmouth Youth Theatre and be part of a professionally run stage show.
Please join them on their Open Day or, to arrange an individual visit, call 01395 514823. They look forward to meeting you.
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
“Torquay Girls’ Grammar School has been educating bright students from Devon for over one hundred years now. The outcomes for young people who come here are excellent; our academic results place us as one of the top schools nationally for both attainment and progress. Ofsted rate us as outstanding in all categories and our students go on to top universities, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
We believe that students here are ‘history makers’ of the future, and the curriculum enables them to develop their character skills and self-esteem, alongside their academic success.
Our extra-curricular opportunities, including trips and clubs, help develop the character skills in our students. These skills including leadership, aiming high, staying positive, creativity, problem solving, speaking, listening and teamwork. We want our young people to have lots of fun and experiences during their time at TGGS and our curriculum is designed with that in mind.
As the only state, selective girls’ school in the area, we believe that this is a very special and unique place in which to learn. Students here can achieve anything they desire.
Come and see us at one of our Open Evenings; I look forward to meeting you.” Sarah Forster, Headteacher
Find out more at https://tggsacademy.org/
WEST EXE SCHOOL
West Exe School warmly invites you to attend its annual Open Evening event on Thursday 14th September 2023 from 5pm to 8pm. Year 5 and 6 students from primary schools and their parents/carers are invited to attend. Introductory talks will take place at 5pm and 6:30pm. Several open mornings will also be taking place during September and October. See the advert for further details. West Exe School provides opportunities for students to shine, through excellent teaching and innovative practice, a vibrant and rich extra-curricular provision and a curriculum that challenges and inspires from the start of Year 7 and is increasingly personalised as students move up through the School.
For more details contact transition@westexe.devon.sch.uk. For more information see www.westexe.devon.sch.uk
Blundell’s School
An outstanding education is one of the best gifts that any parents can give to their child. At Blundell’s School they offer just that. Blundell’s is a highly successful independent co-educational school located in 90 acres of Devon countryside, in a safe semi-rural area which can easily be reached by road, rail and air. The Nursery and Preparatory School welcomes day pupils aged 3 to 11 while the Senior School offers day and boarding (full, weekly, flexi) for ages 11 to 18.
The school encourages a genuine love of study, perseverance and intellectual inquisitiveness. The children are taught in small, superbly equipped classes with generous staff/child rations ensuring high levels of individual pastoral care. Their dedicated team of teachers are highly qualified and extremely motivated. Blundell’s is well-known for its vibrant creative arts programme and has an excellent reputation for sport and for the spirit in which it is played. There is also a wide-ranging programme of extracurricular activities allowing pupils to explore interests outside the classroom.
To find out more about the happy and fulfilling all-round education offered at Blundell’s, visit www.blundells.org. To arrange a visit or register for one of the Open Days please email or call. The Senior School open day is on Saturday 23rd September , contact them via admissions@blundells.org or 01884 252543. The Preparatory School open day is on Friday 6th October, contact them via prep@blundells.org or 01844 252393.
Exmouth Community College
“At the heart of our College are the fantastic students who make Exmouth Community College a very special place in which to learn and work. We are very proud of the achievements of our students in the classroom, but also believe very strongly that education is about preparing our young people for all the opportunities and challenges that life will bring them so that they are able to lead happy, fulfilled lives and contribute to their community.
Having recently completed our £13 Million build including a state of the art theatre, drama studios, atrium library, food technology rooms, science labs, classrooms and much more, we cannot wait to welcome you to ECC on our Open Evening to meet staff and students to hear about the exciting experiences we offer.”
Find out more at https://www.exmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk/
Holsworthy Community College
Holsworthy Community College is a small academy set in rural Devon. As one of the founding members of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, they live the cooperative values that the Trust holds at its heart.
The academy believes in providing excellence for all students in the greater Holsworthy area, so that students can achieve their goals. The dedicated staff at HCC will work together to identify and provide the assistance your child needs to maximise their achievement. They have high expectations for pupils and teachers alike to work together to ensure strong progress, from when pupils join them in Year 7, to when they leave in Year 11.
In their recent inspection Ofsted said that:
- The cooperative values of Holsworthy Community College are present throughout the school.
- Behaviour is calm and orderly. Pupils focus on their learning and enjoy a broad curriculum.
- Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum for all pupils. There is a clear intent for the curriculum in each subject.
As an integral part of the local community, HCC know their responsibility in providing the next generation of parents, employers and leaders in the greater Holsworthy area. Their mantra of ‘Small enough to know you, big enough to make a difference’ emphasises this. Their open evening is between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 27th September where you will be able to see how they are working to improve prospects in their area.
Find out more at https://www.hcc.devon.sch.uk/
Furzeham Primary and Nursery School
“At Furzeham Primary and Nursery School, we provide an inclusive, secure, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment that inspires our children to develop life-long learning skills and enables them to be their best selves.
Our expectations are high: we offer excellent teaching with a broad, enriched curriculum that engages and excites children to drive their own learning while increasing independence.
Our vision is for educational excellence. We pursue excellence in learning and teaching by encouraging every child to seek and achieve their potential within a balanced and engaging curriculum with key values at its centre: to provide a relevant and innovative curriculum that inspires children to achieve their best.
We create an uncompromising passion for uncompromising excellence and high expectations. We foster responsibility and belonging for ourselves, others, and our community locally, nationally, and globally. We collaborate together to provide a caring and supportive environment based on a spirit of cooperation between the school and the local community.
We engender perseverance and resilience by having the pupils take the learning into their own hands and take responsibility for themselves. Foster a sense of belonging to a community by empowering children to make valuable contributions to the school.
Engage with the school and wider community to enrich and enhance children’s achievements and personal development.
We believe in fostering respect, honesty, and friendship in all children and adults alike, developing integrity and compassion, and valuing the worth of each individual.
Celebrating success and nurturing self-esteem through the celebration of children’s achievements and fostering positive attitudes towards all people, races, religions, and ways of life helps people develop spiritually, morally, and culturally while celebrating equality and diversity.”
Find out more at www.furzehamprimary.org
South Dartmoor Community College
South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton, Devon, welcomed local MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride to visit the school. After meeting staff and students, Mr Stride praised its “excellent progress”.
Mr Stride said: “Its progress in the past couple of years has been excellent and the teaching staff should be really proud of that. In many aspects its last Ofsted was highly encouraging. This is a school that serves its community well.”
Executive Headteacher Jen Veal talked to him about the school’s improvement journey since the school became part of the West Country Schools Trust. Ofsted inspectors were positive about the school’s leadership, pupils’ personal development, behaviour and attitudes. Sixth Form provision was also rated ‘good’ with record numbers of students enrolled for next year.
Mrs Veal added: “Students do really well at South Dartmoor. The curriculum is ambitious, the teaching and learning is of consistently high quality and our students’ outcomes are strong. We are a caring school and I am deeply proud of our students. Our values are truth, respect, equality and excellence and we work hard to ensure these values are embedded in everything we do.”
Find out more at https://www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk/
Stover
“Stover is a co-educational independent school that provides education which nurtures, celebrates, challenges and inspires each pupil. Our approach combines a progressive research-based curriculum with a resilient moral code based on sound family and Christian principles.
Perhaps it is our location in the foothills of Dartmoor just a few miles from the sea that makes Stover unique? We are a close and warm community, all working towards one goal – the education of children, from the early years, right through until they become young adults.
Excellence in teaching and nurturing of pupils lie at the heart of all we do at Stover. These dual objectives drive our decisions and shape our priorities. We teach life skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, respect for others and care for the community alongside the importance of moral standards and good standards of behaviour. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that recognises natural talents and nurtures the individual. As a relatively small school we know every pupil very well; their needs, how they learn, and these strong relationships are the foundations for their achievements at Stover and beyond.
Come and see what Stover School has to offer your children on October 14th from 10am. You can book a place online at stover.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you.”
Find out more at https://www.stover.co.uk/
The King’s School
The King’s School appreciate that choosing the right school for your child is a very important decision. The right education is vital in providing them with the skills and qualifications they need for a happy and successful future.
The King’s School has a long and proud history that can be traced back to a fourteenth century choir school, which was replaced in 1545 by Henry VIII and renamed ‘The King’s School’. Today it is a school that has a very strong sense of community and an underlying ethos of ‘Achievement for All’, which permeates every element of school life and is reflected in their mixed ability approach to teaching, strong pastoral care and the inclusive nature of the school.
The school has a strong track record of academic success and has been one of the highest performing schools in the South West for many years. This success is rooted in a firm belief in high quality teaching within an environment built on the positive relationships that exist between students, parents and staff.
There are many opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom and much of what they do goes well beyond the formal taught curriculum, making The King's School a very special place to study. The academic emphasis and outstanding enrichment programme continues into their very strong Sixth Form provision.
The school’s Open Evenings are on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st September. . Please e-mail office@thekings.devon.sch.uk or ring 01404812982 to make an appointment. They look forward to welcoming you to their school.
Find out more at https://www.thekings.devon.sch.uk/
Honiton Community College
“At Honiton Community College, we will have high expectations of your child, and in return, will strive to help them achieve amazing things. This year, we have seen the school achieve its best ever academic results, with stronger outcomes predicted for future cohorts.
Joining Honiton Community College is not only about the excellent GCSE, A level and BTEC grades that you will leave with. It is also about developing well rounded young people, able to tackle the challenges of the modern world. We have a wealth of extracurricular opportunities and trips, with a keen focus being upon providing all our students with a range of experiences.
To see the typical school day, and to better understand why many students are now opting for Honiton Community College, please book a visit with a member of the leadership team during the school day. You will have the opportunity to experience a calm environment, with students engaged in learning and gain an insight into how our dedicated team of staff ensure that students leave as such highly successful, happy and ambitious young people, ready for their next steps whether at university, in an apprenticeship or employment.”
Find out more at https://honitoncommunitycollege.co.uk/
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