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School Open Days in Devon

Updated: 1/9/2015

Moving up to secondary school is a big change in a child’s life. In comparison to the familiar comforts of primary school, the switch to ‘big’ school may, at first, seem a little overwhelming. For a parent, the process of choosing the best school for his or her child can also seem slightly daunting as the decision is such an important one. For many, choice isn’t an issue as catchment area rules determine a child’s secondary school, decided by postcode or feeder school. This situation often applies to rural schools, yet in a city or large town there may be more than one local secondary school in the vicinity, giving parents more choice. If you do have a choice of secondary school, making the right decision can be difficult.

To assist this decision-making process, it will help to gather as much information about each different school as you can, make comparisons, read the school’s prospectus and individual Ofsted reports, review the performance tables online, ask other parents for their opinions and visit the open days or evenings. If your child has dyslexia, dyspraxia or any other additional educational need, search for a school which has a strong special needs provision.

It will certainly pay to visit these schools, meet staff and have a look at other children's work. Try to gauge the culture and environment of the school – does it seem friendly, do the children seem happy, is there a positive vibe among staff? While you are visiting, try to keep an open mind, assess how welcoming the school feels and most importantly trust your instinct - listen to what your gut reaction says...

Another factor to consider is the proximity of the school to your home. Long journeys to and from school can result in tiredness which consequently can lower concentration levels, plus if your child is running late or has forgotten their PE kit it will be easier to transport them to a school that is close by.

Do your research...

Different types of school:

There have been several changes to the education system over the last few years, most notably to the types of school:

Community and Foundation schools and colleges: These are mainstream state run schools funded by the local authority.

Faith schools: Faith schools follow the national curriculum except for religious studies, where they are free to only teach their own particular religion.

Free schools: Free schools are funded by the government but aren’t run by the local authority. The governing body of a free school is able to set pay and conditions for staff, can change the length of school terms and the school day, and can create an educational platform that doesn’t necessarily follow the national curriculum.

Academies: Similar to free schools, academies are publicly-funded, governor-run independent schools that receive money direct from the government, not the local council. Academies don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times and school hours, although they still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.

University Technical Colleges: These largely vocational colleges offer pupils the chance to study for technical qualifications in areas such as engineering and construction.

Studio schools: Studio schools deliver mainstream qualifications through project-based learning. Students are able to study work in realistic situations such as healthcare, in addition to learning academic subjects.

Grammar schools: Grammar schools are state secondary schools which are allowed by law to select all their pupils on the grounds of high academic ability. As they are funded by the state, grammar schools do not charge fees. Most children will need to pass 11-plus exams for entry into a grammar school. Competition for places can be very fierce, so some parents hire private tutors to coach their child before his or her 11-plus.

Independent schools: Independent or private schools are not funded by the government and thereby charge fees to attend. They are not compelled to follow the national curriculum although they are inspected regularly. For school reports take a look at www.ofsted.gov.uk or go to the Independent Schools Inspectorate - www.isi.net/reports.

Applying for School Places Online

You can now apply for a primary or secondary school place online. Applying for a place in this way can be more convenient. You are able to complete forms from home, at any time, any day of the week. Applications can be changed right up to midnight on the closing date and the results will be available for you to see online.

Devon County Council Applications:

Primary School Applications:

The online system will be available from 14 November 2013 until midnight on 15 January 2014.

Secondary School Applications:

The online system will be available from 2 September 2013 until 31 October 2013.

Devon Contacts:

Education helpline: 0845 1551019

Online applications: www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline

Email: admissions@devon.gov.uk

Details of Devon Secondary School Open Days/Evenings can be found at

www.devon.gov.uk/nextstep-opendays

Torbay Borough Council Applications:

Primary School Applications:

The online system will be available from 1 November 2013 to 15 January 2014.

Secondary School Applications:

The online system will be available from 1 September 2013 until 31 October 2013.

Torbay Contacts:

Education helpline: 01803 208908

Online applications: www.torbay.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Email: pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk

 

Schools and Open Day dates:

Axe Valley Community College

The Axe Valley Community College, based in Axminster, is an 11 - 18 comprehensive school with a proud tradition of serving the local community within the Axe Valley. It is committed to providing the best possible education for its students and its motto is “share our ambition to be outstanding in every way”.  The college expects a lot from its students, staff and parents, and asks everyone to join together in having the highest expectations for what the school can achieve.

In recent years the school has been through a period of significant growth and improvement. This was recognised by the 2013 Ofsted Inspection Report which judged the school to be a good improving school. The college enjoys a growing reputation for the high quality education it provides and it performs well in comparison with similar schools.

The year 6 Open Day is Thursday 19 September. It is strongly recommended that you visit for a tour at 9.00am, 11.30am or 2.15pm so that you can experience first-hand the positive spirit that runs through the school.  The headteacher is giving a presentation at 6.30pm.

For more details go to www.axevalley.devon.sch.uk or call 01297 32146

Bideford College

Bideford College is a vibrant and exciting place to be. It has superb facilities within a brand new building. Visitors comment on the ‘adult feel’ and the calm and purposeful atmosphere.

Quality relationships exist within the College and there is a genuine partnership with students and their families. Students are well tended for with a broad range of activities to suit everyone’s needs and interests. Students of all abilities now progress well and there is a particular focus on creating opportunities that provide challenge and raise both aspirations and expectations. Many Year 11 students stay on to join the Sixth Form where a broad range of A level and similar courses are offered. Particular strengths include Science; Sports - individual and team events, up to and including national competitions; Expedition and outdoor education activities, including the Exmoor Challenge and Ten Tors. For more details go to: www.bideford.devon.sch.uk or call 01237 477611

Blundell’s School

Blundell’s has been celebrating some significant achievements recently: winning a national public speaking competition and a regional engineering award, fantastic results on the sports field with pupils playing at national, county and regional level, great performances in music and creations in art, as well as a host of individual successes in a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular subjects. In addition, the recent ISI inspection judged the school to be excellent (such as in pastoral care and curricular provision) or good in every category. Blundell’s Prep School has been equally busy with concerts and clubs, a beach clean-up and creative art week, residential trips and rounders, in between the stimulating lessons pupils enjoy at this vibrant and nurturing school.

The two schools occupy adjoining sites covering 90 acres on the outskirts of Tiverton, easily accessible via the M5 and A361 and the school’s comprehensive minibus service. Both schools are co-educational, with the senior school offering day and boarding (full, weekly, flexi) for ages 11 – 18, while the prep school is for day pupils aged 3 – 11.   To find out more about the happy and fulfilling all-round education offered at Blundell’s, see the website at www.blundells.org or ring 01884 252543.

Brixham College

“Your child will thrive at Brixham College. We know this because Ofsted told us; our students know it because they experience it every day.”

Brixham College supports its students so that they are able to achieve in a secure learning environment. Ofsted has commented, ‘The way in which the college cares for and supports students is outstanding.’ The care and support starts before they start at the College, and transition arrangements from primary schools are known to be a real strength.

Students enjoy learning and are proud of their achievements. Academic standards are high and are getting higher each year.  In 2011 and 2012 Brixham College was recognised nationally as one of the most improved schools for continued academic success, and in 2013 it continued the improving trend with another year of outstanding GCSE results.  This improving trend has put Brixham College in the top 50 schools in the country, recognised in the Government Initiatives publication, GCSE Excellence. Students are successful in their learning because of the quality of teaching, a personalised and flexible curriculum and targeted support.

Principal Mark Eager, says:  

“Brixham College is an exceptional school with a fantastic learning environment and ethos.  We are proud of being a comprehensive school providing first rate educational opportunities for all children.”

Students aim high and are given every opportunity to reach their goals and now for the first time in September 2013 this will include post-16 students. The recent transformation of the College and raised standards have led the Department of Education to encourage the College to develop a Sixth Form.

Schools Minister Lord Nash said:

“This expansion will not only allow Brixham College to build on its academic success but crucially, will mean its students can now stay on at their school to continue their studies post 16.”

See Brixham College for yourself - you will be impressed by the enthusiasm and joy its students show in their learning. They know that success in learning means success in life. To find out more call 01803 858271 or go to www.brixhamcollege.org.uk

Clyst Vale Community College

Clyst Vale Community College is a mixed 11-18 Academy, set in a rural location on the outskirts of Exeter. It was judged by Ofsted in 2010 to be ‘a good school with outstanding features’, and its aim is to improve further. GCSE results are very good: this year 73% of students achieved 5+ A*-C. It has a highly successful and expanding Sixth Form, offering outstanding progression opportunities for its students.

Clyst Vale is characterised by its excellent relationships between students and staff, and its inclusion; students of all abilities progress well. A broad and balanced curriculum is offered, with a wide choice of GCSE and A/AS level options. The College is also home to the Hearing Support Centre for East Devon, a dual-use Library and Broadclyst Sports Hall, and occupies a pleasant spacious campus with extensive playing fields.

To experience the true feeling of Clyst Vale visit the Open Evening on Wednesday 18th September 2013 at 6.30pm, with organised tours taking place in the week beginning Monday 7th October 2013. If you would like to arrange an individual visit at a different time, contact 01392 461407 or go to www.clyst-vale.devon.sch.uk

Cullompton Community College

 “This is a good school.” OfSTED: January 2013

Cullompton Community College is a small, friendly mixed 11-16 school at the heart of the rural Culm Valley. Its recent OfSTED inspection judged the school to be ‘Good’ in all areas:

Students’ achievement is very good. The percentage of students achieving five or more grade A* to C GCSEs, including English and mathematics is above the national average and young people make excellent progress whatever their starting point.

In September 2013 Cullompton Community College will launch as a Foundation Trust in partnership with four local primary schools, Bicton College, and the Co-operative Group. These partnerships will work together to improve opportunities for success, create communities where all citizens are equally valued and learn from, and with, each other.

The College offers a broad and balanced curriculum to meet a range of needs enhanced by a supportive House and Pastoral system, multiple opportunities for student leadership and an exceptional range of additional activities. To learn more visit the Open Evening at 6.30pm on Thursday 19th September, join a morning tour at 9.30am on the 19th September and again at 9.30am on the 8th October. Visit www.cullompton.devon.sch.uk or call 01884 33364 for a visit any time.

Dartmouth Academy

Dartmouth Academy’s iconic new building is due to open next Easter, boasting state of the art facilities enabling it to provide the perfect friendly and supportive learning environment for your child.

Dartmouth Academy is a small, welcoming and progressive school that is looking to the future: your child’s future.

It uses its unique position by the River Dart and its unusual ‘all through’ nature to ensure that the child’s transition into secondary education is a positive experience. Children’s progress often slows or even stops in the first year or so of their secondary education, but at Dartmouth this does not happen – as a result you will see a child less unsettled by their new school, more excited about their learning, more welcome by their peers and more enthusiastic about their opportunities.

Dartmouth Academy uses special, project based learning, ‘Tenth Days’ and close connections with the community to provide its students with cross curricular opportunities to ‘learn to learn’ and so become independent yet sociable, resourceful, resilient, self-confident individuals.

Academic outcomes show that these techniques work: results in 2012 were the best ever with virtually every subject seeing increases in pass rates. Maths saw a 25 per cent jump in A*-C grades. This trajectory of success is predicted to continue, and Dartmouth Academy is on course to become one of the top performing schools in the area by 2016/17.

If you would like to see how Dartmouth Academy would meet your child’s needs contact Suzi Wooldridge on 01803 839710 or visit www.dartmouthacademy.org.uk

Dawlish Community College

Dawlish Community College is a small to medium sized College which is big enough to offer a full range of opportunities yet small enough to know individual students. In October 2012 OfSTED awarded the College good gradings overall with outstanding for Leadership and Management. The College is renowned for outstanding pastoral care and excellent results based around an exciting and personalised curriculum. 

In May 2013 the College was judged as the best school in the South West in the National Pupil Premium Awards.  The award sponsored by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is in recognition of the College’s outstanding progress in boosting the achievement of students from disadvantaged backgrounds through an individual approach to supporting students.  This has led to the College achieving some of the best GCSE results of any school in Devon with 98% of students achieving 5 A* - C grades which was the second highest percentage for non-selective schools in Devon last year. 

The College’s latest accolade has come from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust who has awarded the College two prizes for both continuous improvement in results as well as for the added value it achieves with students that takes them above their expected GCSE grade.  For more details call 01626 862318 or go to www.dawlish.devon.sch.uk

Devon Studio School

Devon Studio School is a new concept in secondary education and will be an exciting environment for young people aged 14-18. Working in partnership with the NHS and other employers it specialises in developing the knowledge and skills required for a career in health care practice, health science and technology, social care and early years. Integrated into the vocational and technical studies will be the national curriculum at Key Stage 4 and A Levels in its Sixth Form with each student working on their individualised pathway in line with their future employment and career aims. 

Small class sizes mean that teachers know each student and their strengths and areas for development ensuring they can achieve success for everyone.  Students will experience a highly personalised learning programme that will help them to become independent, engaged, effective and empowered students and high achievers. They will be motivated by stimulating, real and realistic, working environments to develop the employability skills that employer’s value and that will motivate them to develop key and functional skills and gain qualifications.

Devon Studio School sees the changing educational landscape as a huge opportunity to give young people more chances to succeed in education, develop a passion for lifelong learning and improve the educational choices that are available to young people as they prepare for the ever-changing world of work.   

Visit one of the Open Days where you will meet current students and their parents, teachers, Governors and the Principal who will tell you all about this small school with a big heart. In the meantime if you would like further information call 08000 380701 or email enquiries@devonstudioschool.co.uk.

Exeter School

Exeter School is a selective day school for boys and girls aged 7 to 18 offering an impressive range of academic subjects and extra-curricular activities. Its excellent record of academic success includes 35 Oxbridge offers in the last 5 years.

Prospective pupils and their families are invited to attend the next Open Evening on Wednesday 25th September between 6 and 8.30pm.  This is an opportunity to meet staff, take a tour with a pupil guide, see activities and displays and find out about the admissions process. For further information, telephone 01392 273679 or visit the website at www.exeterschool.org.uk.

Exmouth Community College

Exmouth Community College’s mission is to provide a positive, enjoyable and structured approach to learning, where success is rewarded and students’ individual aptitudes are given the chance to develop. It offers a safe, secure, non-threatening environment in which students develop consideration for others, self-discipline and positive relationships.

The good behaviour and appearance of students at the College is always noted by visitors including Ofsted. This means that the atmosphere is conducive to learning.  It aims to make learning an enjoyable challenge and does its best to illustrate why pupils need to learn, for example, Maths, through extended activities, visiting speakers and educational trips both in this country and abroad.

Opportunities for students beyond the classroom are extensive - visit the website and read the Recent News pages to get a flavour of the exciting range of sports, arts and adventure activities. 

The College has Arts Mark status and music, drama, dance, art and photography offer students a wonderful chance to perform, exhibit, enjoy and develop  their skills.  Sport is very successful at the College, rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, offering everything from rugby - both girls and boys - through to fitness and athletics to American Football.  To find out more go to www.exmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk or call 01395 264761

Great Torrington School

Great Torrington School is a popular, fully inclusive 11-16 school in rural North Devon.  Its pupils, who join the school from within the catchment area and beyond, show exceptional progress and gain exam results which exceed their dreams (and national expectations) year on year.

The inspirational teaching, personal support and unrelenting belief they receive from every member of staff at GTS ensures all pupils achieve in everything they do.  Being a pupil at GTS will however result in so much more than gaining outstanding exam results.  It offers its pupils an array of opportunities and experiences that will develop their skills and personal qualities, a belief in themselves and their future and most importantly a passion for learning.

The school’s House system is based around vertical tutor groups which build a sense of family throughout the school.  Older pupils act as mentors and role models for younger pupils.  Experiences are shared and friendships made.  Visitors to the school describe it as having a “family feeling”.  For more details go to www.gts.devon.sch.uk or call 01805 623 531 or email admin@gts.devon.sch.uk

Holsworthy Community College

Holsworthy Community College is a small but vibrant, successful centre of learning for a large rural area of beautiful North Devon with twelve feeder primary schools.  The College community is inclusive and is very proud of its achievements and aims for excellence in everything it does.

Its designation as a specialist Technology College from 1st September 2006 led to a wonderful Science and Design Technology extension and the introduction of three separate sciences as an option. 2012 GCSE results demonstrate the impact of this investment and it hopes to achieve its best ever results in 2013.  Existing links with the community were strengthened still further with the move towards Foundation status with a Co-operative Trust with effect from 31st August 2012.

Holsworthy Community College’s core purpose is to provide quality learning for all and to prepare its community for life in a fast changing world. This means assuring first rate academic success as well as providing the opportunities for personal growth through a wide range of cultural, social and challenging experiences. The Open Morning will take place from 10-12pm on Wednesday 18th September.  For details of the Open Morning contact 01409 253430 or email admin@holsworthycollege.devon.sch

Honiton Community College

Honiton Community College is a Comprehensive Day College for students aged 11 to 18 (approx. 960 students on roll). Its name demonstrates a long-term ambition to become an organisation which exists to meet, in large measure, the educational and recreational needs of the community.

“Students make an outstanding contribution to the day-to-day life of the college by taking on a range of responsibilities, for example through the College Executive Team, as associate governors and as sports leaders, and are involved extensively in the local community” (Ofsted )

Its Pastoral System focuses on supporting all children and young people to ensure that they reach their full potential both in terms of their learning as well as their personal and social development. The mantra is “respect for learning, respect for each other and respect for the environment”.

Students of all abilities are successful at Honiton Community College, and standards have continued to rise in recent years. The vast majority of its students will continue into further education, and many are keen to stay on in the Sixth Form.

The Open Evening on Tuesday 24 September from 6pm-8pm will be your chance to meet staff and see examples of students work.  Alternatively, book a morning tour with a member of the Leadership Team (from 24 September - 4 October) to see the college in action.

The staff, governors and students look forward to welcoming you into the school on one of these occasions. Where strong parent partnerships between home and school exist, anything is possible! For more details call 01404 42283 or go to www.honitoncollege.devon.sch.uk

The Ilfracombe Academy

Situated on a beautiful coastal site overlooking Ilfracombe and the Bristol Channel, The Ilfracombe Academy is an 11-18 church academy, part of the St Christopher’s Trust, with more than 1000 students on roll including a popular and expanding Sixth Form.

The Ilfracombe Academy serves and supports its community providing a child-centred education that reflects Christian values. It is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and pastoral care.  Central to this are the core values of Hope, Kindness, Courage, Integrity, Trust, Respect and Responsibility. The academy is dedicated to developing the knowledge, understanding and skills essential for learning and leading a fulfilled life.  For details call 01271 863427 or email admin@ilfracombeacademy.org.uk

Isca

The autumn term sees Isca become an academy in partnership with the Ted Wragg Trust under the direction of the new Headteacher Beverley Martin. 

Students celebrated the best ever examination results this year with 57% gaining 5 or more GCSE’s including English and maths. Twelve students, the most of any Exeter school, were this year accepted onto Exeter College’s prestigious Reach Academy, a programme which prepares the most able students for the top universities.

Isca prides itself in offering students, with a broad spectrum of needs and abilities, a challenging and varied curriculum as well as a wide range of extra- curricular activities including Ten Tors, D of E and an award-winning school radio. This enables them to achieve their full potential and realise their ambitions.

Parents and students are welcome to the open evening on 26 September and open mornings, by appointment, on 1 and 2 October. For details go to www.iscacollege.co.uk or call 01392 204082.


King Edward VI Community College

King Edward VI Community College, or KEVICC as it is popularly known, is a very special place to learn. Students are aged between 11-18 years of age, with some 1650 on roll including 410 within its 6th form.

KEVICC is characterised by creativity and innovation, positive relationships, respect and responsibility. It is an ambitious school that has high expectations wanting every child to achieve his or her very best.

KEVICC knows that moving from primary to secondary school can be unnerving for some students, hence it has developed a range of strategies to help students settle quickly, including visiting primary schools, student buddies and Induction Days. Ofsted recognised this area as good, commenting on its specific settling-in programmes.

The College is passionate about ensuring that its young people can live happy and effective lives, with emotional intelligence and a dynamic 'can do' attitude; a place where students discover and realise their talents and ambitions.

Its curriculum is designed to give stimulating and inspiring experiences in which its students can explore their learning. Students are provided with a wide range of opportunities to discover their interests, strengths and aspirations.

For further details or to arrange a tour of the College, contact College Admissions on 01803 869200, ext 251or go to www.kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk

Newton Abbot College

Newton Abbot College celebrates its diverse and vibrant community by offering a range of opportunities for students to work together, to develop their skills and talents and to demonstrate to each other and the wider community what they are capable of achieving.

Ofsted have judged the College to be securely within the good category with everything in place for it to be successful in its intention to be outstanding in all it does.  Examination results have improved every year for the past five years.  In 2012, for example, it’s A level pass rate was 100% for the second year running, with 25 per cent of entries at the top of A* and A grades.  At GCSE, 82% of students achieved 5 or more A* - C grades.  The College will see a further significant improvement in the percentage of higher grades achieved as it goes forward.

Newton Abbot College wants all of its students to experience success from the day they start.  The College is proud of its students and believes that children learn best in an atmosphere of calmness, of trust, support and encouragement.  Ofsted says ‘Newton Abbot College is a welcoming and positive community where students feel safe, enjoy their learning and achieve well.’

The Open Evening will allow parents to explore the College, meet staff and students and experience many different exciting and interactive learning activities.  During the morning tours parents can observe teaching and learning in action.  For more details go to www.nacollege.devon.sch.uk

Pilton Community College

Pilton Community College is a very successful school. Its high standards and expectations help every single student succeed. A love of learning is its priority and its House system supports students in their academic and personal development. The calm, caring and purposeful learning environment is commented on by all its visitors and helps students achieve beyond expectations.

Ofsted commented on the “many opportunities for students to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural education”, “how well students respect each other and their teachers” and “the high quality learning environment that is apparent … in their enjoyment of lessons.”

The school has a specialism in Languages, and International School status.  This gives its students exceptional opportunities to travel and develop the skills they need to become global citizens in the 21st century. 

Pilton Community College aims to develop confident, independent, self-disciplined and considerate young people. Students have opportunities in and beyond the classroom to develop their academic, sporting, creative and leadership qualities. They progress on to a range of career and educational choices, including accessing the most prestigious sixth forms and universities, such as Atlantic College and Cambridge.  Pilton Community College is a vibrant learning community.  For more details go to www.piltoncollege.org.uk or call 01271 374381

Queen Elizabeth’s

Queen Elizabeth’s has been serving the people of Devon for four hundred and sixty years, now as the only independent state boarding school in Devon. 

This is a college proud of its history, but also with a strong sense of its future as an innovative and ground breaking school dedicated to enabling its young people to become happy, well rounded and successful citizens of the 21st century.  

The college has the advantage of a spacious and separate Lower School site, where students who join from primary school can find their feet in secondary education with space and time to grow.

The Upper School site provides a more adult learning environment, particularly for its Sixth Formers who respond by doing exceptionally well in getting into the best universities.

Both sites have benefitted from major investment over the past three years and now offer students a far more attractive and sustainable learning environment.  It not only looks better, but is extremely well equipped with the latest technology, including laptops and iPads for loan.  It has its own web based learning environment which really does allow learning to happen anywhere and at all hours.

Queen Elizabeth’s places great emphasis on supporting all its students to do well, no matter what their level of ability, or learning difficulty.

In addition, it offers a very wide range of enrichment opportunities inside and outside school, including expressive arts, specialist sports coaching and a large outdoor education programme. For more details go to www.queenelizabeths.devon.sch.uk

Route 39 Academy

Route 39 Academy is a close-knit, rural secondary school where pupils, parents and staff know each other well. It believes that strong and supportive relationships are the key to effective learning and positive behaviour choices. Route 39 Academy’s passion is personalisation: making sure that the curriculum and education engages each student and meets their needs and aspirations. The Academy runs an extended school day: 8:30am to 5pm, this provides time for a rigorous academic education, community projects and a range of opportunities and choices that stretch the learning experience of every student. Collaborative and independent study is part of the school day (no homework is set). To find out more call 01288 321 988 or go to www.route39.org.uk

Sidmouth College

Whatever 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 plethora of new experiences, encouraged by a team of dedicated and highly experienced professionals. 

At its core is a commitment to ensuring that every child gets the guidance, support and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential and realise their ambitions.  Consequently, its students’ achievements are consistently higher than the national average. Students also benefit from a comprehensive programme of extra-curricular and community activities and leave the College well-equipped to take on life’s challenges. Above all, Sidmouth College provides an environment in which learning is exciting and inspirational, bringing out the best in every student. For more details go to www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk or call 01395 514823

St John’s School, Sidmouth

St John’s School, Sidmouth is delighted to announce that it has been authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School to teach the Primary Years Programme.  St John’s is now one of only 13 schools in the UK and is the only school in the whole of the South West to be able to offer this innovative programme.

Headmaster Mr Simon Larter said ‘This is a most significant step forward for St John's. The process to become an International Baccalaureate World School has been lengthy and never less than rigorous but our desire to deliver a genuinely international programme of discovery for the students in our care meant we aimed high and achieved our goal. This is a great day for the school and a momentous time for the South West of England as we are the only PYP school in the region.”

Within their authorisation report, St John’s also received special commendations in a number of areas for:

For those who are new to the IB PYP, St John’s holds a number of information evenings about the programme for parents and prospective parents.   For details visit www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk.

St Peter’s School, Lympstone

St Peter’s School, Lympstone is set in 28 acres of beautiful countryside overlooking the Exe estuary. This provides a backdrop for children to develop and flourish through well structured educational experiences, personalised care and encouragement. Its aim is to see every child progress to their senior years as self confident individuals, ready to fulfil their potential.

St Peter’s aspires for its children to be the best in all that they undertake - whether that’s academically, culturally or in sporting activities. Each child is a valued member of the school community and is given every opportunity and support to achieve high standards and meet personal goals.

St Peter’s also prides itself on its friendly and caring ethos. It maintains small class sizes and has an excellent, experienced and committed teaching staff. Its pastoral care is second to none. Children are encouraged to be courteous, considerate and use common sense in all that they do. Within its Christian ethos the school embraces its motto ‘super hancpetram aedificabo’ – ‘on this rock I shall build’. The school has over 125 successful years of building strong foundations for its children.

For more details email hmoffice@stpetersprepschool.co.uk or www.stpetersprep.co.uk or call 01395 272148. St Peter’s School is at Harefield, Lympstone, Exmouth, EX8 5AU

Stoodley Knowe Independent School for Girls

These facts are supported by extensive research into the understanding of the growth and development of children.

Stoodley works positively to exploit these differences providing an education that is designed to help girls grow and thrive in a single-sex setting leading to greater maturity, self-confidence and results.

Next year, every Y12 pupil will be studying Biology, all but one will be studying Chemistry and most are choosing Physics and Mathematics – these are challenging subjects at A level and yet Stoodley is not a specialist Science School – the reason is simple – the quality of its teachers makes learning fun.

Stoodley girls are challenged, stretched and positively encouraged to achieve their best in a supportive and nurturing environment.  A group of Y9 pupils was recently entered for GCSE Latin, a subject that was only studied in a weekly club; this has proved so popular that it is now part of the curriculum.  Its first ever Fashion Design and Textiles taster session was so enjoyed that many pupils are choosing it for GCSE when it is introduced this September.

Leadership roles are a vital part of the development of character and in this all-girls school, its students learn to compete strongly and fairly amongst each other.  On leaving Stoodley, girls are confident, have high self-esteem, humility and a respect for others.  They are ready to take on the challenges of higher education, a career and all that life may present to them. For details call 01803 293160 or go to www.stoodleyknowle.devon.sch.uk

 

The Maynard School

Students at The Maynard School in Exeter were given the fantastic opportunity to take part in the RIBA Architects in Residence Scheme this year, and gain an insight into architecture as a profession. The scheme, which was completed in June, was made up of a series of workshops run by local architects.

The Maynard School is in the early stages of investigating the possibility of constructing a new performing arts facility on or near the school grounds. One of the exciting parts of the RIBA Architect in Residence Scheme was that the students were able to be directly involved in the early design of this project, putting forward their ideas and designs for the new development. The scheme also gave any budding architects the chance to develop the skills needed for architecture including research, investigation, design, use of mathematics and presentation.

Students took part in three workshops investigating the use of space, building structures and developing their design ideas. In the final session they presented their designs for the new building and constructed an actual architectural model which they then presented to the School’s Governors. For more details about The Maynard School ring 01392 355980, email marketing@maynard.co.uk or go to www.maynard.co.uk
 

The Park Community School

Set in parkland overlooking the River Taw, this school has served its community for 100 years.  Its original grammar school buildings have been extended to create a school that is pleasant, calm and purposeful.

The Park Community School has developed a clear academic emphasis and a sensible balance of competition and co-operation, ensuring that its House System focuses upon motivating pupils to achieve individual potential.  Each receives the genuine help and support needed to benefit from a rich experience in all curriculum areas.  This is then built upon with a wide range of challenge and opportunity to encourage personal growth.  High expectations combine with praise and recognition as pupils achieve merits, certificates and other awards.

The school seeks to open eyes to the opportunities and possibilities, sparking new interests:  music and the arts, sport, Ten Tors, The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, there is something for everyone – or you could begin something new!

The Open Mornings for children and parents will take place on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September 2013 at 09:15am each day. On the morning of your choice, Year 6 pupils are welcome with their parents to visit lessons, talk to pupils and meet the teachers. 

Parents are invited to meet the Headteacher and the teachers to ask questions and to discuss issues of particular interest on Monday 23rd September 2013 at 7:00pm in the School Hall. The Park Community School is at Park Lane, Newport, Barnstaple EX32 9AX. 

For details ring 01271 373131, email:  admin@parkcommunity.devon.sch.uk, or go to the website: www.parkcommunity.devon.sch.uk

Trinity School

A reflection on the year by Mrs Rachel Eaton-Jones, Head of Preparatory department, Trinity School:

“I have been reminded all year of the invaluable lesson that ’life is about people’; by Prep pupils and staff, by families and senior colleagues, by admiring strangers on first meeting members of our Prep family. Living according to the ‘Individual Approach’, does not mean having it all your own way (and believe me I know, I’ve tried!), it is about committing to strong relationships as the best foundation for strong achievements.  It has been an exciting year of the widest variety of opportunities, none of which would be possible without the most enormous amount of teamwork.

As I look back to September when we were enjoying the afterglow of THAT summer and still being inspired daily by the extraordinary examples of human endeavour during the Paralympics, it feels like the year has flown by. Yet, if I consider individual children against that back-drop, I am blown away by the progress they have made. Milestones have been targeted, expectations have been exceeded and memory banks are richer places.

It has been a joy and a delight working in the Prep Department this year. The challenges have made us stronger - like well-tempered steel, and relationships have been forged. Throughout, we have been supported by our Chaplaincy team; ensuring our spiritual muscles are all flexed, inspiring us to be the best we can, so we really enjoy the optimism, charity and confidence of the school motto. My heartfelt thanks go to every member of this wonderful Prep team”.

To find out more about Trinity School call 01626 771530 or go to www.trinityschool.co.uk

Wellington School

Martin Reader, Headmaster of Wellington School, told Primary Times:

“Much of my weekly routine is spent talking to prospective parents who are making those difficult decisions about their children’s future. They will probably be visiting a few schools, most often trying to get a ‘feel’ for the atmosphere - it is like buying a house and it is certainly the next largest investment.

Parents who choose Wellington often do so because they like the grounded nature of a school that is confident in its successes but not showy and which has pupils from many different backgrounds - most of them from local primary schools. For some, the school reminds them of their own, only more modern and more lively! When they tour the school, they like looking into lessons and many comment on how well the pupils and teachers get on well together.

Many of the children who visit us enjoy a taster day at the school, buddied with a current pupil, going into classes, taking part and generally getting to know what it is like to be part of this community. For being a Wellington pupil is far more than simply getting results and honing skills, though that is most important. It’s about developing characters and friendships, taking part in a sports team, playing in a concert, or taking the stage, driving a go-cart or arranging a cake-sale for the school charities or simply good conversation in a house-room, gaining the self-confidence to face life’s challenges”

If you would like to learn more, visit the school’s Open Morning on September 21.  For more details go to www.wellington-school.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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