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Devon Secondary Admissions and Open Day Information

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 for more information: Find out more at 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/

 

 

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 2026 until  15th January 2027

Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st September until 31st October 2026

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 2026  until 15th January 2027

Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st September 2026 until 31st October 2026

Torbay Council Contacts:

• Education helpline: 01803 208908

• Online applications: www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/admissions  (if parents/carers are unable to use the portal for any reason – contact Admissions as they do have forms in other formats

• Email: pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk

 

 

Plymouth City Council Applications:

Primary, Infant and Junior School applications in Plymouth: The application system will be available from 16th November 2026 until 15 January 2027.

Secondary School applications in Plymouth: The application system will be available from 3rd September 2026 until 31 October 2026.  

Plymouth contacts:

• School Admissions: 01752 307469 (11am to 3pm)

• An online contact form can be found via www.plymouth.gov.uk/contact-school-admissions

• Online applications: www.plymouth.gov.uk/schooladmissions

 

 

 

Allocation Days

The dates when councils will send offers of school places are:

1st March 2027 – Secondary Schools 

16th April 2027 – Primary Schools

 

Kingsley School Devon – Nurturing wellbeing, Achieving success

“Set in 25 acres of woodland and playing fields, just minutes from the surf at Westward Ho!, Kingsley School is North Devon's leading independent day and boarding school for children aged 3–18. Non-selective and proudly inclusive, Kingsley offers a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive — whether they're aiming for Oxbridge or need dedicated SEND support, delivered to the highest CReSTeD-accredited standards.

Our unique curriculum combines rigorous core academics with an Expansive Curriculum of five specialist pathways — Sport, Performing Arts, Coastal Adventures, STEM, and our Earth Centre, giving every child the chance to discover and develop their passions alongside their studies.

Adventure is woven into everyday life through our fully integrated Surf Academy, the UK's only curriculum-embedded programme of its kind. Aspiring athletes can also pursue specialist pathways in football with FC Rise | Kingsley Devon (in partnership with The Ferdinand Collective), our renowned rugby academy, and netball, judo and gymnastics, all supported by elite coaching.

At Kingsley, academic ambition goes hand in hand with genuine care for every child's wellbeing and character.

Discover Kingsley for yourself.
Book your place at an Open Day or arrange a personal tour today.”

 

Isca Academy

“At Isca Academy, our children are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to helping every individual achieve excellence. The health and well-being of our young people are our highest priority, and we believe that inspiring curiosity through challenge and engagement is essential to providing an outstanding education that is both transformative and enriching.

We are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential, and our Mental Health Charter Mark Award reflects our commitment to supporting every child. We have high expectations for everyone at Isca, from attendance and punctuality to embracing equality and diversity, delivering a broad, knowledge-rich and ambitious curriculum, maintaining disruption-free learning, and promoting kindness and respect.

Our experienced and highly skilled staff have a proven record of going the extra mile to create exceptional opportunities for our children. While achieving excellent qualifications is important, we also focus on developing character, building confidence, encouraging ambition and inspiring every child to accomplish more than they ever thought possible. That is the Isca difference.”

To find out more about the happy and fulfilling all round education offered at Isca, visit www.iscaexeter.co.uk.

 

St Cuthbert Mayne School

“Three of our students were invited to take part in the Youth Panel at the Thy Kingdom Come service at Exeter Cathedral recently.

In front of a packed cathedral of more than 300 people, our students were interviewed by Bishop Mike of Exeter and Ysanne Marville, sharing honestly about the joys and challenges of being young people of faith in 2026.

The evening was a powerful celebration of worship, prayer and community, bringing generations together with a real sense of anticipation and hope. We were also inspired to hear from Rachel Gardner from Youthscape, as she encouraged everyone to truly listen to the voices of young people today.

What a privilege for our students to represent both our school and young Christians so thoughtfully and courageously at such a special event.”

 

Honiton Community College

“At Honiton Community College, we are proud to offer an education that nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth. Rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted, we are committed to creating a community where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves. As Ofsted recognised, "...the school is calm, pupils feel safe and they can learn with little disruption," providing an environment where every student can thrive.

Our ethos is shaped by three core values: Kindness, Curiosity, and Resilience. We encourage students to treat one another with respect and compassion, ensuring everyone feels safe and valued; we ignite a passion for discovery, inspiring students to ask questions, explore ideas, and build their skills and confidence; and we foster perseverance and determination to help them thrive in an ever-changing world.

 

Our staff strive for every student to leave with more than excellent results. We want them to develop the confidence, character, and ambition to shape their future with purpose and integrity through a wealth of opportunities, including practical subjects, extra-curricular clubs, trips, leadership, sports, and our ever-expanding Music Hub.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that HCC has to offer.”

 

Step Inside Thomas Hall at Our Open Evening

“Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions a family will make, and Thomas Hall is a welcoming school full of possibility. Set in beautiful grounds on the edge of Exeter, the school combines nature and character in a way that helps learning feel focused and inspiring.

Families visiting the Open Evening will have the chance to explore a school unlike any other locally. The green surroundings, Grade II listed main building and modern learning spaces create a real sense of room to think, create and grow. Come and take a stroll through our woodland and see Forest School in action, where pupils learn outdoors in a setting that feels calm and engaging.

Inside, visitors will find a warm, supportive atmosphere where students are known as individuals and encouraged to aim high in everything they do. Teachers support them step by step so they feel confident in their learning.

Above all, there is a strong sense of belonging throughout the school community, where every child is supported to find their place, develop their talents and feel proud of their progress.

The Open Evening offers a chance to see this first-hand. We look forward to welcoming you and your child.”

 

Exmouth Community College

“Join Us for Our Open Evening

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Exmouth Community College, we understand the trust placed in us when parents choose our school, and we work tirelessly to make every student’s experience both meaningful and inspiring.

Our Open Evening is your chance to explore the exciting opportunities ECC offers. With a broad curriculum, strong pastoral care, and a wide range of enrichment activities, we are proud to provide an education that nurtures academic success, builds character, and prepares young people for their futures.

Recent investments have transformed our site, offering state-of-the-art facilities that support innovative learning in every subject. But beyond the buildings, it is the ECC community that truly sets us apart — a partnership of dedicated staff, supportive families, and determined students all working together.

We are incredibly proud of our students’ resilience, optimism, and ambition. They are the heart of ECC, and inspire us every day.

Whether you are already part of our journey or considering joining us, we warmly invite you to come and see for yourself what makes ECC such a special place to learn and grow.

We look forward to welcoming you.”

 

Torquay Girls' Grammar School stands as one of the UK's most consistently high-performing grammar schools, offering an exceptional education for bright, motivated students.

“The school's impressive examination results consistently place it among the highest-achieving schools both locally and nationally, reflecting a culture of academic excellence and high expectations. Students are encouraged to be curious, confident learners who embrace challenge and strive to achieve their personal best.

Beyond academic success, TGGS is renowned for its outstanding pastoral care. A supportive and nurturing environment ensures that every student is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish both personally and academically. The school places great importance on wellbeing, character development, and creating a strong sense of belonging within its diverse and inclusive community.

A vibrant extra-curricular programme is a defining part of school life, with opportunities spanning sport, music, performing arts, leadership, STEM, public speaking, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make a positive contribution both within school and beyond.

With a long tradition of empowering young women to become confident, independent thinkers and future leaders, TGGS is a truly exceptional choice for families seeking outstanding academic achievement, exceptional guidance, and a wealth of opportunities.”

 

South Dartmoor Community College

“South Dartmoor Community College is built on a culture of student ambition and individual care. It is a highly regarded institution, consistently recommended by an overwhelming majority of parents for its commitment to students and their academic success.

Recognised as 'Good' in all categories by Ofsted in September 2024, the college creates a safe and nurturing environment where students feel happy and thrive academically. The curriculum is ambitious, designed to challenge and inspire learners while ensuring excellent progress.

The school provides a rich extracurricular programme, encouraging students to explore their passions and develop skills. The Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education are central to the school’s ethos, along with creative, design and vocational subjects that foster individuality and personal growth.

Strong student outcomes are the result of our commitment to excellence. High-quality teaching and learning are at the heart of South Dartmoor’s success, with dedicated teachers supporting all students consistently. More than just academic achievement, the school prioritises wellbeing and personal development, ensuring every student receives the care and encouragement they need to flourish.

 South Dartmoor Community College is a high performing, inspiring yet supportive and fully inclusive school where children are safe, happy and make excellent progress.”

 

Exeter School

A Welcome Step onto the Padel Court

“News that Exeter School has secured planning permission for two new padel courts deserves a warm welcome. Set to open by October, the courts represent more than a facilities upgrade—they reflect a smart reading of where sport is heading.

Padel's rise has been remarkable: over 35 million players worldwide, more than a million in Britain alone, and growing fast. Its appeal lies in accessibility. Unlike sports with steep learning curves, padel welcomes newcomers within minutes while still rewarding skill and strategy. That combination of low barrier and high enjoyment explains why it has become such a social phenomenon.

What makes this development particularly commendable is its dual purpose. Yes, pupils will benefit from an expanded co-curricular programme, but the decision to open the courts to community hire in evenings and weekends is the more significant gesture. Independent schools are often, fairly or not, seen as insular. Initiatives like this—sharing modern facilities with the wider city—chip away at that perception while genuinely benefiting local residents.

As Bursar Miles MacEacharn rightly notes, this is an investment in both school and city. In an era where physical activity and social connection matter more than ever, Exeter School's padel courts look like a genuinely good idea, well executed.”

 

West Exe School

West Exe School is excited to invite our community to attend our annual Welcome Evening event on Thursday 17th September 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. The evening provides an opportunity for your family to come and see what being part of our West Exe community is all about. We will be showcasing our boldly academic curriculum, our trail blazing electives offer and the wide range of opportunities your child would experience at our school. Most importantly you will get the chance to experience a taste of the exciting five-year journey West Exe students embark on when they walk through our gates. We encourage Year 5 and 6 students and their families to attend. We also want to invite you to see the school in action during one of the Welcome Mornings that take place in September and October. Please see the advert for more details. We cannot wait to share our school with you and your family.”

For more details contact transition@westexe.devon.sch.uk. For more information see www.westexe.devon.sch.uk

 

Queen Elizabeth’s School

“At Queen Elizabeth’s, we place learning at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing the highest standards of care and achieving the best possible outcomes for every student. We take great pride in building strong relationships with our local community, recognising that meaningful engagement enriches learning, strengthens partnerships and inspires trust. We offer an extensive range of extracurricular activities, trips and educational visits that enrich our students' experience beyond the classroom. These opportunities encourage them to discover new interests, develop new skills, build lasting friendships and extend their learning in exciting and meaningful ways.

Together, we foster a school environment that values kindness, good humour and empathy, underpinned by respect, commitment and safety. We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Days and Open Evening in September, where you will have the opportunity to visit the School, meet our teachers and students, and discover all that Queen Elizabeth’s has to offer, from inspiring learning in the classroom to the wide range of opportunities beyond it.”

 

A Different Approach to Education - Preston Bridge School

“Preston Bridge School is a progressive specialist school in Paignton, supporting children and young people aged 6-19 with EHCPs and a diverse range of additional needs.

We believe every young person deserves an education that meets them where they are and inspires them to reimagine their potential to learn and thrive.

Our curriculum is built around our Three Phase Process and Relational Approach. Students are supported to overcome barriers, develop the confidence and the skills they need, and become Community Ready; prepared for education, employment, greater independence and life beyond school.

We call this approach Enterprise Learning. Starting with students’ interests and strengths and using Driving Questions, we create meaningful, project-based experiences that encourage curiosity, introduce new possibilities and connect learning with the real world.

Want to see our approach in action? Join us at a Bridge to Your Future event to explore Preston Bridge School, meet our team and discover what a different approach to education could mean for your young person.”

Bridge to Your Future | Monday 21st September & Monday 5th October | 3.30pm–5.00pm

Booking is advised. Email admin@prestonbridgeschool.co.uk to book.

 

Blundell’s

“An outstanding education is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child, and at Blundell’s School pupils are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their interests and grow in confidence.

Set within 90 acres of Devon countryside, Blundell’s is a thriving independent co-educational school. The Nursery and Preparatory School welcomes day pupils aged 3 to 11, while the Senior School offers day and boarding options for pupils aged 11 to 18.

This September, Blundell’s welcomes Gareth Pearson as its new Head, marking an exciting new chapter for the School.

Small classes, excellent facilities and strong pastoral care ensure pupils are known and supported as individuals. Beyond the classroom, Blundell’s offers outstanding opportunities in sport, music, drama, creative arts, leadership and outdoor education, helping every child develop confidence, curiosity and character. The School was recently recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for two areas of Significant Strength: its co-curricular provision and its careers education and guidance.

To discover the supportive education available at Blundell’s, visit www.blundells.org or come and experience the School for yourself.”

Senior School Open Day: Saturday 19th September 2026.
admissions@blundells.org | 01884 252543

Preparatory School Open Morning: Friday 2nd October 2026.
prep@blundells.org | 01884 252393

 

 

“Discover What Pilton Community College Has to Offer!

 

“Choosing the right secondary school is an exciting milestone, and we'd love to welcome you to Pilton Community College this September.

Join us at our Open Evening on Monday 21st September 2026 or book onto one of our Open Morning Tours on Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th or Friday 25th September 2026 to experience everything our school has to offer.

Come and:

Explore our vibrant learning environment

Meet our dedicated staff and students

Visit our specialist classrooms and facilities

Discover our caring and inclusive school community

Find out what makes Pilton such a special place to learn and grow

Whether you attend our Open Evening or one of our morning tours, you'll have the opportunity to see our school in action, ask questions, and discover why so many families choose Pilton Community College.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Open Evening: Monday 21st September 2026

Open Morning Tours: Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th & Friday 25th September 2026

Booking is essential – simply scan the QR code on the poster to reserve your place, or visit the Primary Transition page on our website and click on the relevant link.”