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Devon Secondary Admissions and Open Day Information

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, see here - 

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 2025 until  15th January 2026
Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st September 2025 until 31st October 2025
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 2025  until 15th January 2026
Secondary School Applications: The online system will be available from 1st September 2025 until 31st October 2025
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 from 17th November 2025 until 15 January 2026.
Secondary School applications in Plymouth: The application system will be available from 3rd September 2025 until 31 October 2025.  
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
Online applications: www.plymouth.gov.uk/school-admissions

Allocation Days
The dates when councils will send offers of school places are:
2nd March 2026 – Secondary Schools 
16th April 2025 – Primary Schools

 

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.

 

West Exe School

West Exe School is excited to invite our community to attend our annual Welcome Evening event on Thursday, 11th September 2025 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

 

 

Kingsley School Devon – Education with a Sense of Adventure

Set in the stunning North Devon countryside and just minutes from the surf at Westward Ho!, Kingsley School Devon offers an inspiring, non-selective education for children aged 2–18. Whether your child is aiming for a top university or needs dedicated SEN support, Kingsley provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

Adventure is woven into everyday life through our fully integrated Surf Academy, Outdoor Education programme, and an expansive curriculum that fuels curiosity and creativity. Aspiring athletes can pursue specialist pathways in Football (with the Ferdinand Collective), Rugby, Netball, Judo, and Gymnastics, all supported by elite coaching and top-class facilities.

Academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing. Weekly check-ins, a dedicated wellbeing centre, and a whole-school focus on mental health help students develop resilience, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging. Our daily bus service across North Devon and into Cornwall ensures families from a wide area can access the Kingsley experience.

Join our Year 7 Interactive Open Morning: 18th September 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Register here: https://www.kingsleydevon.com/admissions/open-days/year-7-open-day”

 

West Buckland School: Where Brilliance Blooms!

“At West Buckland School, brilliance is not just a goal, it’s a journey we take together. Nestled within 100 acres of breathtaking North Devon countryside, our school offers a truly inspiring setting where students flourish academically, socially, and personally. We are proud to be a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community that places the happiness and development of every child at its heart.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the warmth and energy that sets West Buckland apart. Our outstanding teachers go beyond the curriculum to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and instill a lifelong love of learning. With exceptional academic results, award-winning facilities, and a rich programme of co-curricular opportunities, students here are encouraged to dream big and aim high.

Whether your child is interested in science, the arts, sports, or outdoor adventures, they will find the space and support to explore their passions and reach their full potential.

We warmly invite you to discover the spirit of West Buckland at our Whole School Open Day on Saturday 20th September 2025, from 9:30am to 12:00pm.”  Book your place today at westbuckland.com.

 

Queen Elizabeth’s Community College

“At Queen Elizabeth’s, we place learning at the heart of everything we do; we are committed to community, the highest standards of care and the best outcomes possible for all. We are proud to be committed to our community – successful engagement with our community leads to improved outcomes for our students, and opening our doors to the community inspires trust. Together we will build a school community which values kindness, good humour and empathy by being respectful, committed and safe.

We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming Open Days and Open Evening in September, when you will have the opportunity to visit the School, meet with teachers and students and learn more about what Queen Elizabeth's has to offer.”

 

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School

“Torquay Girls’ Grammar School’s academic results place us among the top nationally for both attainment and progress, with our students going on to top universities, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. 

However, these facts do not convey the real essence of our school, which is more about a way of thinking; helping our pupils to believe they can achieve anything and giving them the skills and high self-esteem to do so.

As the only state, selective girls’ school in the area judged as Outstanding in every Ofsted category, Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is an exceptional choice for the education of your child.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Cuthbert Mayne School: Educating for life in all its fullness

“St Cuthbert Mayne School has achieved exceptional recognition in its latest Ofsted inspection, earning 'Good' ratings across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The school has transformed its educational offering, with Ofsted noting that "pupils now benefit from a better quality of education than before, allowing them to achieve more highly." The inspection praised the school's high aspirations, highlighting how "many areas of the curriculum have been successfully redesigned in recent years to increase ambition."

Students thrive in a supportive environment where "pupils behave with respect, kindness and empathy towards each other." The school provides exceptional support for pupils with special educational needs, with "bespoke pastoral and academic support" enabling all students to "access the curriculum with confidence."

Beyond academics, St Cuthbert Mayne offers rich opportunities including musical productions, cultural visits to London and Paris, and comprehensive careers guidance. The sixth form receives particular praise, with students describing it as a "family-style setting where each student is valued."

Parents consistently report positive experiences, and staff take pride in working at this thriving school that serves the Torquay community with distinction.

Contact St Cuthbert Mayne School today to discover how your child can flourish in our caring, ambitious environment. Admissions@stcm.torbay.sch.uk or 01803 328725.”

 

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 ratios, 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, 20th September.
Contact them via admissions@blundells.org or 01884 252543. The Preparatory School open day is on Friday 3rd October, contact them via prep@blundells.org or 01844 252393.”

 

Exmouth Community College

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 College, 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’s 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 they inspire us every day. Whether you're 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.”

 

 

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 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. We believe that learning is an adventure to be enjoyed, and our 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 them. Our overarching aim is to provide our young people with the skills and qualifications they need to be happy, successful adults and our curriculum is personalised to meet students’ individual needs. You can find information about our 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 student art club, choir or band.

Please join us on our Open Day on Wednesday 24th September or, to arrange an individual visit, call 01395 514823. We look forward to meeting you.”

 

Preston Bridge School

“Preston Bridge School is a progressive specialist school operating from two sites in the beautiful seaside town of Paignton, supporting children and young people aged 6 to 19 with EHCPs. Our students have diverse needs, including neurodiversity (such as Autism and ADHD), social and emotional difficulties (such as anxiety and trauma), physical and sensory needs, and mild to moderate learning difficulties.

We take pride in our unique pedagogical approach called 'Enterprise Learning.' This method places children as active participants in a well-structured, project-based process to answer real-world questions within small groups.

Students benefit from well-informed relational support strategies integrated into our 'Three Stage Curriculum,' ensuring they feel safe and form meaningful relationships, allowing their learning to flourish. Our curriculum enables students to achieve qualifications ranging from functional skills to GCSEs. This approach is celebrated by key stakeholders, including Ofsted.

We are hosting our ‘Bridge to your Future’ open days on Thursday, 18th September, between 3.30pm - 5.00pm. We warmly invite friends, neighbours, the SEND community and prospective parents and carers to come and have a look at our inspirational school and meet the team. Booking is advised.”

 

Brixham College

“At Brixham College, we deliver a values curriculum to all students as part of their personal development, underpinned by our College Values: High Expectations, Continuous Improvement, Character, Knowledge, and Leadership.

Our upcoming open mornings offer Year 5 pupils and their families the chance to explore our school in action. You will experience lessons taking place across a range of subjects, showcasing how we nurture academic, social, and moral growth in every student.

Brixham College isn’t just about education; it’s a values-led college dedicated to shaping well-rounded individuals ready to thrive.”

Book your place today: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=s23q1ha_kkmgEHn2jjmNvObJ-mdM1TlIoV3gmsUdx61UN0pQQVJTMlU2SDc0UVpPODdDRVBPV0lZRy4u&route=shorturl

 

Honiton Community College

“At Honiton Community College, we believe that we have raised the ambition for what pupils can achieve and our work to improve the quality of education has resulted in pupils achieving more highly in their qualifications, with our students happy and better prepared for their next steps.

Joining Honiton Community College is not just about the excellent 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 activities and trips, with a keen focus being upon providing all of our students with a range of experiences.

To see a 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 strive to ensure all of our students leave as successful, happy and ambitious young people, ready for their next steps, be they in Further Education, an apprenticeship or employment. We look forward to meeting you.”

 

Tavistock College

“Tavistock College is a school that is proud to serve its local community and beyond. Our ethos and mission are clear - we want all of our young people to live a life of choice and opportunity. Over the last few years, our College has been proud to foster a culture of high expectations, quality standards of pastoral care and year-on-year improving outcomes, notably for our post-16 provision, which places us in the top ten providers across Devon (including independent and grammar schools).

Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision for any family. Whether you are about to send your child to school for the first time, or are moving into the area with older children, you are always welcome to come and have a look around our school. Please call or email the school to plan a visit.

Please contact us to discuss what we have to offer and to arrange a visit by getting in touch with Chantelle Cocker – 01822 614231 – c.cocker@dmatschools.org.uk . We look forward to welcoming you at our open events in September.”

 

Isca Academy

“At Isca Academy, we place our students at the heart of everything we do, and we are unwavering in the pursuit of excellence for every individual. The health and well-being of our children is paramount, and we recognise that challenging and stimulating inquisitive young minds is key to delivering a quality education that is not only second to none, but life-changing.

We are passionate about ensuring every student achieves the very best they can, and our recent Mental Health Charter Mark Award illustrates our dedication to supporting all students. We have high expectations of everyone at Isca, whether it be attendance and punctuality, embracing equality and diversity, provision of a diverse, knowledge-rich and challenging curriculum, disruption-free learning, or fostering good manners and respect for each other.

Isca has an experienced and skilled staff who have a track record of going above and beyond to provide exceptional opportunities for our students. We recognise that delivering great qualifications is important however, in parallel, building students' character and self-esteem, nurturing their ambition and inspiring a new generation to achieve beyond their imagination is the Isca difference.”

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