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 in Plymouth
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...
- Visit www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance, type in your postcode and a table will appear displaying all the schools within your vicinity featuring detailed information such as GCSE results, number of pupils, percentage of children with special educational needs and pupil absence stats. This table makes it easier to carry out a straightforward statistical comparison between schools.
- Read Ofsted reports about individual schools at www.ofsted.gov.uk.
- Help and advice is available from the Plymouth Council’s School Admissions Team on 01752 307469. Independent advice is available from ACE (Advisory Centre for Education) on their help line 0808 800 5793 and also from the Choice Advisor located at the Plymouth Parent Partnership Service on 01752 258933 or email parent.partnership@plymouth.gov.uk
- Attend the Open Day of your chosen school. Try to visit other schools to provide comparisons.
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.
Plymouth City Council Applications:
Primary, Infant and Junior School applications in Plymouth:
The application system will be available from 2 September 2013 to 15 January 2014
Secondary School applications in Plymouth:
The application system will be available from 2 September 2013 to 31 October 2013
Plymouth contacts:
Primary and Junior: 01752 307166 or primary.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk or
junior.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk
Secondary: 01752 307469 or secondary.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk.
Online applications: www.plymouth.gov.uk/schooladmissions
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
Local schools and Open Day dates
All Saints Church Of England Academy, Plymouth
All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP) is the first Church of England Academy in the ‘travel to school’ Plymouth area, offering parents and students a new choice in Secondary education. All Saints Academy Plymouth is sponsored by The Diocese of Exeter, The University of St. Mark and St. John and the Local Authority.
All Saints equally welcomes students of any faith or no faith and provides each student with an outstanding curriculum matched to their needs. It places a strong emphasis on English, mathematics and enterprise skills and works in partnership with over twenty businesses preparing students for the world of work or university.
Naturally there is total commitment to ensuring each learner achieves their very best but there is an equal emphasis on the development of the whole person. A recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools judged the academy as good recognising its strong Christian ethos and the significant progress made in its first three years as a new school.
Vertical tutor groups and learning families provide a strong sense of family values sitting alongside Christian values such as truth, justice, forgiveness, generosity and respect. Students enjoy a safe, secure and inspirational community of learning. They leave the Academy with the qualifications, skills and personal qualities needed to have a happy, fulfilling and financially secure future. The Open Evenings take place on Thursday 19 September and Wednesday 2 October from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Don’t miss this chance to see for yourself the outstanding opportunities All Saints Academy Plymouth offers your child and family. For further information phone 01752 705131, or email enquiries@asap.org.uk, or go to www.asap.org.uk.
Eggbuckland Community College
Eggbuckland Community College is an exciting, innovative college with ‘Learning, Caring, Achieving’ very much at the heart of its ethos. The best interests of the students are central to everything the College does; they are encouraged to make the most of the very many opportunities available, so that they leave with the skills, qualities and qualifications that they need for life and work.
Eggbuckland qualified as one of the top 20% of schools in England in 2013 by improving GCSE results year-on-year since 2009. Well over 90% of its students achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, with at least 65% attaining five or more including English and maths.
Eggbuckland offers a huge variety of extra-curricular opportunities from annual productions in dance, drama and music to College teams in fourteen different sports. There is an extensive programme for more able students, as well as homework clubs and after College support in every subject area.
The College’s good reputation in the local community has been regularly confirmed by its many visitors, as well as Inspectors, who have commented that “Eggbuckland is an excellent learning environment” and “it is a good place to be a student”. For more details, to request a prospectus, or to arrange a visit call 01752 779061 or go to www.eggbuckland.com
Hele’s School
“Positive relationships are a cornerstone of the academy’s success and help to establish an atmosphere conductive to learning’. ‘Good’ Ofsted Report
Hele’s is a vibrant, successful and happy school. Students learn from each other in the spirit of friendship. It welcomes students of all abilities and takes pride in developing academic achievement, a sense of responsibility, confidence and mutual respect. Hele’s works in partnership with its enthusiastic students, committed staff and supportive parents/carers.
Hele’s School is proud of its students and welcomes the unique gifts, abilities and experiences each one brings. It sets high standards and expectations and aims to ensure that each student has access to outstanding provision and expertise at every stage of learning.
Hele’s School provides an excellent education rooted in strong traditional values. The friendly rich and nurturing environment is often the aspect that people say is its greatest strength.
The school is situated in Plympton on the outer fringes of Plymouth and offers an exceptional site. It has a rich and diverse extra-curricular programme.
“Hele’s School has brought out the best in me and encourages me to push myself further to achieve my very best potential in everything.” Hele’s Student
For more details go to www.heles.plymouth.sch.uk or call 01752 337193
Lipson Co-operative Academy
Lipson Co-operative Academy is a school pulsating with excitement, energy and self-belief. It is a co-operative school whose learners, teachers and parents believe in a value driven education. Its teachers and students are innovative and confident, caring and socially responsible, happy and successful.
When you join this forward thinking, vibrant and successful school you connect to the values of the international co-operative alliance: social responsibility; equity; solidarity; democracy; openness; honesty and caring for others.
Lipson has a history of Outstanding OFSTED reports and has recently been described as ‘the best secular school in England.’ At Lipson you become part of a family, not just a school, where everyone is valued as an individual on the one hand but expected to make a worthwhile contribution to that family on the other.
Students at Lipson flourish both academically and personally through being passionate about, and therefore fully engaged in, their learning. Why not visit during the day to see the students and staff in action? For a personal tour call 01752 671318. For more details go to www.lipsonco-operativeacademy.coop
Marine Academy Plymouth
Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) was the UK’s first Marine Academy; it’s an all-inclusive secondary school with three ambitious sponsors: Plymouth University (lead sponsor), Cornwall College and Plymouth City Council.
MAP’s new principal, Nick Ward explains more about the Academy:
“Our results have soared each year since opening; every year since 2010 has been a record breaker. Our commitment is to offer a broad and exciting curriculum that enables each individual to become an effective learner who can go on to realise their ambitions. At MAP, we develop the student as a whole person: each student able to lead a team and be a team member; take initiative and be enterprising; be encouraged to make their contribution to the wider community and the environment. Our students are offered an exciting range of range of subjects, and benefit from additional courses and activities before and after school, at weekends and in school holidays. This academy is more than a school; it’s the hub on the hill – a valuable and integral part of its community.”
£14m has been injected into the Academy’s buildings and facilities, which are now simply, breathtaking. MAP’s campus is unrivalled in the area.
MAP also has a nursery and, a new primary school on campus.
For more details go to www.marineacademy.org.uk or call 01752 213939
Mount House School
Mount House School is enjoying a great year. This Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ integrated prep and pre-prep school offers day and boarding (full, weekly and flexible) to boys and girls aged 3 to 13. 2013 sees over 50% of Year 8 leavers being awarded scholarships or awards to some of the finest senior schools in the country and an ongoing 100% pass rate for Common Entrance.
What makes Mount House - a non-selective school – able to deliver such great results?
Headmaster Patrick Savage says “Our success is a testament to the quality of teaching from nursery through year 8, an ability to develop different learning styles, small average class sizes, a seamless transition from pre-prep to prep and our unique setting, facilities and extracurricular programme. This combination delivers a superb prep / pre-prep education which affords leavers a real choice regarding their senior school – and in many cases prestigious and valuable scholarship awards as part of the offer.”
The next Open Morning is on Friday 4 October where pupils can experience the school in action including a Pre-Prep Jolly Phonics demonstration with Chris Jolly founder of Jolly Learning. For more information or to register contact Pat Tear on 01822 612244, hmsec@mounthouse.com or www.mounthouse.devon.sch.uk
Notre Dame R C School
Notre Dame is a school with a strong sense of tradition, a vibrant present and an exciting future. There has been a Notre Dame in Plymouth for nearly 150 years and the school is proud of its history whilst at the same time also looks forward.
A Catholic school for girls, it provides a truly comprehensive education for children from across the city. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame, it also belongs to a worldwide community. Its mission is inspired by St. Julie, who believed that education should be for all, whatever their ability. The first Sisters were encouraged to educate “the whole child; heart, hands and head” and this approach is at the core of everything the school does today.
Notre Dame has a strong record of academic success and a broad, enriching curriculum that stretches the gifted and supports those who need extra time. An inclusive school, it aims to provide opportunities for the full range of abilities, creating an environment in which each person is valued as a unique individual. The basis of school life is mutual respect for all and the development of spiritual and emotional intelligence.
According to Ofsted ‘The most notable ‘outstanding’ feature at Notre Dame is the personal development of students which is founded on their exceptionally strong spiritual moral, social and cultural development. Notre Dame develops in all student skills of leadership and teamwork and an appreciation of the strengths and feelings of other people.
For more details go to www.ndonline.org or call 01752 775101
Plymouth College
Plymouth College has been at the forefront of education in South West England since 1877. Good teaching, with a variety of activities and a high standard of care, underpins its educational aims – you can see the success in this approach through the co-educational school’s GCSE and A Level results, which are consistently above the national average. Plymouth College also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma as an alternative option to A Levels in the Sixth Form.
Enrichment is part of the fabric of life at Plymouth College. The school makes the most of its close proximity to the rural landscapes of Devon and Cornwall, whether it’s outward bound on Dartmoor, fieldwork on a Cornish beach or sailing in Plymouth Sound. Performing arts plays a starring role with quality productions and a range of music opportunities. A whole host of after-school clubs offer something for everyone.
Sports are many and varied and embrace a range of abilities. But for those at the top of their game, Plymouth College runs elite swimming and diving programmes, a modern pentathlon and fencing academy, a basketball academy and regularly fields rugby, hockey and cricket players in county, regional and sometimes national teams.
A range of scholarships are available and the school has its own bus service with routes covering Plymouth, South Hams, West Devon and South East Cornwall. Full and weekly boarding is also available in the friendly family-run boarding houses. For more details ring 01752 505115 or go to www.plymouthcollege.com
Plymstock School
Plymstock School offers an outstanding learning environment and its team of exceptional staff is dedicated to sustaining a school where excellent teaching enables students to develop their abilities to the full. Outstanding results at GCSE and A Level and its reputation across the curriculum are well established throughout the region.
Plymstock School respects the critical partnership with parents, carers and the wider community in developing young people’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual qualities and it is uncompromising in its pursuit of the best for all concerned.
In its most recent Ofsted inspection (April 2013) it was judged to be outstanding in its curriculum provision, attainment, student behaviour and safety, the Sixth Form and leadership and management.
Plymstock School does not believe in playing the league table game and its curriculum offer is unique in the city. It does what is right for its students and always puts them first.
Plymstock School would like to take this opportunity to invite all Year 5 and 6 students and parents to attend its Open Evening on Monday 16 September at 6:30pm. For more details go to www.plymstockschool.org.uk
Ridgeway School
If you want your children to be in a school where teachers literally transform lives, Ridgeway is the school for you. Whatever aspirations you have for your children, Ridgeway School offers a sharp focus on individual success. So, whether your child aspires to be a nuclear physicist, a chemist or a fast jet pilot, they will be in good company at Ridgeway School where all children can realise their dreams.
High aspirations are encouraged and nurtured for children at all levels of ability. If your children need additional support they will find it at Ridgeway. An outstanding curriculum offers children the opportunity to excel in subjects from engineering to hairdressing.
‘The curriculum successfully offers all its students some outstanding academic, vocational and social experiences.’ (OfSTED).
Opportunities beyond the curriculum abound at Ridgeway. Trips abroad are complimented by excellent sporting activity and outward bound challenges including the Ten Tors, and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Outstanding drama, music and art clubs support a diverse range of interests and talents and many other after school groups offer additional support for academic progress.
‘Clearly you have many talented young people whose interest and enthusiasm have been spectacularly harnessed by your gifted, hard-working and dedicated staff.’
Letter from a member of the public
Ridgeway School is a happy school, with a reputation for excellent care and support. It is a school where children can learn in a well ordered purposeful and respectful environment.
For details go to www.ridgeway.plymouth.sch.uk or call 01752 338373
Sir John Hunt
Sir John Hunt is a specialist Sports College which over recent years has achieved the best results in its history. It is a smaller school that is caring, supportive and aspiring. In joining Sir John Hunt you are joining its family, where each young person is challenged to excel ‘To Greater Heights’.
The College is proud of its improved academic success, outstanding care and guidance and range of inspirational activities. All Sir John Hunt’s students are able to reach their full potential and the college provides the very best educational opportunities for them to become responsible members of the community.
Teachers are the very best and know each child as an individual. The new state of the art facilities offer the latest in learning environments, innovative designs and superb ICT facilities that enhance learning. The college’s reputation for ensuring a smooth transition from primary to secondary school enables young people to move with ease.
Its Sixth Form is innovative, inclusive and judged by Ofsted as good.
The Open Evening will take place on Monday 9th September between 6.30pm - 8.30pm enabling parents and their children to find out what it is like to be a student at Sir John Hunt and sample some of the amazing learning activities and opportunities. If you are unable to join the Open Evening then there is an Open Afternoon on Tuesday 1st October at 3.45pm - 5.30pm.
If you are unable to make these dates then feel free to organise an individual visit to the College by contacting Mrs Jordan on 01752 201020 or email theprincipal@sirjohnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk.
St Boniface’s Catholic College
The transition from primary to secondary school can be a daunting experience for parents as well as children, that's why St Boniface's Catholic College in Manadon Park created a dedicated transition team to help make the move as smooth as possible. Miss Beales - Head of Transition at the school works closely with Year 6 teachers to identify which families would benefit most from her support. In 2012 a group of parents representing a wide range of backgrounds were brought together to form the Parental Leadership Team. These parents volunteer their time to offer independent guidance and advice to parents joining the community.
With 150 years of rich history, St Boniface's has far-reaching links with many local families and owns a place in Plymouth's education system.
At Boniface's uniqueness as an all-boys faith school allows its dedicated staff to ensure all pupils reach or exceed their potential. Academic and sporting achievements are encouraged, with recent leavers headed for universities including Oxford, Plymouth and Bath, and boys gaining scholarships with local colleges and sports clubs - such as Plymouth Argyle. After a recent change in leadership the College continues to grow from strength to strength.
For more details call 01752 779051 or go to www.stbonifaces.com
Stoke Damerel Community College
Stoke Damerel Community College, a specialist college for Mathematics and Computing, is a vibrant and forward-thinking community of teachers and learners. The college appreciates the individuality and unique strengths and talents of each student and encourages everyone to invest in their education.
Stoke Damerel takes great pride in the fact that more and more of its students enjoy success in every possible way and at every level. Academically, this is demonstrated in its exam results.
In 2011 Ofsted said “Stoke Damerel is an outstanding school. Not only is it enabling all its students to learn and make progress at an impressive rate but, in the words of many students, ‘it is also a great place to learn’.”
Stoke Damerel seeks to provide the very best educational experience so that all its students can reach their full potential as they become responsible and proactive members of the community.
The open evening will take place on Wednesday 11th September 2013, enabling parents and their children to find out what it is like to become a student at Stoke Damerel and get a taste of just some of the amazing opportunities on offer at the community college.
If you are not able to make the open evening or want to visit the college at another time, contact Mrs Quinn on 01752 556065 or info@sdcc.net or go to www.sdcc.net
Tor Bridge High
Tor Bridge High is a specialist Arts academy within the newly built Tor Bridge Partnership, encompassing Tor Bridge Primary, Plymbridge Nursery and Cann Bridge School.
At Tor Bridge High, students follow a curriculum which is highly personalised to provide real choice and challenge for every individual. A huge number of extended curriculum activities in sport, music, the arts plus access to whole school themes of enterprise, outdoor challenge, internationalism provide endless opportunities for enrichment.
The outstanding team of staff at Tor Bridge High is inspiring, motivational and truly supportive, always willing to engage with parents and carers positively. Creating the balance between the freedom and discipline for young people to develop as responsible individuals can only be achieved by working closely together with their families.
Tor Bridge High champions a Small Schools system which ensures every individual child has support and guidance for learning within a ‘small school’ as this is more effective than a larger traditional Secondary School organisation. Ofsted recognised the “positive climate and ethos for learning” and that “students are keen to learn, feel safe and well cared for”.
What matters most at Tor Bridge High is that its young people achieve the success, qualifications, experience and skills needed to achieve their future ambitions. For further details go to www.torbridge.net/high or call 01752 207907.
Torpoint Community College
“Students have positive attitudes to learning and feel safe in school” (OFSTED, 2012)
Torpoint Community College is a thriving and successful college with a vision to inspire optimistic learners. This is its vision for all its learners, whatever their needs and it prides itself in looking at all its students as individuals and as the whole person.
There are four ‘Houses’ in the college, in vertical groups of students from Years 7 – 10. This encourages a sense of unity and family. Each House is led by a House Leader of Learning, who along with their tutor will get to know the students really well. In a recent survey students say they feel safe and that any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly.
As an 11-19 college, Torpoint Community College is able to offer a very broad range of courses and pathways to meet your child’s aspirations so they will be equipped with not only the knowledge, but also the skills and personal qualities that will enable them to be happy and successful adults.
“There is a very strong community ethos in the school and within the wider community” (OFSTED, 2012)
The Open Evening will be held on Thursday 26th September at 6pm and the Open Mornings on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd October at 10am. For further details and to book your place, contact the reception on 01752 812511 or go to www.torpoint.cornwall.sch.uk