Headteacher’s Welcome
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Coombeshead Academy, a proud member of Education South West and a school at the heart of Newton Abbot, committed to helping every student flourish. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, and I want to reassure you that at Coombeshead we are dedicated to caring for, challenging, and inspiring every young person who joins our community.
At Coombeshead, our mission is clear: “Together We Grow, Together We Achieve.” We live this daily through our values – Belong. Believe. Become. – and through the simple expectations of the Coombeshead Way: Turn up and be ready. Work hard. Be nice. These principles guide every part of school life and help ensure that our students thrive both academically and personally.
We are proud of the strong foundations that define us:
- Great Teaching – Our students benefit from exceptional teachers and a broad, ambitious curriculum. Every lesson is designed to challenge, inspire, and support, enabling young people to achieve their very best. The quality of teaching and learning at Coombeshead is a strength we are immensely proud of, and it is a key reason why we are now one of the highest-achieving schools in the area.
- Routines and High Expectations – Our systems create a safe, purposeful, and focused environment where every student can thrive. With consistency, respect, and encouragement, we maximise learning time and build positive habits that prepare students for life beyond school.
- Enrichment and Opportunity – Life at Coombeshead extends far beyond the classroom. Students have access to an extensive range of opportunities including sport, music, drama, and the school show, as well as clubs such as science, art, and debate. We are proud of our leadership pathways too, with roles such as school council representatives, tour guides, reading buddies, and anti-bullying ambassadors. Regular trips and visits – from local experiences to national and international travel – broaden horizons and create memories that last a lifetime.
Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement. We are passionate about nurturing the whole child: helping students to grow in confidence, resilience, and independence while learning the importance of teamwork, respect, and community. That’s why we invest in innovative strategies such as Lesson 6, where Year 11 students stay for an additional hour of tailored teaching and support every day to prepare them fully for their GCSEs. This, alongside our outstanding curriculum and dedicated staff, ensures that every child has the support they need to succeed.
Our values of Belong, Believe, Become are at the heart of this journey:
- Belong – Every student is part of Team Coombeshead. From the moment they arrive, they are welcomed into a supportive community where friendships are built, differences are celebrated, and no one is left behind.
- Believe – We encourage every student to know “you can achieve!” Our staff nurture confidence and resilience, so that students learn to persevere, take risks, and believe in their own potential.
- Become – We inspire ambition. Whether a student dreams of university, a particular career, success in sport, or pursuing the arts, we want them to become the best version of themselves, leaving us with the skills, qualifications, and self-belief to take the next step with pride.
As a member of Education South West, we benefit from the expertise and collaboration of a family of schools while retaining our unique identity and close connection to the Newton Abbot community. This combination ensures that our students receive both the personalised support of a local school and the wider opportunities that come from being part of a forward-thinking trust.
At Coombeshead Academy, you will find a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child is cared for as an individual, challenged to be their best, and celebrated for who they are. We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child grows into a confident, well-educated, and well-rounded young person, fully prepared for the exciting opportunities ahead.
Helen Coulson
Headteacher
Coombeshead Academy
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GCSE Success: Coombeshead Academy Students Celebrate Results Day
Students at Coombeshead Academy were in exceptionally high spirits today as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 21st August), marking the end of an important chapter and the start of new and exciting opportunities.
After months of dedication, hard work, non-stop revision, exams and anticipation, students finally received the results of their hard work. This year saw an exceptional performance across a wide range of subjects, this reflects a continuing growth in the strength of academic success at Coombeshead Academy.
Some achievements from Coombeshead students are as follows:
Reuben Feasby- Reuben's fantastic character proved that dedication and hard work gets results. Reuben achieved 2 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s, 2 grade 6s and 1 grade 5. Reuben is staying at Coombeshead next year to study Maths, Chemistry and Geography.
Cj Chillcott- CJ has achieved an amazing set of results by getting a grade 9, 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 3 grade 6s. CJ is joining Coombeshead 6th form in September to study Performing Arts, Graphics and Psychology
Oli Gore- Has had a huge contribution to Coombeshead over the last 5 years and has matched this with a very impressive set of grades. He achieved 8 of the very best grade 9s and one grade 8.
Kate Sampson, who really added to the Coombeshead community over the years, achieved extremely well by achieving 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s.
Joe Mwaro- Joe achieved 8 grade 9s and one grade 8. In September he is pursuing his playing career at Plymouth Argyle and staff are sure that they will see more of him in the future.
The school continues to have a strong focus on the arts and is launching a new Level 2 CREATE course, starting in September 2025, designed to provide a foundation in art and design for students not yet ready for Level 3 qualifications. This course will cover various artistic disciplines and include a study skills program to prepare students for future academic challenges.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:
“This is a group of students who showed real grit, determination, and perseverance. Through early mornings, extra sessions—‘lesson 0’ and ‘lesson 6’—walking-talking mocks and countless revision hours, they have earned these results. It wasn’t always easy, but their commitment has truly paid off. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them. A huge thank you also goes to our brilliant staff and supportive parents and carers who helped guide these young people to success.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“GCSE results day is a milestone in every young person’s journey, and I’m delighted to see the students at Coombeshead Academy succeed. These excellent results are a testament to the effort and energy put in by both students and staff. I wish all our young people the very best as they move on to their next stage, whether that’s sixth form, college, apprenticeships or training.”
GCSE Success: Coombeshead Academy Students Celebrate Results Day Students at Coombeshead Academy were in exceptionally high spirits today as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 21st August), marking the end of an important chapter and the start of new and exciting opportunities. After months of dedication, hard work, non-stop revision, exams and anticipation, students finally received the results of their hard work. This year saw an exceptional performance across a wide range of subjects, this reflects a continuing growth in the strength of academic success at Coombeshead Academy. Some achievements from Coombeshead students are as follows: Reuben Feasby- Reuben's fantastic character proved that dedication and hard work gets results. Reuben achieved 2 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s, 2 grade 6s and 1 grade 5. Reuben is staying at Coombeshead next year to study Maths, Chemistry and Geography. Cj Chillcott- CJ has achieved an amazing set of results by getting a grade 9, 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 3 grade 6s. CJ is joining Coombeshead 6th form in September to study Performing Arts, Graphics and Psychology Oli Gore- Has had a huge contribution to Coombeshead over the last 5 years and has matched this with a very impressive set of grades. He achieved 8 of the very best grade 9s and one grade 8. Kate Sampson, who really added to the Coombeshead community over the years, achieved extremely well by achieving 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s. Joe Mwaro- Joe achieved 8 grade 9s and one grade 8. In September he is pursuing his playing career at Plymouth Argyle and staff are sure that they will see more of him in the future. The school continues to have a strong focus on the arts and is launching a new Level 2 CREATE course, starting in September 2025, designed to provide a foundation in art and design for students not yet ready for Level 3 qualifications. This course will cover various artistic disciplines and include a study skills program to prepare students for future academic challenges. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:“This is a group of students who showed real grit, determination, and perseverance. Through early mornings, extra sessions—‘lesson 0’ and ‘lesson 6’—walking-talking mocks and countless revision hours, they have earned these results. It wasn’t always easy, but their commitment has truly paid off. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them. A huge thank you also goes to our brilliant staff and supportive parents and carers who helped guide these young people to success.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:“GCSE results day is a milestone in every young person’s journey, and I’m delighted to see the students at Coombeshead Academy succeed. These excellent results are a testament to the effort and energy put in by both students and staff. I wish all our young people the very best as they move on to their next stage, whether that’s sixth form, college, apprenticeships or training.”
A-Level Success: Coombeshead Students Take the Next Step Towards Bright Futures
Students from Coombeshead Academy have been picking up their A Level exam results this morning.
At Coombeshead Academy, students are moving on to a wide range of destinations from Universities including the Universities of Brighton, Exeter, Reading, Gloucestershire and the Liverpool Media Academy.
Thomas Malcolm’s consistently dazzling performances in school productions also carried through to his results as he earned 3 Distinctions across Music & Performing Arts. Thomas is now set to study Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire.
Nicole Fordham’s hard work over her time at Coombeshead was justly rewarded with a Distinction and 2 A grades. Nicole is now heading to Exeter to study Geography.
Mason O’ Connell has applied himself diligently, securing 4 A levels in Geography, Biology, Maths and English; including 2 A grades in Geography and Biology. Mason is headed off to the University of Bristol to study Geography with a year studying abroad!
Coombeshead Sixth Form College continues to grow in popularity, offering a broad range of academic and vocational courses delivered by experienced teachers in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Students from across Newton Abbot and the surrounding area choose Coombeshead for its excellent results, strong pastoral care, and impressive destinations, whether that’s top universities, apprenticeships, or skilled employment. With thriving arts and sports opportunities, a busy enrichment programme including Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors, and strong links to higher education and local employers, Coombeshead Sixth Form equips every student to believe in themselves and succeed.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said:
“We are so proud of our Sixth Form students and everything they’ve achieved. Their results are a testament to their resilience, determination, and the strong relationships they’ve built with our dedicated staff. Whether they’re heading to university, apprenticeships or straight into employment, we know they’ll go on to do amazing things.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“Congratulations to all the students at Coombeshead Academy receiving their A-Level results today. It’s a day that marks both an achievement and a new beginning. These outcomes reflect the commitment of both students and staff, and I wish everyone continued success in their next steps.”
A-Level Success: Coombeshead Students Take the Next Step Towards Bright FuturesStudents from Coombeshead Academy have been picking up their A Level exam results this morning. At Coombeshead Academy, students are moving on to a wide range of destinations from Universities including the Universities of Brighton, Exeter, Reading, Gloucestershire and the Liverpool Media Academy. Thomas Malcolm’s consistently dazzling performances in school productions also carried through to his results as he earned 3 Distinctions across Music & Performing Arts. Thomas is now set to study Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire. Nicole Fordham’s hard work over her time at Coombeshead was justly rewarded with a Distinction and 2 A grades. Nicole is now heading to Exeter to study Geography. Mason O’ Connell has applied himself diligently, securing 4 A levels in Geography, Biology, Maths and English; including 2 A grades in Geography and Biology. Mason is headed off to the University of Bristol to study Geography with a year studying abroad! Coombeshead Sixth Form College continues to grow in popularity, offering a broad range of academic and vocational courses delivered by experienced teachers in a supportive and inclusive environment. Students from across Newton Abbot and the surrounding area choose Coombeshead for its excellent results, strong pastoral care, and impressive destinations, whether that’s top universities, apprenticeships, or skilled employment. With thriving arts and sports opportunities, a busy enrichment programme including Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors, and strong links to higher education and local employers, Coombeshead Sixth Form equips every student to believe in themselves and succeed. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said:“We are so proud of our Sixth Form students and everything they’ve achieved. Their results are a testament to their resilience, determination, and the strong relationships they’ve built with our dedicated staff. Whether they’re heading to university, apprenticeships or straight into employment, we know they’ll go on to do amazing things.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:“Congratulations to all the students at Coombeshead Academy receiving their A-Level results today. It’s a day that marks both an achievement and a new beginning. These outcomes reflect the commitment of both students and staff, and I wish everyone continued success in their next steps.”