Welcome to Coombeshead Academy
Coombeshead Academy is a thriving 11-18 school with students joining us from a range of partner primary schools across Newton Abbot and the surrounding area. We also welcome students from other secondary schools into Year 12 where they can study A Levels and vocational Level 3 courses in our successful Sixth Form collaboration with Teign School and South Devon UTC.
Our school forms part of Education South West (ESW) where we work in partnership and collaboration with other schools to build success for young people across South Devon.
Our school vision is based on: Inspiring Excellence
We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to learn in a stimulating and inspirational environment where they can be challenged at the highest levels, as well supported and nurtured, to achieve their very best.
Our core values of Positive Attitude, Endeavour, Achievement, Community and Enrichment underpin all our decisions and interactions with students and families. We offer a broad and balanced academic curriculum. We focus relentlessly on the experiences and outcomes our students receive during their time with us so that they are fully equipped with the qualifications and life experiences needed to be successful adults.
‘Growing your whole self’ by accessing the wider curriculum offer that is available at school is a central element of our school. The whole self is about being a leader, taking part and generally exploiting every opportunity that is offered by the school.
These core values are encapsulated in our motto of the Coombeshead Way
- Turn up and be ready: We want every student here at school every day. We know that good attendance guarantees good outcomes and therefore better life chances to get the jobs they want in the future. By being ready to learn with the right attitude and the right equipment no learning time is wasted and the progress our young people make every lesson can be maximised.
- Work hard: By putting in 100% effort every lesson, every day and never giving up even when facing challenges with new learning and with more difficult concepts.
- Be nice: We want all our young people to focus on treating each other with respect and tolerance as well as allowing everyone to learn and excel in every lesson
We have a caring, disciplined, family atmosphere. All our students are known and treated as individuals. We have high standards, and we place particular emphasis on school uniform 11-16, exemplary behaviour, attendance and punctuality.
We value all our staff, and we ensure their skills and knowledge are second to none through a comprehensive professional learning programme.
We look forward to welcoming you to Coombeshead Academy.
Helen Coulson, Head of School
Latest News
View allCoombeshead Academy Students Win National Awards with Powerful Anti-Racism Work
Coombeshead Academy is celebrating after three of its students were named winners in the 2025 Show Racism the Red Card school competition, a prestigious initiative that encourages young people to express anti-racism messages through creative media.
Show Racism the Red Card is the UK's leading anti-racism education charity delivering anti-racism education, training and workshops to over 50,000 young people and adults across the UK each year.
Year 10 students Izzy and Holly impressed judges in the music category with their powerful original song, ‘Mercy on Us’, which explores themes of unity, empathy, and justice. Meanwhile, Eloise in Year 8 was selected as a winner in the artwork category for her moving and thought-provoking visual piece. All three students have been invited to attend a national awards ceremony at Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground this May.
With schools across the country participating in this high-profile competition, Coombeshead’s wins are a testament to the talent and integrity of its students and their ability to use art and music to inspire meaningful change.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:
"We are incredibly proud of Izzy, Holly and Eloise, not just for their creativity, but for using their voices and talents to promote such an important message. These awards reflect their passion, empathy and commitment to standing up against racism. They’ve represented Coombeshead Academy with distinction on a national stage."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:
"At Education South West, we believe that schools have a vital role to play in building a fairer, more inclusive society. The success of these students shows the power of education, creativity and youth voice in challenging injustice. Congratulations to Izzy, Holly and Eloise on this fantastic achievement."
Coombeshead Academy Students Win National Awards with Powerful Anti-Racism Work Coombeshead Academy is celebrating after three of its students were named winners in the 2025 Show Racism the Red Card school competition, a prestigious initiative that encourages young people to express anti-racism messages through creative media. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK's leading anti-racism education charity delivering anti-racism education, training and workshops to over 50,000 young people and adults across the UK each year. Year 10 students Izzy and Holly impressed judges in the music category with their powerful original song, ‘Mercy on Us’, which explores themes of unity, empathy, and justice. Meanwhile, Eloise in Year 8 was selected as a winner in the artwork category for her moving and thought-provoking visual piece. All three students have been invited to attend a national awards ceremony at Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground this May. With schools across the country participating in this high-profile competition, Coombeshead’s wins are a testament to the talent and integrity of its students and their ability to use art and music to inspire meaningful change. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: "We are incredibly proud of Izzy, Holly and Eloise, not just for their creativity, but for using their voices and talents to promote such an important message. These awards reflect their passion, empathy and commitment to standing up against racism. They’ve represented Coombeshead Academy with distinction on a national stage." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "At Education South West, we believe that schools have a vital role to play in building a fairer, more inclusive society. The success of these students shows the power of education, creativity and youth voice in challenging injustice. Congratulations to Izzy, Holly and Eloise on this fantastic achievement."
Coombeshead Academy Performing Arts Department presents our summer production of Little Shop of Horrors
"Little Shop of Horrors" is a musical comedy about a meek plant store employee, Seymour, who discovers a mysterious plant, Audrey II, that promises to bring him fame and fortune, but Seymour also has to deal with increasingly shocking consequences”
Tickets are on sale soon
Coombeshead Academy Performing Arts Department presents our summer production of Little Shop of Horrors "Little Shop of Horrors" is a musical comedy about a meek plant store employee, Seymour, who discovers a mysterious plant, Audrey II, that promises to bring him fame and fortune, but Seymour also has to deal with increasingly shocking consequences” Tickets are on sale soon
The Importance of the Arts – Tes Piece
Brilliant Tes piece here from Coombeshead’s own Sam Eyre, curriculum and team area lead for the creative arts.
Arts education: the ongoing struggle to prove our worth: Struggling for curriculum time against maths and English is nothing new, but we must keep up the fight for the importance of the arts in an ever-changing world.
“I’m fortunate to work for a trust that values the arts, but protecting arts education is becoming more urgent.”
Read the full piece here: https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/arts-education-ongoing-struggle-prove-our-worth
The Importance of the Arts – Tes Piece Brilliant Tes piece here from Coombeshead’s own Sam Eyre, curriculum and team area lead for the creative arts. Arts education: the ongoing struggle to prove our worth: Struggling for curriculum time against maths and English is nothing new, but we must keep up the fight for the importance of the arts in an ever-changing world. “I’m fortunate to work for a trust that values the arts, but protecting arts education is becoming more urgent.” Read the full piece here: https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/arts-education-ongoing-struggle-prove-our-worth
Devon Family Hubs update 7th April 2025
We are still offering Single sessions via the Parent request for contact , and our Advice and Guidance line will still be active for parents to make contact Devon Family HUBS - Parent Carer Request for Contact Advice and guidance Line 0800 538 5458 (Mon-Fri 10am- 4pm) TRANSITION TO NEW FAMILY HUBS SERVICE FOR DEVON From 1 April 2025, the Family Hubs service for Devon will be transitioning to a new service which will provide increased, targeted help to support families in the community. Last year, Devon County Council announced that like many authorities across the country, it would follow Government guidance in developing the previous Children's Centres into Family Hubs which provided open access to all families without the need for referrals.
Since then, the council has conducted consultations with families, to gauge opinion and develop a plan which will now see support for families provided in village halls, community centres, and other existing places that parents and carers will already be familiar with in their local communities. The purpose behind Family Hubs is to provide support to families with children from 0 to 19, or to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The help families receive is to prevent them from needing more targeted help later on. "Why should a parent with a young child or children, who might rely on public transport to get around, have to travel miles to their nearest Children's Centre building in order to get the help his or her family needs? Providing support to families, in their communities, at the right time can prevent them from needing more targeted support in future. I wish to thank Action for Children for their dedication and contribution to Children’s Services over the last 20 years” says Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, the Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for children's services.
From April, families will begin to see a new community-focused service developing that will continue to improve access to support, bringing together education, public health, NHS, early years, community and voluntary sector groups. Parents will be directed to them in settings closer to home in their own communities. Some group sessions that are currently delivered in Family Hub locations will change, with families who have complex needs being referred to other community-based services through the new system from April. Devon County Council would sincerely like to thank Action for Children for all their hard work and contribution to the running of Devon’s Children’s Centres and the Family Hubs for the last 20 years.
Devon Family Hubs update 7th April 2025 We are still offering Single sessions via the Parent request for contact , and our Advice and Guidance line will still be active for parents to make contact Devon Family HUBS - Parent Carer Request for Contact Advice and guidance Line 0800 538 5458 (Mon-Fri 10am- 4pm) TRANSITION TO NEW FAMILY HUBS SERVICE FOR DEVON From 1 April 2025, the Family Hubs service for Devon will be transitioning to a new service which will provide increased, targeted help to support families in the community. Last year, Devon County Council announced that like many authorities across the country, it would follow Government guidance in developing the previous Children's Centres into Family Hubs which provided open access to all families without the need for referrals.Since then, the council has conducted consultations with families, to gauge opinion and develop a plan which will now see support for families provided in village halls, community centres, and other existing places that parents and carers will already be familiar with in their local communities. The purpose behind Family Hubs is to provide support to families with children from 0 to 19, or to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The help families receive is to prevent them from needing more targeted help later on. "Why should a parent with a young child or children, who might rely on public transport to get around, have to travel miles to their nearest Children's Centre building in order to get the help his or her family needs? Providing support to families, in their communities, at the right time can prevent them from needing more targeted support in future. I wish to thank Action for Children for their dedication and contribution to Children’s Services over the last 20 years” says Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, the Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for children's services. From April, families will begin to see a new community-focused service developing that will continue to improve access to support, bringing together education, public health, NHS, early years, community and voluntary sector groups. Parents will be directed to them in settings closer to home in their own communities. Some group sessions that are currently delivered in Family Hub locations will change, with families who have complex needs being referred to other community-based services through the new system from April. Devon County Council would sincerely like to thank Action for Children for all their hard work and contribution to the running of Devon’s Children’s Centres and the Family Hubs for the last 20 years.
Newton Abbot’s New ‘Community Tree’ Mural Unveiled 31st March 2025 Students from Coombeshead Academy have proudly helped complete a stunning new mural in Newton Abbot town centre that celebrates the local community’s connection to nature. ‘The Community Tree’ has been brought to life by renowned local artist Joe Webster and is a powerful representation of the bond between the people of Newton Abbot and the natural world. Joe, known for his 'landscape-graffiti' style, explores the impact of human activity on nature, and his work has been displayed across the UK and internationally. The mural, which stands at an impressive 16 metres high, is located in Golden Lion Square. It draws inspiration from a giant oak tree that was felled in 1922 to make way for the war memorial at the end of Queen Street. The loss of this iconic tree caused public outcry at the time, underlining the deep connection communities have with natural landmarks. The mural project invited contributions from the local community, with residents offering stories, photos, and memories of their favourite trees. Coombeshead students were also invited to submit nature-inspired words that were incorporated into the design. A group of talented graphics students from Coombeshead Academy played a key role in the creation of the mural by designing and preparing typography work, which was used in the final artwork. The Community Tree was part-funded by a Levelling Up Grant via Teignbridge council and many other sources. It was made possible almost entirely by 5 months of voluntary work by the artists and Rotary Newton Abbot. 'If you're enjoying the new mural and would like to see more around town please consider giving a donation via this website or by clicking on the link below. All funds received will go to completing this project and creating more beautiful artwork around the town. Rotary Club of Newton Abbot Trust Fund - Donate now Local businesses are also being invited to sponsor the mural in exchange for inclusion on its plaque and if you would like to know more about this please contact the artist Joe Webster at the following email address: joe@joewebsterart.com Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for contributing to such a meaningful project. The ‘Community Tree’ mural is not only a beautiful symbol of the bond between nature and the people of Newton Abbot, but it also represents the creativity and hard work of our students. “It has been a privilege to see them actively involved in this initiative, collaborating with the community to bring this artwork to life. This mural will be a lasting legacy for the town, and we are thrilled to have played a part in its creation.” Joe Webster said: “The ‘Community Tree’ mural is a celebration of both nature and the strong sense of community that defines Newton Abbot. It has been a true honour to work with local residents and students to bring this vision to life. “The contributions from Coombeshead Academy, particularly the graphics students, have been invaluable in shaping the final piece. The mural stands as a tribute to the history of the town and its deep connection with the natural world, and I hope it inspires future generations to continue to cherish and protect our environment.”