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, Headteacher
Latest News
View allCREATE Summer Show
A huge well done to all the amazing artists who had their work displayed at the Coombeshead Academy Create Summer Show.
Amazing, unique pieces of art demonstrated a strength of talent across all creative genres.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to view students work.
Mrs Coulson
CREATE Summer Show A huge well done to all the amazing artists who had their work displayed at the Coombeshead Academy Create Summer Show. Amazing, unique pieces of art demonstrated a strength of talent across all creative genres. It was a pleasure and a privilege to view students work. Mrs Coulson
Little Shop of Horrors
This summer we will presenting a production of Little Shop of Horrors. The performance dates are 8th, 9th and 10th July, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
Tickets are available via Ticket Source, or can be purchased on the door, on the evening of the event.
Please click on the link below or scan the QR code.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/coombeshead-academy
Little Shop of Horrors This summer we will presenting a production of Little Shop of Horrors. The performance dates are 8th, 9th and 10th July, with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets are available via Ticket Source, or can be purchased on the door, on the evening of the event. Please click on the link below or scan the QR code. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/coombeshead-academy
CREATE CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY - SUMMER SHOW 18TH JUNE - 4.30PM - 7.00PM
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 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