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
Latest News
View allCoombeshead Academy welcome Chinese students as part of Project International cultural exchange programme.
Coombeshead Academy welcomed 32 Chinese students, their Principal and teachers this morning. Each Chinese student has a Coombeshead “buddy” who will accompany them to lessons and look after them for the week. We held an amazing “Welcome Ceremony” in the theatre where students gave welcome speeches, our Soul Band played and the students exchanged gifts and got to know each other. We hope they all have a fantastic experience this week!
Coombeshead Academy welcome Chinese students as part of Project International cultural exchange programme. Coombeshead Academy welcomed 32 Chinese students, their Principal and teachers this morning. Each Chinese student has a Coombeshead “buddy” who will accompany them to lessons and look after them for the week. We held an amazing “Welcome Ceremony” in the theatre where students gave welcome speeches, our Soul Band played and the students exchanged gifts and got to know each other. We hope they all have a fantastic experience this week!
Cakes with the Head - Year 11
Well done to more than 60 amazing Year 11 students who between them had more than 100 nominations from their teachers for “Cakes with the Head” for exceptional work and positive attitudes.
Mrs Coulson managed to clear Tesco of Krispy Kreme’s and we very much hope you enjoyed your treats before your next set of PPE’s!
You are a fantastic year group, we wish you good luck in the upcoming exams.
Cakes with the Head - Year 11 Well done to more than 60 amazing Year 11 students who between them had more than 100 nominations from their teachers for “Cakes with the Head” for exceptional work and positive attitudes. Mrs Coulson managed to clear Tesco of Krispy Kreme’s and we very much hope you enjoyed your treats before your next set of PPE’s! You are a fantastic year group, we wish you good luck in the upcoming exams.
The Coombeshead Year 8 Football team won their first round of the Devon cup game10-2. The team played some great attacking football in muddy conditions. Well done to all involved.
The Coombeshead Year 8 Football team won their first round of the Devon cup game10-2. The team played some great attacking football in muddy conditions. Well done to all involved.
National Art Project Returns Inviting Schools to Create and Connect
Coombeshead Academy is excited to announce the second iteration of the Codex Project, a nationwide initiative encouraging students and educators to explore creative expression through art. It is being co- ordinated through Sidmouth School of Art and Sam Eyre from Create at Coombeshead Academy. This year’s project invites participants to create 2D artwork inspired by Bob & Roberta Smith’s celebrated piece, “Puzzle 4 Sidmouth.”
The Codex Project provides an opportunity for both primary and secondary students, as well as teachers, to submit artwork in a variety of 2D formats, including painting, collage, drawing, digital media, and mixed media. All submissions will be showcased in a collective exhibition in Autumn 2026, celebrating the creativity and talent of young people and educators from across the country.
The initiative, coordinated through the Sidmouth School of Art, aims to highlight the power of art as a tool for communication, connection, and community engagement. Participating schools and individuals will also receive a free teacher pack, providing full project details, guidance, and inspiration for submissions.
Interested students and educators should email Sam Eyre at Coombeshead Academy to register their interest and receive their free teacher pack: sam.eyre@coombesheadacademy.org.uk
Sam Eyre, organiser and Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy, said:
“The Codex Project is a unique opportunity for schools and communities to come together to celebrate artistic creativity and the voices of young people. By inviting students and teachers from across the country to respond to a shared artwork, the project creates a national dialogue through the arts, showing how creativity can connect people, spark conversation, and build a sense of shared purpose.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:
“Projects like the Codex Project reflect our commitment to collaboration and opportunity for all learners. By engaging students and teachers in a shared national artistic experience, this initiative not only nurtures creative talent but also strengthens connections between schools, communities and the wider cultural landscape. We are proud to support a project that places creativity at the heart of education.”
National Art Project Returns Inviting Schools to Create and Connect Coombeshead Academy is excited to announce the second iteration of the Codex Project, a nationwide initiative encouraging students and educators to explore creative expression through art. It is being co- ordinated through Sidmouth School of Art and Sam Eyre from Create at Coombeshead Academy. This year’s project invites participants to create 2D artwork inspired by Bob & Roberta Smith’s celebrated piece, “Puzzle 4 Sidmouth.” The Codex Project provides an opportunity for both primary and secondary students, as well as teachers, to submit artwork in a variety of 2D formats, including painting, collage, drawing, digital media, and mixed media. All submissions will be showcased in a collective exhibition in Autumn 2026, celebrating the creativity and talent of young people and educators from across the country. The initiative, coordinated through the Sidmouth School of Art, aims to highlight the power of art as a tool for communication, connection, and community engagement. Participating schools and individuals will also receive a free teacher pack, providing full project details, guidance, and inspiration for submissions. Interested students and educators should email Sam Eyre at Coombeshead Academy to register their interest and receive their free teacher pack: sam.eyre@coombesheadacademy.org.uk Sam Eyre, organiser and Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy, said: “The Codex Project is a unique opportunity for schools and communities to come together to celebrate artistic creativity and the voices of young people. By inviting students and teachers from across the country to respond to a shared artwork, the project creates a national dialogue through the arts, showing how creativity can connect people, spark conversation, and build a sense of shared purpose.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “Projects like the Codex Project reflect our commitment to collaboration and opportunity for all learners. By engaging students and teachers in a shared national artistic experience, this initiative not only nurtures creative talent but also strengthens connections between schools, communities and the wider cultural landscape. We are proud to support a project that places creativity at the heart of education.”
Over the last 2 days, all Year 7 students have taken part in a 2 hour workshop by RISE as part of our Careers Programme. During the workshop students took on various decision making roles from the world of business including, accounting, consulting and marketing. The workshop was fully interactive and helped students develop their teamwork and leadership skills. Student feedback was really positive and they all really enjoyed the session.