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 all🤩It is only the second day back and already we are hearing of the most incredible journeys our students have been on over the summer🤩
At the beginning of the year, the lovely Grace successfully auditioned for a residential place on the National Youth Ballet summer program. She spent 9 days at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham and trained from 9am-5pm every. Single. Day. She then went back up to Birmingham where she performed along with the company at the Crescent Theatre to a SOLD OUT audience. As if that wasn't impressive enough, she travelled up to London the weekend before school started for their Gala performance, where she performed at Sadlers Wells Theatre unaware that Dame Darcey Bussell was in attendance and gave a speech to them all at the end.
🥇The cherry on top was then being awarded her Royal Ballet Foundation Grade and achieved a distinction🥇
💙Grace is so very gracious and would downplay this display of resilience and work ethic for sure, but we want her to know that her parents, her friends, and her teachers are SO incredibly proud of the hard work she has put in to her ballet this summer and want to share her success. It is an absolute pleasure to have you as part of our Coombeshead Community and we know you must inspire so many! Super proud of you, Grace💙
🤩It is only the second day back and already we are hearing of the most incredible journeys our students have been on over the summer🤩 At the beginning of the year, the lovely Grace successfully auditioned for a residential place on the National Youth Ballet summer program. She spent 9 days at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham and trained from 9am-5pm every. Single. Day. She then went back up to Birmingham where she performed along with the company at the Crescent Theatre to a SOLD OUT audience. As if that wasn't impressive enough, she travelled up to London the weekend before school started for their Gala performance, where she performed at Sadlers Wells Theatre unaware that Dame Darcey Bussell was in attendance and gave a speech to them all at the end. 🥇The cherry on top was then being awarded her Royal Ballet Foundation Grade and achieved a distinction🥇 💙Grace is so very gracious and would downplay this display of resilience and work ethic for sure, but we want her to know that her parents, her friends, and her teachers are SO incredibly proud of the hard work she has put in to her ballet this summer and want to share her success. It is an absolute pleasure to have you as part of our Coombeshead Community and we know you must inspire so many! Super proud of you, Grace💙
😍Just LOOK at these lovely faces!😍
It has been fantastic to welcome our glorious Sixth Form students back for what's going to be a very successful year, and to see the Study Café buzzing with conversation, collaboration and purposeful independent study.
Whether beginning an exciting new journey in Year 12 or returning to take the next steps towards future aspirations in Year 13, we are incredibly excited about the year ahead.
Sixth Form is about so much more than achieving excellent grades. It is a time to grow in confidence, discover new opportunities, develop independence and begin shaping the future you want for yourself.
We are looking forward to supporting, challenging and celebrating our students throughout the year ahead.
Here’s to a fantastic year of ambition, opportunity and success!
Belong • Believe • Become 💙
😍Just LOOK at these lovely faces!😍 It has been fantastic to welcome our glorious Sixth Form students back for what's going to be a very successful year, and to see the Study Café buzzing with conversation, collaboration and purposeful independent study. Whether beginning an exciting new journey in Year 12 or returning to take the next steps towards future aspirations in Year 13, we are incredibly excited about the year ahead. Sixth Form is about so much more than achieving excellent grades. It is a time to grow in confidence, discover new opportunities, develop independence and begin shaping the future you want for yourself. We are looking forward to supporting, challenging and celebrating our students throughout the year ahead. Here’s to a fantastic year of ambition, opportunity and success! Belong • Believe • Become 💙
🎉 Welcome back, Coombeshead Academy!🎉
We’re SO looking forward to welcoming all our students back for a new school year this Monday 7th September 💙
📍 Monday arrival for line-ups – 8:40am
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Years 7–9: Sports Hall area
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Year 10: Hardcourt (weather depending)
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Years 11–13: Go straight to form rooms
📚 Monday timetable
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Lessons 1 and 2: Form tutor time
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Lessons 3, 4, and 5: Timetabled lessons
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Year 11 ONLY : Period 6 – Science
We can’t wait to see everyone and get the new year started! Belong. Believe. Become. 💙
#WelcomeBack #CoombesheadAcademy #NewSchoolYear #BelongBelieveBecome
🎉 Welcome back, Coombeshead Academy!🎉 We’re SO looking forward to welcoming all our students back for a new school year this Monday 7th September 💙 📍 Monday arrival for line-ups – 8:40am Years 7–9: Sports Hall area Year 10: Hardcourt (weather depending) Years 11–13: Go straight to form rooms 📚 Monday timetable Lessons 1 and 2: Form tutor time Lessons 3, 4, and 5: Timetabled lessons Year 11 ONLY : Period 6 – Science We can’t wait to see everyone and get the new year started! Belong. Believe. Become. 💙 #WelcomeBack #CoombesheadAcademy #NewSchoolYear #BelongBelieveBecome
Join Us for Our Autumn Open Events
We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming Autumn Open Events, beginning with our Open Evening on Thursday 17 September, from 6pm–8pm.
Come along and discover everything we have to offer your child in a warm, welcoming and inspiring environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Meet our friendly and dedicated team
- Explore our setting and facilities
- Find out more about our approach to learning and development
- Discover how we support every child to thrive
Whether you’re considering joining us or simply want to find out more, we’d love to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you!
To book your place, please see link below.
Join Us for Our Autumn Open Events We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming Autumn Open Events, beginning with our Open Evening on Thursday 17 September, from 6pm–8pm. Come along and discover everything we have to offer your child in a warm, welcoming and inspiring environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to: Meet our friendly and dedicated team Explore our setting and facilities Find out more about our approach to learning and development Discover how we support every child to thrive Whether you’re considering joining us or simply want to find out more, we’d love to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you! To book your place, please see link below. https://www.ticketsource.com/coombeshead
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 20TH August), marking the end of an important chapter and the start of new and exciting opportunities.
The school is celebrating the achievements of all its students today, with some standout successes including:
Chloe Cane 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8 and 1 grade 7 - going to Exeter Maths School
Cora Pollard 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s and 1 grade 7 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Chemistry and History
Anais Fernandes Pickard 3 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s and 1 grade 7 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Performing Arts, Maths and French
Harriet Regan 5 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and 1 grade 6 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Psychology and Graphics
Oscar Blackhall Whittle- 1 grade 9, 4 grade 8s, 3 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Psychology, Core Maths, History and Physics
Sam Bowers 4 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and one grade 6 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, French and English Language with Literature
Reece Potter 3 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s, 1 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 - Going to Exeter College to study Music
Jacob Musterata 2 grade 9s, 2 grade 7s, 4 grade 6s - Going to Exeter College to study Business
Ellie Travis- 1 Distinction, 1 grade 9, 2 grade 8s, 5 grade 7s - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Chemistry and English Language with Literature
Leila Travis- 1 Distinction, 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, 3 grade 6s - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Chemistry and English Language with Literature
Coombeshead Academy offers students an exceptional range of opportunities beyond the classroom, helping them develop confidence, creativity and ambition alongside academic success.
Over the past year, students have represented the school in the Historical Association's Great Debate, welcomed visitors from Beijing as part of an international cultural exchange, won a national Show Racism the Red Card award for their original anti-racism song Connected, and hosted one of the UK's prestigious Music for Youth regional events.
The school has also continued to champion creativity through the nationally recognised Codex Project, inspiring schools across the country to connect through art. These experiences reflect Coombeshead's commitment to developing well-rounded young people who are equipped to thrive as learners, leaders and global citizens.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:
"Today is a day to celebrate every one of our students and the unique journey they have taken to reach this milestone. We have watched them grow not only in their academic studies but also as confident, compassionate and resilient young people who have embraced the many opportunities available to them at Coombeshead.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. We know that behind every grade are years of hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, support staff and families who have encouraged young people every step of the way.
“These results represent far more than examination outcomes. They mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities, whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers."
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 20TH August), marking the end of an important chapter and the start of new and exciting opportunities. The school is celebrating the achievements of all its students today, with some standout successes including: Chloe Cane 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8 and 1 grade 7 - going to Exeter Maths School Cora Pollard 6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s and 1 grade 7 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Chemistry and History Anais Fernandes Pickard 3 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s and 1 grade 7 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Performing Arts, Maths and French Harriet Regan 5 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and 1 grade 6 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Psychology and Graphics Oscar Blackhall Whittle- 1 grade 9, 4 grade 8s, 3 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Psychology, Core Maths, History and Physics Sam Bowers 4 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and one grade 6 - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, French and English Language with Literature Reece Potter 3 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s, 1 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 - Going to Exeter College to study Music Jacob Musterata 2 grade 9s, 2 grade 7s, 4 grade 6s - Going to Exeter College to study Business Ellie Travis- 1 Distinction, 1 grade 9, 2 grade 8s, 5 grade 7s - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Chemistry and English Language with Literature Leila Travis- 1 Distinction, 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, 3 grade 6s - Staying at Coombeshead Sixth Form studying Biology, Core Maths, Chemistry and English Language with Literature Coombeshead Academy offers students an exceptional range of opportunities beyond the classroom, helping them develop confidence, creativity and ambition alongside academic success. Over the past year, students have represented the school in the Historical Association's Great Debate, welcomed visitors from Beijing as part of an international cultural exchange, won a national Show Racism the Red Card award for their original anti-racism song Connected, and hosted one of the UK's prestigious Music for Youth regional events. The school has also continued to champion creativity through the nationally recognised Codex Project, inspiring schools across the country to connect through art. These experiences reflect Coombeshead's commitment to developing well-rounded young people who are equipped to thrive as learners, leaders and global citizens. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: "Today is a day to celebrate every one of our students and the unique journey they have taken to reach this milestone. We have watched them grow not only in their academic studies but also as confident, compassionate and resilient young people who have embraced the many opportunities available to them at Coombeshead.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. We know that behind every grade are years of hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, support staff and families who have encouraged young people every step of the way. “These results represent far more than examination outcomes. They mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities, whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers."