Paignton Academy
Paignton, TQ3 3WA · Torbay · secondary school
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7th of 8 secondary schools in Torbay we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.3/10 against 686 of them, against 1.3/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 30.1 · 16 | 46% | 0.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.63 · 10 | 38% | 0.41 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 38.5 · 14 | 15% | 0.21 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Paignton Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 24.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 36.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.63 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join drama, fitness, and football clubs, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,568 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,590. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve progress scores for students starting from lower baselines?
What Ofsted said about Paignton Academy
Overview
Leaders have established a strong sense of community across the school’s two sites, with pupils benefiting from enrichment opportunities and a broad, ambitious curriculum. However, the quality of education and behaviour remain inconsistent, with attainment typically below the national average and significant gaps in learning for older pupils. While personal development is a strength, the pace of improvement has been slow, and too many pupils miss learning time due to absence.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious" with knowledge organised in a "logical order," helping key stage 3 pupils develop deeper understanding.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils learning about "healthy relationships," online safety, and careers education.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved, with needs identified quickly and appropriate support put in place.
- Staff are becoming more confident in using the trust’s teaching approaches, and where practice is strongest, pupils benefit from "clear instruction."
Areas to improve
- Staff must implement agreed learning strategies effectively to ensure pupils learn as well as they should.
- Leaders must address disrespectful behaviour and derogatory language outside lessons to create a "positive and respectful school culture."
- The trust must embed approaches to improve attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, so they are "well prepared for their next steps."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 37.5 |
| 2024/25 | 36.9 |
| 2025/26 | 38.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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