Torquay Academy
Torquay, TQ2 7NU · Torbay · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 8 secondary schools in Torbay we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.0/10 against 637 of them, against 6.2/10 nationally. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 53.5 · 70 | 30% | 2.10 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.03 · 52 | 25% | 1.31 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.7 · 64 | 10% | 0.64 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Torquay Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.03 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Adventure Academy, Combined Cadet Force, Greenpower Motorsport, Pudding Club, Junior and Senior Music Academies, Art Club, and Guides. Sports include Mountain Biking, Climbing, Ten Tors Training, and development programmes for Boys' Football, Netball, and Table Tennis. Arts and music options feature the Performing Arts Academy, Street Dance, Online Art Club, and Creative Writing.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,472 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,400. 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming
What Ofsted said about Torquay Academy
Overview
Torquay Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as ambitious, with high expectations for pupils who are driven to be ready for the next stage of their education. Pupils behave very well, achieve highly, and value the balance between academic rigour and wider opportunities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and meticulously planned," with subject experts ensuring pupils remember what they have learned and understand how current learning builds on prior knowledge.
- Staff skilfully explain concepts and check understanding, allowing pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to learn confidently.
- The school offers an "exceptionally wide range of extra-curricular opportunities," including elite academies in sports and arts, and clubs such as robotics and archaeology.
- Sixth form students act as "excellent role models," leading clubs and volunteering, while working towards aspirational destinations.
- Governors provide strong oversight, fostering an "exceptionally strong shared commitment to continuous improvement" and ensuring staff feel valued.
Areas to improve
- Staff must ensure pupils’ written work is completed to the high standards expected, as some pupils do not currently demonstrate their learning with sufficient accuracy or care.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.6 |
| 2024/25 | 47.6 |
| 2025/26 | 48.7 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of TQ2 7NU, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT