Coombeshead Academy

Coombeshead Academy is a UK-based Newton Abbot school that has been providing quality education to students since its establishment, with a strong focus on Exeter University-style learning and Ofsted-regulated standards. The academy has been associated with various notable institutions, including University of Plymouth, Plymouth College, and Exeter College. Coombeshead Academy has also been influenced by the National Curriculum and has ties to organizations such as the Association of School and College Leaders and the National Association of Head Teachers. The academy's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students, preparing them for higher education at institutions like University of Exeter, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge.

● History

The history of Coombeshead Academy dates back to its founding, with the academy being part of the Teignbridge district, near Dartmoor National Park. The academy has undergone significant changes over the years, with a major transformation in 2011, when it became an academy, sponsored by the Department for Education and Michael Gove, the then-Secretary of State for Education. This change allowed the academy to have more autonomy, similar to other academies like Harris Academy and Ark Schools. The academy has also been influenced by the London Academy of Excellence and the King's College School. Coombeshead Academy has been recognized for its achievements, including being awarded the International School Award by the British Council and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

● Academics

Coombeshead Academy offers a wide range of academic programs, including GCSEs, A-levels, and BTECs, which are recognized by universities such as University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, and University of Leeds. The academy's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students, with a focus on STEM education and Arts education, similar to the approach taken by Wellington College and Eton College. The academy has also partnered with organizations such as the Royal Society and the Institute of Physics to provide students with opportunities for work experience and apprenticeships. Coombeshead Academy has been recognized for its academic achievements, including being ranked among the top schools in the UK by the Sunday Times and the Times Educational Supplement.

● Campus

The Coombeshead Academy campus is located in Newton Abbot, near the River Teign, and features modern facilities, including a sports hall, theater, and library, similar to those found at Millfield School and Bedales School. The academy's campus is also home to a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams and music clubs, which are supported by organizations such as the Youth Sport Trust and the National Youth Theatre. The academy has also invested in technology, including laptops and tablets, to support student learning, similar to the approach taken by Apple Inc. and Microsoft. Coombeshead Academy has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, including being awarded the Eco-Schools award by the Keep Britain Tidy organization.

● Student Life

Student life at Coombeshead Academy is vibrant and diverse, with a range of extracurricular activities and clubs available, including debating societies, drama clubs, and sports teams, similar to those found at Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley. The academy has a strong focus on student welfare, with a team of counselors and mentors available to support students, similar to the approach taken by Childline and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Coombeshead Academy has also partnered with organizations such as the Prince's Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to provide students with opportunities for volunteering and community service. The academy has been recognized for its commitment to inclusion and diversity, including being awarded the Inclusive School Award by the Inclusion Quality Mark organization.

● Notable Alumni

Coombeshead Academy has a number of notable alumni, including Ben Fogle, the BBC presenter, and James Cracknell, the Olympic rower, who have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields, similar to Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson. The academy's alumni have also included politicians, such as Ben Bradshaw, the Member of Parliament for Exeter, and business leaders, such as Sir James Dyson, the founder of Dyson Ltd.. Coombeshead Academy has a strong network of alumni, with many former students going on to attend top universities, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The academy has also been recognized for its commitment to supporting its alumni, including being awarded the Alumni Association Award by the Independent Schools Council.