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 allMusic for Youth Regional Event Hosted at Coombeshead Academy
Coombeshead Academy hosted a prestigious Music for Youth regional event this month. As one of only 35 centres chosen across the entire UK, the school was honored to provide a platform for young musicians from across Devon to showcase their talents.
The event featured a range of incredible performances from various local ensembles, including the Devon Youth Chamber Brass Ensemble, the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, and several school and music centre bands from across the region. It was an inspiring day of music, with over 200 young performers coming together to share their passion for music and enrich the local cultural scene.
Organised by the Devon Music Education Hub, the event brought together aspiring musicians from all over the county, creating a unique opportunity for young talent to gain valuable experience. Coombeshead Academy’s own Soul Band was also invited to perform and received feedback from professional mentors. Each performance during the day was listened to and appraised by two Music for Youth mentors, both accomplished musicians in their own right.
The feedback for the Soul Band was exceptionally positive, with the mentors offering encouraging remarks. This could potentially pave the way for an invitation to perform at the Music for Youth National Event in Birmingham later this year, a tremendous opportunity for Coombeshead students to take their musical journey to new heights.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:
"It was an incredible honour for Coombeshead Academy to host this prestigious Music for Youth event. To see so many talented young musicians come together and showcase their passion for music was truly inspiring. Our own Soul Band’s performance was exceptional, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. We look forward to what the future holds for all of our young musicians and are excited about the possibility of seeing them perform at the national event in Birmingham."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"This event was a fantastic example of the outstanding talent we have here in Devon. Coombeshead Academy’s role in hosting the Music for Youth regional event is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to excel. We are delighted to see our students get such positive feedback and are thrilled that our Soul Band could represent us at this prestigious event. We wish all our musicians the very best for their future performances."
Music for Youth Regional Event Hosted at Coombeshead Academy Coombeshead Academy hosted a prestigious Music for Youth regional event this month. As one of only 35 centres chosen across the entire UK, the school was honored to provide a platform for young musicians from across Devon to showcase their talents. The event featured a range of incredible performances from various local ensembles, including the Devon Youth Chamber Brass Ensemble, the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, and several school and music centre bands from across the region. It was an inspiring day of music, with over 200 young performers coming together to share their passion for music and enrich the local cultural scene. Organised by the Devon Music Education Hub, the event brought together aspiring musicians from all over the county, creating a unique opportunity for young talent to gain valuable experience. Coombeshead Academy’s own Soul Band was also invited to perform and received feedback from professional mentors. Each performance during the day was listened to and appraised by two Music for Youth mentors, both accomplished musicians in their own right. The feedback for the Soul Band was exceptionally positive, with the mentors offering encouraging remarks. This could potentially pave the way for an invitation to perform at the Music for Youth National Event in Birmingham later this year, a tremendous opportunity for Coombeshead students to take their musical journey to new heights. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: "It was an incredible honour for Coombeshead Academy to host this prestigious Music for Youth event. To see so many talented young musicians come together and showcase their passion for music was truly inspiring. Our own Soul Band’s performance was exceptional, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. We look forward to what the future holds for all of our young musicians and are excited about the possibility of seeing them perform at the national event in Birmingham." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "This event was a fantastic example of the outstanding talent we have here in Devon. Coombeshead Academy’s role in hosting the Music for Youth regional event is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to excel. We are delighted to see our students get such positive feedback and are thrilled that our Soul Band could represent us at this prestigious event. We wish all our musicians the very best for their future performances."
Coombeshead Academy Students Win National Award for Anti-Racism Song
Students from Coombeshead Academy are celebrating national success after being recognised in the 2026 Show Racism the Red Card School Competition.
Year 10 students Simon Vincent, Molly Nelson, Aaliyah Markman, Harrison Swan, Rosie Curtis and Will Harvey have been selected to receive an award in the Music Category for their original song, Connected.
The students have been invited to attend a prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place at a Premier League football ground in May.
The competition is a national initiative, with schools from across the country taking part, making this a significant achievement for the Coombeshead Academy students.
Their success highlights both their creativity and their commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and anti-racism through music.
The whole school community is incredibly proud of their achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the upcoming awards ceremony.
Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our students for this outstanding achievement. Their song, Connected, is a powerful reflection of their values and their commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. To be recognised at a national level in such an important competition is a testament to their creativity, teamwork and the strength of their message.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for the students and for the wider school community. At Education South West, we are committed to ensuring our young people not only achieve academically but also develop as thoughtful, responsible citizens. This recognition highlights the impact of student voice and the important role schools play in tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion.”
Coombeshead Academy Students Win National Award for Anti-Racism Song Students from Coombeshead Academy are celebrating national success after being recognised in the 2026 Show Racism the Red Card School Competition. Year 10 students Simon Vincent, Molly Nelson, Aaliyah Markman, Harrison Swan, Rosie Curtis and Will Harvey have been selected to receive an award in the Music Category for their original song, Connected. The students have been invited to attend a prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place at a Premier League football ground in May. The competition is a national initiative, with schools from across the country taking part, making this a significant achievement for the Coombeshead Academy students. Their success highlights both their creativity and their commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and anti-racism through music. The whole school community is incredibly proud of their achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the upcoming awards ceremony. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for this outstanding achievement. Their song, Connected, is a powerful reflection of their values and their commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. To be recognised at a national level in such an important competition is a testament to their creativity, teamwork and the strength of their message.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the students and for the wider school community. At Education South West, we are committed to ensuring our young people not only achieve academically but also develop as thoughtful, responsible citizens. This recognition highlights the impact of student voice and the important role schools play in tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion.”
Level up your creativity.
Introducing our brand‑new Game & Graphic Design GCSE — where design, storytelling, and gameplay collide.
Level up your creativity.Introducing our brand‑new Game & Graphic Design GCSE — where design, storytelling, and gameplay collide.
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!
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.