Ofsted Reports

Ofsted has visited us five times since January 2014. Their most recent visit was in January 2025, and we are delighted to share the findings of this inspection. You can read the full report by following the link below. Some key highlights from this report include:

Pupils are proud to attend Torquay Academy and thrive in an environment where high expectations are coupled with outstanding opportunities.
The quality of the curriculum and the exceptional work produced by students were celebrated as key strengths of the school.
Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils arriving promptly to lessons and making every second count in their learning.
The broad range of extracurricular activities contributes to pupils’ confidence, resilience, and talents.

The report also noted the element of fun in our school—a rare mention in an Ofsted report. This recognition highlights the joy and enthusiasm that underpin our students’ experiences at Torquay Academy, ensuring that learning is engaging and meaningful.

We are also pleased that our focus on sixth form leadership and opportunities was commended, with students acting as role models and making significant contributions to our school community.

While we are proud of the praise in the report, we are equally committed to continued improvement. Ofsted highlighted the quality of written work as an area for development, and we are already taking steps to ensure that students’ written work consistently reflects their excellent understanding and potential.

In their previous inspection in February 2020, Ofsted praised the school for creating an environment where:

Pupils are proud to attend Torquay Academy. The school has high ambitions for pupils, who say they feel inspired to do their best.
Pupils and staff say that every second counts.
Pupils are prompt to lessons and waste no time before starting their learning. Behaviour is good, and learning is rarely disrupted.

In June 2016, Ofsted described Torquay Academy as a “real community” where:

Pupils, staff, and governors take pride in being part of the school.
Inspired by the leadership of the Principal, senior leaders have brought about rapid improvements to pupils’ behaviour, the quality of teaching, and pupils’ achievement.

In March 2015, a one-day no-notice inspection focused on behaviour concluded:

“Leaders and managers have taken effective action to improve behaviour and secure consistently positive attitudes to learning.”

I remain a firm believer that strong discipline underpins the effective running of a school, enabling all students to learn in a positive atmosphere. Ofsted has consistently recognised our high standards, including their comments in 2015:

“Academy leaders, under the direction of the Principal, successfully implement ‘zero tolerance’ in managing students’ behaviour. Leaders have a high profile. They chat to students, inspire everyone to keep the campus free from litter, and encourage students quickly into lessons.”

The inspectors have consistently seen encouraging features during their visits, and each report reflects what a fantastic school this is. I am immensely proud of the staff, students, and parents who make Torquay Academy such a special community.

Our Governors and Trustees have always believed in our ability to continue making positive changes, a view that was echoed in the very first report in June 2014, which stated:

“The recently-appointed Principal and his senior leadership team are highly effective.”
“They are taking very effective action to bring about improvement.”

The Academy is currently heavily oversubscribed, and we are managing a waiting list of families keen to join us. It is easy to see why parents and children are queuing up to attend.

From the many positive comments in our latest report, I have selected a few that highlight the achievements of our students, the quality of our curriculum, and the pride we all take in our school:

Pupils thrive in an environment where learning is not only effective but also fun.
The curriculum is meticulously planned, ensuring pupils confidently build on prior knowledge.
Pupils’ workbooks demonstrate their pride and understanding.
Students leave Torquay Academy equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in life.