Best 3 Secondary schools in East Devon – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Colyton Grammar School (Secondary) in Colyton; The King's School (Secondary) in Ottery St Mary; Axe Valley Academy (Secondary) in Axminster — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Colyton Grammar School, The King's School and Axe Valley Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter and academy sponsor led type located around Colyton, Devon, Ottery St Mary, Devon and Axminster, Devon. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Colyton Grammar School), published Jan 2023. The lowest is 2 (Axe Valley Academy), published Oct 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Axe Valley Academy (Oct 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,000, combined total ≈ 2,950, typical FSM 15–20%, range 5–10%–25–30%; all within the BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Colyton Grammar School EX24 6HN	The King's School EX11 1RA	Axe Valley Academy EX13 5EA
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Colyton Devon EX24 6HN	Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1RA	Axminster Devon EX13 5EA
Latest Ofsted	1 30 Jan 2023	1 30 Aug 2014	2 19 Oct 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 750 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1085	1150	750
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Devon (878)	Devon (878)	BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Website	www.colytongrammar.com	www.thekings.devon.sch.uk	www.axevalley.bep.ac
Telephone	01297552327	01404812982	0129732146
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Colyton Grammar School

EX24 6HN

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Colyton
Devon
EX24 6HN
Ofsted: 1 30 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Devon (878)
Website: www.colytongrammar.com
Telephone: 01297552327

The King's School

EX11 1RA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Ottery St Mary
Devon
EX11 1RA
Ofsted: 1 30 Aug 2014
Pupils: ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Devon (878)
Website: www.thekings.devon.sch.uk
Telephone: 01404812982

Axe Valley Academy

EX13 5EA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Axminster
Devon
EX13 5EA
Ofsted: 2 19 Oct 2023
Pupils: ≈ 750 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Website: www.axevalley.bep.ac
Telephone: 0129732146

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.