Axe Valley Academy
101%
Capacity
757
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Axe Valley Academy
Axe Valley Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the East Devon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 757 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 750 places).
Ofsted has rated Axe Valley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Robert Crocker, it falls under Devon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.40 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.2. Additionally, ranked 2445th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 8 in East Devon.
Axe Valley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 199 applications for 140 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 141 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Axe Valley Academy include ICT Suite, Art Studios, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Library, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Hockey, Rugby, Tennis and 4 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Coding, Orchestra, Young Enterprise and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Devon, Axe Valley Academy is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Chard Street, Axminster, East Devon, EX13 5EA |
| Headteacher | Robert Crocker |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Number of Pupils | 757 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.2% |
| School Capacity | 757 / 750 (101% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 19 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.40)
2445th of 3,141
Nationally
259th of 306
In South West
8th of 8
In East Devon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed140
199
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
141 families put this school as their 1st choice (71% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axe Valley Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Chard Street, Axminster
East Devon, EX13 5EA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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