Classpot

Coombe Dean School

Plymouth, PL9 8ESSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2026
Progress 8
+0.16
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.4×
Oversubscribed
236 1st-choice / 169 places
Ranking
#1,187
of 3,141 nationally

About Coombe Dean School

Coombe Dean School is a mixed state secondary in Plymouth that currently educates 1,003 pupils against a capacity of 1,180, meaning it operates below its maximum but is clearly in high demand. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 472 applications for 169 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.79, and 165 of those offers went to first-preference applicants out of 236 who put it top of their list. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 20.6%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools and reflects the school’s role in serving a diverse local community. Under headteacher Caroline Granville, the school has moved decisively forward from its previous Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement in 2018 to a full Good across all categories in its most recent graded inspection in 2022, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressCharnhill Way, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL9 8ES
HeadteacherCaroline Granville
Local AuthorityPlymouth
Number of Pupils1,003
Free School Meals (FSM)20.6%
School Capacity1,003 / 1,180 (85% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

22 Mar 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 22 May 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
Art StudiosSixth Form CentreICT SuiteSwimming PoolAstro TurfMusic RoomsPlaying FieldsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

RoundersHockeySwimmingFootballTennisCross CountryGymnasticsBasketballRugbyNetball

Clubs & Activities

DramaYoung EnterpriseChoirDuke of EdinburghOrchestraDebateFilm ClubChessGardening

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguagePhysical

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Coombe Dean School

Coombe Dean School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.