Coombe Dean School
85%
Capacity
1,003
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Coombe Dean School
Coombe Dean School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Plymouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,003 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,180 places).
Ofsted has rated Coombe Dean School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Caroline Granville, it falls under Plymouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.16 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1187th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 18 in Plymouth.
Coombe Dean School is a popular choice with families — it received 472 applications for 169 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 236 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Coombe Dean School include Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Hockey, Swimming, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Choir, DofE and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.6%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Plymouth, Coombe Dean School 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Charnhill Way, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL9 8ES |
| Headteacher | Caroline Granville |
| Local Authority | Plymouth |
| Number of Pupils | 1,003 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,003 / 1,180 (85% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Mar 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 May 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.16)
1187th of 3,141
Nationally
107th of 306
In South West
6th of 18
In Plymouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
29.2
'22/23
27.0
'23/24
30.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed169
472
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
236 families put this school as their 1st choice (50% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coombe Dean School
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
Charnhill Way, Plymouth
Plymouth, PL9 8ES
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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