St Michael's Church of England Academy

About St Michael's Church of England Academy

St Michael's Church of England Academy in Torbay is a small primary school that, on the surface, looks like it might be struggling against the local average. With just 85 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, it is significantly under-subscribed, and its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024 rated it Good across all categories. However, the key metric to watch here is the local authority's average Key Stage 2 score of 61. Without its own published KS2 results in the data, we cannot yet say whether this school outperforms or falls short of that benchmark. What we do know is that it is one of 31 state primary schools in Torbay, and only two of those hold an Outstanding rating. The nearest Outstanding school, Hayes School, is just 0.6 km away, which may partly explain why St Michael's received 38 applications for 23 places in the 2025/26 admissions round — a healthy oversubscription ratio of 1.65, with all 20 first-preference applicants receiving offers.

Academically, the picture is one of solid but unremarkable provision. The Ofsted inspection awarded a Good rating for quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision, with all categories scoring a 2 on the four-point scale. This consistency suggests a school that delivers reliably without major weaknesses, but also without the spark that pushes it into Outstanding territory. The lack of published Progress 8 or SATs results in the data means we cannot compare directly against the Torbay average of 61 for KS2, so parents will want to ask the school for its most recent attainment figures. The school does not have a sixth form, which is standard for a primary, and its nursery provision means children can start from age two, giving families a continuous early years pathway.

For families considering St Michael's, the practical picture is mixed. The school offers a strong range of facilities including a sensory room, chapel, library, and playing fields, plus sports like swimming, cricket, and gymnastics. Clubs such as Eco Club, Gardening, and Chess suggest an emphasis on outdoor and creative learning. SEND provisions are targeted at social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication support, which may appeal to families whose children require that kind of help. However, with only 85 pupils in a school built for 210, parents should ask why numbers are so low — it may reflect local demographic shifts or competition from nearby Outstanding schools. The oversubscription data shows demand is still healthy, but the school is clearly not filling its places. This is a school that could suit families who value a small, church-affiliated setting with strong pastoral support, but who are willing to dig deeper on academic outcomes before committing.

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