May 19, 2026 02:27pm
Leaders at Brixham College have been recognised by Ofsted for their ongoing work to improve the school and outcomes for young people.
Brixham College was inspected on 31 March 2026 and praised for its ‘comprehensive’ curriculum that helps ‘pupils to understand the world, others and reflect on their relationships’. The report also highlights that “The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils read widely and often. The school helps pupils to read well over time by providing supported practice.”
Inspectors highlighted that leaders ‘go to lengths to ensure that all pupils access the school’s ‘values’ curriculum’, noting that ‘pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are helped to take away the same messages as their peers’. This is supported by the finding that “Support is provided in school to ensure that disadvantaged pupils are ready to learn each day and have access to enrichment activities.”
The inspection was the school’s first under Ofsted’s new framework, which was introduced nationally in November 2025. Under this approach, schools no longer receive a single overall grade; they receive separate judgments made in key areas and higher expectations are set nationally.
The inspection also follows the recent appointment of Miss Rebecca Blackshaw as Principal in January this year. The report highlighted that “school improvement plans show urgency on the right priorities, [and] new leadership is beginning to improve the conditions in the school.” Inspectors also noted that “Pupils recognise that a renewed focus on behaviour has reduced disruptive incidents” and that “generally, the atmosphere in lessons supports learning.”
The report further identified that “Leaders have a clear vision for how they want pupils to learn” and that “approaches requiring pupils to map their thinking and to think from different perspectives are well-established.” Alongside this, “Trust leaders have set out a clear model for improving teaching and leadership across the school through staff development.”
Inspectors found that ‘pupils make appropriate progress in reading from Year 7’ with a continued focus on securing standard passes in GCSE English and mathematics, including improvements for disadvantaged pupils in 2025. Brixham’s extra-curricular offer was also recognised, with the report stating that “The extra-curricular offer is prioritised as an important investment in pupils’ development.”
The school said it continues to prioritise improving attendance, with year-on-year increases achieved and new support initiatives in place. Inspectors recognised that this included disadvantaged pupils, reflecting the school’s focus on tailored support.
The school was last inspected in October 2023 and has evidenced improvement under this more detailed and rigorous framework.
Miss Blackshaw, Principal for Brixham College, said:
“Since becoming Principal of Brixham College in January, we have already seen positive improvements across all areas of the school, while recognising that there is still more to do. We have robust plans in place to continue to strengthen best practice for the benefit of every pupil.
“The whole team is working tirelessly to raise standards, from improving attendance and ensuring all pupils are ready to learn, to strengthening engagement with families. As these changes embed, we are confident their full impact will be seen.”
Mr Jay Davenport, Regional Director for Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said:
“In the first four months of Rebecca’s leadership, I have seen a school that is clear about its direction, honest about where it needs to improve and absolutely committed to doing the right thing for its young people. There has already been significant work to strengthen systems and expectations to sharpen the focus on high-quality teaching and learning.
“This inspection rightly recognises that Brixham College is on a journey. Transformation does not happen overnight, but the foundations are firmly in place. The leadership team have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities, and they are driving improvement with determination and ambition. As this work continues, we look forward to seeing these developments embedded for all.”
