Ofsted

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 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.