Paignton Academy
Academy converterSecondaryAges 11–16Mixed
Waterleat Road, Paignton, TQ3 3WA
Headteacher · Mr Derwyn Williams
From Get Information About Schools (DfE), updated 9 September 2026. Report a correction
Key facts
Pupils1,568Capacity 1,590
OfstedGraded inspectionInspected 3 December 2024
TrustThe Thinking Schools Academy Trust
Free school meals34.1%
Ofsted
Inspection on 3 December 2024. Ofsted no longer gives an overall grade.
- Quality of educationRequires improvement
- Behaviour and attitudesRequires improvement
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementRequires improvement
- SafeguardingEffective
Ofsted management information, latest inspections as at 31 August 2026.
Year 7 applications close 31 October 2026
For September 2027. Apply through Torbay council, not the school. National offer day is 1 March 2027.
How to apply in TorbayNearby schools for the same ages
- Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy2.6 mi
- Torquay Boys' Grammar School3.4 mi
- Torquay Girls' Grammar School3.5 mi
- Torquay Academy3.9 mi
- The Spires College4.2 mi