Clyst Vale Community College Review 2026: Strong Academic Progress in Devon

The Year 11 boys' rugby squad travelled to London at 5am for the U16s championship. GCSE Religious Studies students attended Exeter University for their Religion and Theology day. Students qualified for the Winmau Junior World Masters Darts Competition. These snapshots capture the essence of Clyst Vale; a school where everyday academic ambition meets genuine extracurricular engagement. Based in Broadclyst near Exeter, this co-educational academy for ages 11-18 combines solid GCSE results with a thriving sixth form, earning a Good rating from Ofsted in December 2022. The school ranks 1962nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the typical performance band for England, and performs better at A-level, ranking 824th (FindMySchool data). What sets the school apart is not raw position but trajectory; the improvement from Requires Improvement in 2019 to Good in 2022 signals a school in genuine momentum, with leadership and staff working purposefully to broaden opportunity and deepen engagement.

Principal Ms Sara Jacobs leads a school whose values of Respect, Participate, and Learn shape daily life. The Ofsted report from December 2022 praised a well-ordered, purposeful atmosphere. Students describe relationships with staff and peers as respectful, with many taking on leadership roles within the school's three internal Houses. Behaviour is generally commendable; instances of bullying are rare, and students report confidence that staff will address concerns. The school has received UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School status, reflecting deep commitment to embedding children's rights into every aspect of policy and practice.

The campus itself combines practical functionality with genuine community purpose. The dual-use library serves the public three days a week, and the Broadclyst Sports Hall is shared with the wider community. This outward focus creates an atmosphere where the school feels embedded in local life rather than isolated from it. Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst, Exeter operates at scale (capacity 1,124), so clear routines and calm transitions matter day to day. The Microsoft partnership specialisation in ICT, Mathematics, and Science is reflected in the curriculum but never dominates; this is a comprehensive school where breadth matters as much as technical excellence.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.7, slightly above the England average of 45.9. This measure captures achievement across eight subjects, including English and mathematics, indicating solid all-round results. The Progress 8 score was -0.02, very close to the England average of 0, meaning pupils made in-line progress from their starting points at Key Stage 2. Approximately 40% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics GCSEs, the traditional benchmark for "strong pass" GCSE outcomes.

The school ranks 1962nd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking) and 10th locally in Exeter, placing it firmly within the typical tier of schools. Results reflect a mixed intake and realistic expectations; not a selective school, Clyst Vale serves its catchment community. The improvement trajectory is noteworthy; the 2022 Ofsted report noted the school moving from Requires Improvement to Good, with inspectors identifying that teaching quality has strengthened and pupils' behaviour has become more consistently positive.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form shows stronger relative performance. In 2024, 58% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, above the England average of 47%. This 10-percentage-point advantage suggests students who reach sixth form are making good progress, and teaching at post-16 is genuinely strong. The school ranks 824th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 4th locally in Exeter, indicating the sixth form has built particular strength.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection found that teaching is good across the school. Lessons are well-structured; staff have secure subject knowledge; and pupils engage with tasks purposefully. The curriculum is ambitious in design, offering breadth beyond the EBacc; subjects include Latin, Greek, and Further Mathematics at GCSE, and students can choose from an extended sixth form range. The Microsoft specialisation is embedded through strong Computing provision and integrated technology use across subjects, rather than isolated IT teaching.

For pupils with SEND, the school follows an ambitious curriculum. According to Ofsted, these students remember what they learn and make progress against individual targets. Approximately 6% of the cohort has SEN statements or EHC plans, with Louise Telford as SENCO. The school provides targeted support to ensure all students access learning, and external reviews note that staff understand individual needs and respond appropriately.

In 2024, 40% of leavers progressed to university, reflecting the typical destination mix for a comprehensive with a thriving sixth form. A further 34% entered employment directly, 4% started apprenticeships, and 2% moved to further education. These figures demonstrate that the school serves multiple pathways; not all students aspire to university, and the school ensures meaningful progression for all.

For Oxbridge specifically, the school has modest but real representation. Five students applied to Oxford and Cambridge in the measurement period, with one offer and one subsequent acceptance, indicating the school produces occasional candidates for elite universities, though this is not a major pathway.

The sixth form receives strong university support. The post-16 page explicitly states that students receive good help with university applications, including UCAS guidance, personal statement support, and post-application interview preparation. Students take Russell Group courses at A-level, positioning them competitively for research-intensive universities.

Extracurricular life at Clyst Vale is genuinely broad and inclusive, with named clubs and activities visible across the school calendar and website. The performing arts are significant; in December 2025, the college presented Beauty and The Beast, a major production involving multiple cast members and student orchestra participation. This is not a minor event; rehearsals run for months, and multiple performance dates accommodate audiences. The drama tradition continues with consistent productions throughout the year.

Music is woven throughout school life. The school maintains a chapel and musical ensembles, though specific ensemble names require further research. Students engage in music lessons, instrumental instruction, and performance opportunities. The extracurricular college offers after-school classes in Music and Art for both students and community members, extending reach beyond the student body.

Sports are central to the calendar. Year 10 boys' rugby travelled to London for the U16s championship, indicating elite-level participation. Girls and boys participate in netball tournaments; Y7 Netball saw tournament victories recently. Football features prominently, with Year 10 teams visiting St James Park (home of Exeter City FC) for tournaments. The school competes in rugby, netball, football, tennis, and additional sports across year groups. The Broadclyst Sports Hall is the main venue, providing a modern facility used for school matches and community hire. Outdoor facilities include grass pitches and an outdoor tennis court.

The school houses students within three internal Houses, creating a vertical structure where younger and older students mix. House competitions feature prominently; the History House Competition is a recent example. This structure fosters leadership and peer mentoring across year groups.

Beyond the classroom, enrichment is embedded in the curriculum. GCSE Religious Studies students attended Exeter University for a University Day, a direct link between classroom learning and higher education experience. The school cultivates relationships with local schools, organisations, and businesses. The Ten Tors Duke of Edinburgh Scheme is active; first and second practice walks occurred in late 2025, with multiple weekends scheduled for the challenge itself. This is substantial outdoor education provision.

STEM activities include specific competitions and clubs. The school's Microsoft partnership is supported by practical computing and mathematics provision. Darts is offered; two students qualified for the Winmau Junior World Masters Darts Competition, a national event indicating access to specialist coaching.

Careers guidance is thorough. The school runs a Careers and Work Related Learning programme. Post-16 bursary support is available; eligible students receive £1,200 annually, with further discretionary funds for students from households below £30,000 income. This ensures financial barriers do not prevent post-16 participation.

Clyst Vale operates within the Devon LA coordinated admissions system. The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 180 for Year 7 entry in 2025-26. The school is part of Clyst Vale Academy Trust, having converted to academy status in April 2011. For sixth form entry, the school receives applications directly; students must have achieved grades that permit access to chosen A-level courses. The sixth form page specifies that bursary support is available for post-16 students, and information about financial assistance and course entry requirements is published on the school website.

The primary feeder pattern is clear from local authority data; eight primary schools in the area feed into Clyst Vale, including Clyst St Mary, Lady Seaward's C of E, Rockbeare C of E, Silverton C of E, St Martin's C of E, Stoke Canon C of E, Westclyst Community, and Whimple. The school received 206 offers from 352 applications for Year 6 to Year 7 transition in 2024, indicating modest oversubscription (ratio of 1.71:1). This is significantly less competitive than many urban secondaries.

The school prioritises wellbeing. The 2022 Ofsted report specifically commended personal development and pastoral care provision. Students can access mental health and wellbeing support through dedicated provision. Early Help and Support Services are available for families needing additional assistance. Online safety and practical safeguarding training are integrated into the curriculum.

The school maintains an active PTFA and encourages parental involvement. A recent Community Coffee Afternoon brought families and staff together. Regular newsletters and active communication with parents ensure home-school partnership. Catering is provided daily; the Cleverchefs contract provides school meals and can accommodate dietary requirements.

The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm for Years 7-11. Term dates follow the Devon calendar. The school is located at Station Road, Broadclyst, EX5 3AJ, and is served by local bus routes. Transport is coordinated through Devon's school transport service. Uniform is required; the school website provides full uniform specifications.

Academic breadth vs. specialism. While the school specialises in ICT, Mathematics, and Science through the Microsoft partnership, breadth is maintained across all curriculum areas. This is not a specialist mathematics school; it is a comprehensive with technical strengths. Families seeking a narrowly focused specialism should clarify specific provision.

Modest Oxbridge representation. The school produces occasional Oxbridge candidates but this is not a major pipeline. One acceptance in the measurement period reflects real but limited elite university focus. Families specifically targeting Oxbridge should understand this is not a school with that as a core mission.

Improvement trajectory. The move from Requires Improvement (2019) to Good (2022) is positive, but the school is not yet rated Outstanding. For families who want to be certain of the highest-rated schools, alternatives may be preferable.

Mixed sixth form outcomes. While A-level results are strong, university progression is 40% of leavers. This reflects the realistic demographic; not all students aspire to higher education, and the school supports alternative pathways. This is appropriate and inclusive, but families with exclusively university-focused goals should understand that fourth-form entry into sixth form is selective on prior achievement.

Clyst Vale is a good comprehensive secondary with a particularly strong sixth form, serving its Exeter and East Devon community with purpose and genuine pastoral care. The 2022 Ofsted Good rating reflects a school that has improved significantly from its 2019 starting point, and the gap between GCSE and A-level performance (typical tier in England at GCSE, stronger locally at A-level) suggests that teaching quality is solid and that the sixth form genuinely adds value. The broad extracurricular programme, from Ten Tors outdoor education to Beauty and The Beast theatre productions to competitive rugby, indicates a school committed to developing the whole student. Best suited to families in the East Devon catchment seeking a comprehensive secondary where academic expectations are clear, pastoral care is genuine, and extracurricular life is rich. The school represents good value and realistic progression; not elite but solid, purposeful, and improving.