Honiton Community College Review 2026: A Fresh Start

Honiton Community College has entered a definitive new era. Now an 11-16 secondary school following the closure of its sixth form in August 2025, the college has sharpened its focus on the five-year journey to GCSE. A pivotal Ofsted inspection in May 2025 rated the school Good in all areas, validating the sweeping changes introduced since joining the Ted Wragg Trust in 2023. No longer a "Requires Improvement" school, it now operates with higher expectations, stricter routines, and a clear mandate to serve the market town and its scattered rural hinterland with academic rigour.

The campus, situated just off School Lane, feels more purposeful than in previous years. The shift to trust leadership has brought a "reset" in culture; students move calmly between lessons, and the atmosphere is orderly. The buildings are a mix of mid-century blocks and modern additions, including the dedicated science wing and the dual-use sports centre which remains a community hub.

Mrs Caroline Brothwood, appointed Principal in September 2024, has led this cultural shift. Her leadership is characterised by a drive for consistency—what the school calls the "Honiton Way". This involves standardized lesson starts and clear behavioural codes that leave little room for ambiguity. While some local families initially found the new strictness a sharp adjustment from the college's more relaxed past, the 2025 inspection confirmed that students now feel safer and learn better as a result.

The school is smaller than the average secondary, fostering a close-knit feel where staff know students well. The loss of the sixth form has changed the dynamic, removing the older peer group but allowing resources to be concentrated entirely on Key Stages 3 and 4.

Academic outcomes are on an upward trajectory following the curriculum overhaul. In 2024, the final year of published data before the 'Good' judgement, the school's results placed it firmly in the middle pack of Devon schools.

The 2025 inspection noted that pupils are now achieving more highly than in the past due to a more ambitious curriculum. The previous discrepancy between strong sixth form results and weaker main school outcomes is no longer relevant; the singular focus is now on GCSE attainment.

Progress 8 scores have historically hovered just below the national average (-0.13 in 2024), but internal data and inspection findings suggest this gap is closing as the new, more rigorous curriculum embeds in the lower years.

Teaching is structured and consistent. The "Ted Wragg" influence is visible in the classroom: lessons often begin with recall activities to cement prior knowledge, followed by silent independent practice. This methodology aims to ensure that every student, regardless of which teacher they have, receives the same high-quality diet.

The curriculum remains broad despite the school's size. Beyond the core EBacc subjects, students can pursue photography, drama, and design technology. The 2025 report highlighted that the curriculum is now "well-organised and ambitious," with effective support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring they access the same full curriculum as their peers.

With the closure of the on-site sixth form, the transition at 16 has become a key focus. The college has strengthened links with regional post-16 providers to ensure a smooth handover.

The majority of leavers progress to Exeter College, which offers a vast range of A-levels and vocational courses. Others choose the specialized pathways at Bicton College (for land-based studies) or travel to Colyton Grammar for A-levels if they meet the entry requirements. The college’s careers guidance is robust, beginning early in Key Stage 3 to help students navigate these external options.

Admissions are coordinated by Devon County Council. The college is the natural choice for Honiton and the surrounding villages, and it has seen rising demand as its reputation improves.

For the 2026 intake, the Published Admission Number (PAN) accommodates the local cohort well, though the school is becoming busier. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, children of staff, and siblings, followed by straight-line distance.

Families living in the outer villages of the catchment should check transport eligibility carefully using the Devon County Council school transport portal, as routes are strictly defined.

Pastoral care is organised by year group, with non-teaching Pastoral Leads supporting Heads of Year. This ensures there is always an adult available to deal with wellbeing issues during lesson time without disrupting teaching.

The "reset" base provides a space for students who need to regulate their behaviour, keeping disruption in mainstream lessons to a minimum. The 2025 inspection praised the Personal Development programme, noting that students are well-prepared for life in modern Britain and treat each other with respect.

The extracurricular offer takes full advantage of the East Devon landscape. The Ten Tors challenge is a defining feature of the school year; the sight of students training on Dartmoor is a point of pride, building genuine resilience and teamwork. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is similarly popular and well-supported.

On site, the "55 Club" and Sports Academy cater to active students, utilising the fitness suite, dance studio, and floodlit astroturf. While sport is a major pillar—particularly rugby and netball—the creative arts continue to thrive with school productions and a Debate Club that challenges the most able.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is shared with Honiton Leisure Centre, providing students with access to excellent swimming and gym facilities during the school day.

Uniform policy is strictly enforced as part of the new high-expectations culture. Parents are advised to consult the uniform guide carefully, as the trust has specific requirements regarding footwear and branded items.

No Sixth Form. The most significant change for 2026 is that education here ends at 16. Families seeking an all-through 11-18 experience will need to accept a move to a new institution for A-levels.

Stricter Culture. The "warm and fuzzy" community college atmosphere of old has been replaced by a more professional, disciplined environment. While effective for learning, it suits families who support clear rules and immediate sanctions.

Trust Standardization. Being part of a large trust means policies are centralized. Parents who prefer a bespoke, locally-determined approach may find the "trust way" of doing things—from curriculum to communication—feels somewhat corporate.

Honiton Community College has successfully reinvented itself. The upgrade to 'Good' in 2025 confirms that the difficult decisions—joining a trust, closing the sixth form, tightening behaviour—have paid off for the students in classrooms today. It is now a solid, ambitious secondary school that serves its community with a renewed sense of purpose. Best suited to families who want a disciplined, focused education close to home and are happy for their children to move on to a dedicated college at 16.