The King's School, Ottery St Mary: Five Centuries of Devon Excellence

Founded in 1545 during the reign of Henry VIII, The King's School stands as one of the oldest schools in Devon. This heritage lends gravitas, but what matters more is what happens today: an Outstanding Ofsted rating, exceptional value-added scores, and a community that genuinely believes in achievement for all. Located in the market town of Ottery St Mary, this state comprehensive draws families from across East Devon, many willing to navigate rural roads for what the school offers.

Principal leadership has built on nearly five centuries of tradition while embracing innovation. Robotics teams compete nationally in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Students tackle the gruelling Ten Tors expedition across Dartmoor. Yet this remains a school rooted in its community, serving local families alongside those who travel from further afield.

With 407 applications for 165 Year 7 places, competition is fierce. The numbers speak to reputation: families choose this school because results consistently exceed expectations.

The school occupies a campus on Cadhay Lane, historic buildings complemented by modern facilities. With approximately 1,110 students including 185 in the King's Sixth, the scale is human enough for staff to know individual students while large enough for breadth of opportunity.

The ethos centres on achievement for all. This is not simply a slogan; the Progress 8 score of +0.34 demonstrates that students across the ability spectrum make substantially better than expected progress. Students arriving with modest Key Stage 2 results leave with strong GCSEs. High-attainers are stretched equally.

Behaviour is calm and purposeful. The Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects not just academic outcomes but the culture inspectors observed. Students describe feeling known and supported. Staff stay; low turnover creates continuity that students value.

As an academy trust, the school operates independently while maintaining strong local connections. The strategic plan for 2024-2029 signals sustained ambition.

GCSE Results

The King's School's GCSE performance is impressive for a genuinely comprehensive intake. The average Attainment 8 score of 53.1 sits well above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1308th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 28% nationally and 1st among schools in the Ottery St Mary area.

The Progress 8 score of +0.34 deserves particular attention. This value-added measure indicates students make significantly better progress than similar students nationally. For parents, this matters more than raw attainment: it shows effective teaching that helps every student improve.

The EBacc average point score of 4.61 exceeds the England average of 4.08, reflecting solid performance across the core academic subjects. Around 17% of students achieved grade 5 or above in EBacc subjects.

A-Level Results

At A-level, the picture is more nuanced. The school ranks 1830th in England, placing it in the lower 40% of sixth form providers nationally (69th percentile), though still 1st in the local area. Around 5% of entries achieved A*, with 8.8% at grade A and 21.9% at grade B. Overall, 35.7% of A-level entries achieved A*-B grades, below the England average of 47.2%.

These figures require context. The King's Sixth serves a genuinely comprehensive intake, with many students taking A-levels who might not have accessed post-16 study at more selective institutions. The sixth form is "open to all," prioritising breadth of access over selectivity.

Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

The curriculum is designed with purpose, vision, and values explicitly articulated. Subjects are taught by specialist staff, and the school maintains dedicated departments across the full range of academic and practical disciplines.

Teaching quality underpins the exceptional Progress 8 score. Teachers know their subjects and know their students. Lessons are structured to build understanding progressively. Assessment informs intervention; students who fall behind are identified and supported.

The STEM programme is notably strong. The robotics team participates in the FIRST Tech Challenge, designing and building robots with 3D-printed components. Students learn CAD design, programming, and engineering principles through hands-on competition. This is not enrichment at the margins; it represents genuine technical education.

From the 2023/24 cohort of 93 sixth form leavers, 40% progressed to university, 10% began apprenticeships, and 34% entered employment directly. One student secured a place at Cambridge, from a competitive field of 11 Oxbridge applicants.

The balance of destinations reflects the school's comprehensive character. Not every student is steered toward university; apprenticeship pathways receive equal emphasis. Careers support is embedded throughout, with work experience and employer engagement helping students understand their options.

The school maintains an alumni network, connecting current students with former pupils who can share insights about different career paths. Higher education guidance is available for those aiming at competitive courses.

Admissions for Year 7 are coordinated through Devon County Council. The King's School is significantly oversubscribed, receiving 407 applications for 165 places in the most recent cycle. This subscription ratio of 2.47 means only one in every 2.5 applicants secures a place.

After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, places are allocated according to published criteria. The school serves a wide catchment across East Devon; distance from home to school is typically the deciding factor. Families should verify the most recent admissions data before relying on a place.

The sixth form operates an "open to all" policy, though specific A-level subjects have entry requirements. Students from other schools are welcome to apply for the King's Sixth. Year 6 induction arrangements help new students transition smoothly.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school.

Pastoral care is structured and effective. The Outstanding Ofsted rating encompasses safeguarding and personal development, not just academic outcomes. Students report feeling safe and supported.

Leadership and responsibility opportunities abound. Students take on roles that develop character alongside academic skills. The ethos of "achievement for all" extends beyond examinations to personal growth.

Safeguarding policies and practices are robust, regularly reviewed and published on the school website. Staff are trained to spot and respond to concerns. The relatively small size of the school (by modern secondary standards) means students are known as individuals.

The enrichment programme is genuinely impressive, reflecting the school's belief that education extends beyond the classroom.

STEM and Technology

The FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team represents cutting-edge STEM education. Students design, build, and program robots, learning engineering principles through competition. The school hosts scrimmage events, welcoming teams from other schools. 3D printing with advanced materials (TPU filament, not just standard PLA) demonstrates technical sophistication.

Outdoor Education

Ten Tors preparation is serious business here. Students walk the gruelling Dartmoor routes in training, building resilience and teamwork. This is quintessentially Devon: the moor is on the doorstep, and the school uses it.

Sport

The sports programme covers the expected range, with fixtures and house competitions throughout the year. Facilities support both curriculum PE and extracurricular participation. House hockey and house netball feature prominently in the school calendar.

Creative Arts and Practical Skills

Year 7 drawstring bag projects may sound modest, but they represent practical skill development that many schools have abandoned. Students learn to make things, developing hand skills alongside academic knowledge.

The school day follows standard secondary timings. The campus is located on Cadhay Lane in Ottery St Mary, postcode EX11 1RA. For families outside the immediate area, transport arrangements need consideration; rural Devon roads can be slow.

The school provides information on transport options. PTFA (parent-teacher association) activity suggests an engaged parent community.

Transport challenges. Ottery St Mary is a small market town. Families from Exeter, Sidmouth, or Honiton face commutes on rural roads. Weather can affect journey times. Consider whether the daily travel is sustainable.

Sixth form outcomes. While GCSE results are strong, A-level figures are more modest. Families with highly ambitious sixth formers should consider whether the open-access policy produces the peer group and challenge their child needs. Alternative sixth forms in Exeter may suit some students better.

Competition for places. With a subscription ratio of 2.47, most applicants do not receive offers. Families living at a distance should have realistic backup options.

Rural location. The setting is beautiful, but this is not an urban school with easy access to cultural venues, transport links, or after-school activities beyond the campus. For students who thrive in rural environments, this is a strength; for others, it may feel limiting.

The King's School delivers what state education should but often does not: genuinely comprehensive provision with genuinely strong outcomes. The Progress 8 score of +0.34 is exceptional, demonstrating that students of all abilities make excellent progress. The Outstanding Ofsted rating confirms quality across the board.

Five centuries of heritage create a sense of tradition without stuffiness. Modern facilities and forward-thinking STEM provision show a school that evolves while honouring its roots. The robotics programme is a genuine differentiator; the Ten Tors tradition connects students to Devon's landscape.

Best suited to East Devon families who value community, tradition, and proven academic outcomes. The rural location requires commitment, but for those who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional. The main challenge is admission; for those accepted, the school delivers.