Stoke Damerel Community College Review 2026: A Central Plymouth Hub

Sitting high above Plymouth with views stretching across the city, Stoke Damerel Community College is a large, bustling comprehensive that serves as a focal point for its local community. The architecture is dominated by "The Street," a central atrium that runs the length of the building, connecting different faculties and creating a distinct sense of scale. Since January 2021, the college has been part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, a significant shift that has brought new systems and rigorous structures to this established city school.

The first impression is one of size and energy. With nearly 1,700 students, this is a busy environment where movement between lessons flows through the central spine of the building. The college manages this scale through a structured pastoral system, aiming to keep individual students from feeling lost in the crowd.

Miss Anita Frier has led the school through its transition into the Greenshaw Learning Trust. The school motto, Aspire, Achieve, Thrive, is visible throughout the campus. The atmosphere is functional and focused, with the trust's influence evident in the stricter behaviour policies and centralised curriculum routines introduced in recent years.

The student body is diverse, reflecting the varied demographics of Stoke and the wider Plymouth area. It is a true comprehensive, welcoming students of all abilities and backgrounds, creating a social mix that is grounded and representative of the city.

Performance data places the college in the national lower band, reflecting the challenges faced by many coastal city schools. In 2024, the college ranked 3,372nd in England and 19th in Plymouth for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

The Progress 8 score of -0.19 suggests that, on average, students achieve slightly below the progress expected from their primary school starting points compared to peers nationally. Attainment is also below the England average, with an Attainment 8 score of 38.5.

However, specific pockets of the curriculum perform solidly. The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths often aligns with similar schools in the region. Parents should look beyond the headline figures to specific subject performance, particularly in vocational areas where the college often adds significant value.

The curriculum follows the Greenshaw Learning Trust model, which emphasises direct instruction and clear, consistent routines across all classrooms. This approach is designed to reduce cognitive load and ensure that key concepts are mastered before moving on. For students who crave structure, this consistency is reassuring; every lesson starts and ends the same way.

Key Stage 3 covers a broad base, while Key Stage 4 offers a mix of traditional GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The college has historically held specialist status in Mathematics and Computing, and while the designation has formally lapsed, a legacy of strength in IT and digital media remains evident in the facilities and course popularity.

The Sixth Form is smaller than the main school might suggest, offering a more intimate environment. Outcomes here are currently below the England average, with the college ranking 2,384th in England for A-level performance. In 2024, 19.7% of grades were A*-B.

Despite the challenging headline metrics, the college is effective at guiding students onto appropriate pathways. In 2024, 35% of leavers progressed to university, while a notable 12% secured apprenticeships, a figure well above the national norm. This highlights a strength in connecting students with vocational training and local employment.

Recent university destinations include the University of Plymouth and other regional institutions, with courses in Health and Social Care, Business, and Computing being particularly popular.

Admissions are coordinated by Plymouth City Council. The college is popular and often oversubscribed. For the 2024 entry, there were 451 applications for 262 places, resulting in 1.7 applications per place.

When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings, and then those living closest to the school. The catchment area is effectively determined by distance, shrinking in years of high demand.

Families should apply by the national deadline of 31 October. Allocation day is 1 March.

Pastoral care is organised around a year-group structure, with Tutors and Heads of Year providing the first point of contact. The college has worked hard to create safe spaces within the large campus.

The "The Street" layout allows for easy supervision, and staff presence is high during breaks. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is coordinated from a dedicated base, with a focus on integrating students into mainstream lessons where possible. The college also hosts a specialized resource base for students with specific needs, though access to this is via a separate local authority process.

Extracurricular life is active, particularly in sports and outdoor education. The college has a strong tradition in the Ten Tors challenge, with teams training on Dartmoor throughout the winter months. This is a major pillar of the school's character building, fostering resilience and teamwork.

Sporting facilities are good, including a sports hall, gymnasium, and dance studio. Clubs range from competitive fixtures in football and netball to recreational badminton.

Creativity is also encouraged, particularly in media and performing arts. The college has well-equipped studios and puts on an annual production that involves students from across year groups.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to fund the uniform, which is strictly enforced in line with trust policy, as well as sports kits and optional trips.

Financial support is available for eligible families through the Pupil Premium scheme, which can assist with the cost of uniforms, equipment, and educational visits. Families should check their eligibility with Plymouth City Council.

The school day begins at 8:40am and finishes at 3:00pm. The campus is located in the Stoke area of Plymouth, easily accessible by local bus routes. There is no dedicated school bus service, so most students walk or use public transport.

Academy Transition: The school is fully integrated into the Greenshaw Learning Trust. Families should be aware this brings a specific "style" of education: strict uniform policies, centralised behaviour systems, and a very structured approach to learning.

Large Campus: With 1,700 students, this is a big school. While "The Street" provides clarity, the sheer scale can be daunting for quieter children or those coming from very small primary schools.

Academic Metrics: Headline results at both GCSE and A-level are currently below the England average. Families seeking high academic pressure or elite university pipelines may find the data does not match their aspirations, though the vocational pathways are strong.

Stoke Damerel Community College is a functional, grounded comprehensive that serves its community with stability and structure. It is not an academic hothouse, but rather a supportive environment that excels at vocational guidance and pastoral consistency. Best suited to local families who value the structure of a large trust and want a school that champions apprenticeships and technical skills alongside traditional learning. The main challenge is securing a place given the high number of applications.