The Spires College Review 2026: A Unique Bilateral Choice in Torbay

In a landscape dominated by the binary choice between grammar and comprehensive schools, The Spires College offers a rare third way. As one of only a handful of bilateral schools in the UK, it provides a comprehensive education for the majority while maintaining a dedicated Selective Stream for high-ability students. Located in Torquay, the college serves a diverse community with a clear promise: academic ambition need not come at the cost of social inclusion.

The college occupies a modern, purpose-built site on Westlands Lane, where facilities rival those of many independent schools. With approximately 1,130 students, it is large enough to offer breadth but retains a distinct community feel. Ms Alex Newton, who has led the college as Principal since 2008, has established a culture where the label "comprehensive" is worn with pride, but where the "Grammar Stream" offers a genuine alternative to the fiercely competitive local grammar schools.

The atmosphere at The Spires is purposeful and grounded. Students move through the wide corridors of the PFI-funded building with a sense of ownership. The college does not rely on the stuffy traditions of some local competitors; instead, it projects a modern, professional ethos. Uniform standards are high, with the distinctive black blazer and college tie worn smartly.

The "Bilateral" status is the defining characteristic here. Unlike a standard comprehensive, The Spires actively selects a portion of its intake (up to 60 students) based on academic ability. These students enter the Selective Stream, effectively a "grammar school within a school," enjoying accelerated learning and a peer group of similar ability, while mixing with the wider cohort for tutor time, arts, and sports. This structure allows the college to cater to late bloomers and those who may have missed a grammar school place by a single mark, removing the "pass or fail" cliff-edge of the 11-plus.

Leadership is stable and experienced. Ms Newton and her senior team are visible presences, not distant administrators. The college ethos emphasises "Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience," values that are lived out in the classroom rather than just displayed on posters.

The 2024 results reflect the college's mixed intake. The Attainment 8 score of 43.6 sits just below the England average of 46.0, while the Progress 8 score of -0.15 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with national expectations.

The college ranks 3rd among secondary schools in Torquay. On a national level, it ranks 2,652nd in England for GCSE outcomes. This performance places it in the national typical band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entry rate is 40.5%, with an average point score of 3.7. It is worth noting that headline figures can mask the performance of the Selective Stream, where students consistently achieve top grades (9-7) at rates comparable to selective schools.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible. In the Selective Stream, teaching is fast-paced and rigorous, with an expectation of depth and independent enquiry from Year 7. For the main college cohort, the focus is on building core skills and confidence.

Subjects like Art, Photography, and Music are genuine strengths, supported by specialist facilities and staff who are passionate about creativity. The college resists the trend of narrowing the curriculum too early; students have genuine choices at GCSE.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is coordinated through a dedicated team. The college has a reputation for being inclusive, with a higher-than-average proportion of students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) thriving in the mainstream environment.

The college offers clear pathways for post-16 progression. While many students continue into the college's own Sixth Form, others move to South Devon College for vocational courses or secure apprenticeships.

In 2024, 32% of leavers progressed to university, while 30% entered employment and 8% started apprenticeships. This diverse range of destinations reflects the college's commitment to finding the right route for every student, whether that is a Russell Group university or a high-quality trade apprenticeship.

The Sixth Form is intimate and inclusive, offering a different experience to the large Further Education colleges nearby. It suits students who value continuity of pastoral care and smaller class sizes.

In 2024, the Sixth Form ranked 2,358th in England. The A-level results showed 25.6% of grades at A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. However, these figures should be viewed in the context of an inclusive entry policy that gives students a chance to study A-levels who might be turned away elsewhere.

The "Future Steps" programme provides structured support for UCAS applications, and the college has success in placing students on competitive courses, including nursing and teaching.

Admissions to The Spires College are unique due to its bilateral status. There are two routes into Year 7: the Selective Place and the Non-Selective Place.

For a Selective Place (the Grammar Stream), students must sit the college's own entrance test, usually held in September of Year 6. Parents must register their child for this test by July. It is crucial to note that this is a separate process from the main Torbay 11-plus; passing the Torbay 11-plus does not automatically gain entry to The Spires' Selective Stream, and vice versa.

For Non-Selective Places, applications are made via the standard Torbay Council Common Application Form (CAF) by the 31 October deadline. The college is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 583 applications for 218 places, making it a highly competitive choice.

The last distance offered is a key metric for non-selective places. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families living outside the immediate designated area should be realistic about their chances for a non-selective seat.

Pastoral care has recently moved to a Year Group system, led by Heads of Year who stay with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures consistent support and allows the pastoral team to focus on the specific challenges relevant to each age group, from the transition in Year 7 to exam stress in Year 11.

The "Hub" provides a sanctuary for vulnerable students, offering a space for quiet study and emotional support. Bullying is taken seriously; the 2023 Ofsted report noted that students feel safe and that staff deal with issues quickly when they arise.

Extracurricular life is vibrant. The PE department runs a busy schedule of fixtures, utilising the sports hall, fitness suite, and expansive playing fields. The college fields competitive teams in football, netball, and rugby.

The Creative Arts faculty is a hub of activity. The annual college production is a highlight of the calendar, involving students from all years in acting, set design, and technical support.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with students taking advantage of the nearby Dartmoor National Park for expeditions. The Ten Tors challenge is also a key fixture, requiring significant commitment and resilience.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

Families should budget for uniform, sports kit, and optional trips. The college uses Pupil Premium funding effectively to support eligible students with these costs. Free School Meals are available for those who qualify, and the cashless system ensures there is no stigma attached to claiming them.

The college day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is located on Westlands Lane in Torquay, accessible via local bus routes. The college operates a cashless catering system.

Uniform is strictly enforced, and mobile phones are banned from use during the school day to promote social interaction and focus.

The Bilateral Nuance: Parents often misunderstand the admissions process. You must explicitly apply for a Selective Place and sit the specific Spires College test if you want the Grammar Stream. A standard application will only be considered for the general intake.

Competition for Places: With nearly three applications for every place in 2024, this is not a "safe backup" school. Families outside the immediate catchment need a realistic Plan B.

Sixth Form Size: The Sixth Form is smaller than local competitors. While this offers intimacy, it may mean a narrower range of subject combinations is available compared to a large Sixth Form college.

The Spires College offers a compelling proposition: a school that stretches the most able while caring for the most vulnerable. It proves that academic rigour and social inclusivity are not mutually exclusive. Best suited to families who want the academic pace of a grammar stream without the social narrowness, or for those seeking a supportive, well-ordered comprehensive education. The main challenge is navigating the dual admissions tracks to secure a place.