Acorn School
School summary
With around 38 pupils, Acorn School is one of the smaller independent schools in Winkleigh, Devon, and that intimate scale defines its character. The mixed, non-denominational school takes pupils from age 11 and is overseen by Head Mrs Zoey Shelley. Inspected by the ISI rather than Ofsted, it offers families an environment where every child is easily known. For parents drawn to a close-knit setting over a large institution, the size is likely to be the main attraction.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Teaching & academics
Acorn School operates an 11+ entry point, so families considering it will be preparing for admission at that stage. With such a small roll, teaching takes place in modest groups, allowing close attention to individual pupils.
Head · Mrs Zoey Shelley
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 0%
- EHC plans
- 100%
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Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A genuinely small independent in rural Devon, Acorn School suits families who value a personal, closely-knit setting above scale.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
Acorn School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.