MixedIndependent

Sands School

Newton Abbot, Devon, South West · TQ13 7AX

Founded in 1987, Sands School is a small independent school in Newton Abbot, Devon, with just 77 pupils on roll. Its defining characteristic is intimacy: a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around seven to one is exceptionally low, allowing close attention to each child. Just over half of pupils are on SEN support, which sits well above what most schools record and points to a setting experienced in working with children who need additional help. With no religious character and a relaxed approach to everyday matters such as mobile phones, it is likely to appeal to families seeking a less conventional, more individually tailored education.

Pupils

£14,190

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Pupils: 77
Pupil:teacher ratio: 7
Location: Newton Abbot, Devon, South West
Website: http://www.sands-school.co.uk

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Sean Bellamy

Latest results

Attainment 8

14.3

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

26%

Teaching & academics

Sands offers GCSEs, with Spanish, the three separate sciences and Psychology among its more popular subjects. Headline results sit well below national benchmarks: an Attainment 8 score of 14.3 against a national average of 46.9, no pupils achieving grade 5 or above in both English and Maths, and 26% of grades falling in the 9-7 range. These figures are best read alongside the school's small cohort and the high proportion of pupils on SEN support, where individual progress may matter more to families than aggregate averages.

Sixth form

Qualifications offered

GCSE

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 52.05%
EHC plans: 4.11%

Arts & extracurricular

Languages

Spanish

Popular GCSE subjects

SpanishPsychologyPhysicsChemistryBiology

Sport

Main sports

HockeyNetballFootball

Beyond the classroom

Sport at Sands centres on hockey, netball and football. Spanish is offered as the modern language.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1987
Religious character: None
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

Sands School recognises that personal communication through mobile technologies is part of everyday life for many students, staff and parents/carers. Mobile technology should always be used safely and appropriately at school and outside of school. The school does not as a general rule limit or prohibit students, staff or visitors from bringing mobile devices (including mobile phones and tablets) into the school. However, the use of mobile technology must always follow school policies and acceptable use.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £14,190
Bursaries up to: 33% of fees

The school offers a handful of income-based bursaries on a first come, first served basis of up to one-third of the fees.

Inspection reports

Last inspected: 7 July 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A very small, unconventional school built around individual attention rather than league-table standings. Parents should weigh the low headline results against the close pastoral support that defines it.

The Passmate verdict