Learning to create a better world

At Churston Ferrers, we don’t only support our students to achieve individual success. We also nurture a sense of purpose and connection that inspire them to make a positive difference in their wider community.

Where exceptional young people learn to do 
extraordinary things, together.
Where wellbeing, self-belief and academic excellence sit side by side, every day.
Where community, sustainability and social justice turn from ideas into action.
Where students discover their purpose – and use it to make a positive difference.
And it all starts here.
Student Playing Guitar
Student Classroom
Netball Team
Students Holding Flag
Student Beach Trip
Sixth Former Trip
Student Production
Student Ski Trip
Churston Ferrers Grounds

Welcome to Churston

“As one of only two co-educational grammar schools in the South West of England, Churston Ferrers Grammar School has a long standing reputation for combining academic excellence with outstanding personal development and pastoral care. We believe that in a great school, academic excellence and personal development go together.”

James Simpson
Headteacher
Discover Churston from our Headteacher’s perspective.

Our 5 core values

These ideas – Active Citizenship, Sustainability, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Self-Development – run through everything we do at Churston.

Find out below how these values help shape our students’ outlook and are useful tools to carry into adult life.

Self-development

1
Empowering the growth of the whole student

We believe that education is about more than only academic learning. Our students develop resilience, and appreciate the importance of kindness and taking responsibility, helping create well-rounded people ready for adult life.

Scholarship

2
Fulfilling potential through academic rigour

Delivering an exceptional education for our students is a top priority for us. Through fostering self-confidence and motivation, we help create the right conditions for the bright young minds at Churston to thrive and excel.

Active citizenship

3
Playing a positive part in society

We’re keen to encourage everyone to find their place in their community. We offer diverse opportunities for students to get involved in groups beyond school, to be a strong voice and to cooperate to make life better for all.

Social justice

4
Working to make the world a fairer place

Our students are made aware of the daily struggles faced by many, both locally and on a global scale. We discuss injustice and how we can challenge it, and we take real action to support those in need, with respect and compassion.

Sustainability

5
Being champions for our environment

Protecting the planet we share is a responsibility for all of us. We work together to make our school greener in practical ways, while developing an understanding of the issues that our global environment faces.

Learn more about the values that guide us

Churston stories

Life at Churston is a collective effort made possible by independent minds.

Discover the diverse communities that make up our school, as students, parents and staff share their unique perspectives on what makes our shared story so special.

Shaping Your Future

#sixthform
#independence
#future

Finding Your Place

#year7
#parents
#belonging

The Educator's Perspective

#staff
#teaching
#culture

Expressing Our Independence

#art
#creativity
#expression

Useful things to know

Discover more about a variety of areas of school life.

From practical matters to explanations about the culture at Churston, this key information puts you in the picture.

History

Churston Ferrers Grammar School has served generations of bright young people since it opened in 1957. Find out more about our origins, and about how we blend our heritage with forward-thinking ideas.

History

Admissions

Learn how to apply for a school place at Churston Ferrers for your child. Find information about the 11+ selection process for Year 7 admissions, and how to join the school in later academic years.

Admissions

Wellbeing

The happiness and emotional health of our students are top priorities at Churston. Our supportive culture, plus our strong focus on strategies that nurture self-confidence and resilience, make this a positive place to learn.

Wellbeing

Community

We’re guided by a sense of community at different levels, from the one that exists throughout our school to the wider community around us. A spirit of connection, mutual respect and cooperation is at our heart.

Community

Curriculum

Students at Churston benefit from a rich, varied programme of study. From the core subjects to languages, physical education and creative subjects, there’s a fantastic choice of courses to inspire every student.

Curriculum

Sixth Form

We offer a brilliant range of options for post-16 study. Choose from 25 A Levels, plus an Extended Project, and enjoy the fantastic support and resources we offer to help you achieve what you need for your next steps.

Sixth Form

Our collective success, in real numbers.

↑147 places
25%
Top 150
Since 1957
200+
Top 2%
99%
+0.62
90%

Nationally Recognised Success

↑147 places

We were proud to be named Sunday Times Highly Commended State School of the Year 2026.

Students Achieving AAA or Better

25%

A quarter of our Sixth Form students achieved three top grades or above, securing places at the most competitive universities and degree apprenticeship programmes in the country.

Top State Schools

Top 150

Churston is ranked as one of the top 150 state schools nationally, with regular acceptances to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities.

Serving Local Families

Since 1957

Nearly seven decades of bright young people, many returning as parents - and now as grandparents - to start the Churston story again.

Duke of Edinburgh Participants

200+

From Bronze on local trails to Gold on Dartmoor, over 200 students are currently working towards their DofE Award.

For Maths Performance Nationally

Top 2%

Our Maths results place Churston in the top two percent of all schools across England.

Into Education or Employment

99%

Almost every student leaving Churston goes on to further education, training or employment - no one is left without a next step.

Progress 8 Score

+0.62

Students at Churston consistently outperform even the high expectations set by their starting points – a genuine measure of the value we add.

Strong Pass in English & Maths

90%

Nine in ten students achieve a Grade 5 or above in both GCSE English and Maths – far above the national average for state schools.

+0.62

Progress 8 Score

Students at Churston consistently outperform even the high expectations set by their starting points – a genuine measure of the value we add.

200+

Duke of Edinburgh Participants

From Bronze on local trails to Gold on Dartmoor, over 200 students are currently working towards their DofE Award.

Top 2%

For Maths Performance Nationally

Our Maths results place Churston in the top two percent of all schools across England.

99%

Into Education or Employment

Almost every student leaving Churston goes on to further education, training or employment - no one is left without a next step.

Since 1957

Serving Local Families

Nearly seven decades of bright young people, many returning as parents - and now as grandparents - to start the Churston story again.

25%

Students Achieving AAA or Better

A quarter of our Sixth Form students achieved three top grades or above, securing places at the most competitive universities and degree apprenticeship programmes in the country.

↑147 places

Nationally Recognised Success

We were proud to be named Sunday Times Highly Commended State School of the Year 2026.

Top 150

Top State Schools

Churston is ranked as one of the top 150 state schools nationally, with regular acceptances to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities.

90%

Strong Pass in English & Maths

Nine in ten students achieve a Grade 5 or above in both GCSE English and Maths – far above the national average for state schools.

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