Discover Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Find out what defines us as a school, and how our values shape our culture.

"We believe that in a great school, academic excellence and personal development go together. Students who join Churston enjoy the academic rigour of a selective education, and we are fortunate to educate some of the most academically able students in the region. Just as important, though, are the strong and supportive relationships we build to develop the self-esteem, resilience and team work skills necessary to succeed in life."

James Simpson
Headteacher
What we're proud of
20%
Grade 9 GCSE Grades
One in five of all grades awarded were the very top mark available - an exceptional achievement that reflects the talent and hard work of our students.
10+ hours
Active Citizenship Hours
Every Sixth Form student completes at least 10 hours of active citizenship, with many going on to log 30, 50 or even 100 hours of volunteering.
45%
A*-A Grades at A Level
Over a third of all A Level grades awarded to our Sixth Formers are at the very highest level, opening doors to highly competitive university places and degree apprenticeships.
71.2
Attainment 8 Score
Our Attainment 8 score places Churston as the highest-performing secondary school in Torbay at GCSE, reflecting the depth and breadth of our students' academic achievement.
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+
A Level Options
One of the widest subject choices in the region, giving every Sixth Form student the freedom to build their own path.
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.
200+
Duke of Edinburgh Participants
From Bronze on local trails to Gold on Dartmoor, over 200 students are currently working towards their DofE Award.
2x
National Basketball Champions
Our basketball teams have been crowned national champions twice – a reminder that ambition at Churston extends well beyond exam results.
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.
↑147 places
Nationally Recognised Success
We were proud to be named Sunday Times Highly Commended State School of the Year 2026.
Top 2%
For Maths Performance Nationally
Our Maths results place Churston in the top two percent of all schools across England.
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.
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.
+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.
The key principles that guide us

Our five values shape everything we do at Churston. They are ideas that motivate us to be at our best, and to act with purpose and consideration.

Self-development

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

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

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

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

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.

Our expectations for every student at Churston

We have four important rules which we expect everyone in our school to uphold. These ensure that we make the most of our opportunities, and that we make Churston a positive, supportive place for all those around us too.

Be kind

Behaving with compassion and respect towards everyone, within and beyond our school, is an essential part of our Churston culture.

Aim high

We welcome some of the brightest young minds to Churston. We expect every student’s ambition to match their abundant potential.

Work hard

There is no substitute for effort and perseverance. Success is secured when students push through the barriers and strive to learn.

Take responsibility

Students must hold themselves to account for their actions, to learn from mistakes, and grow as well-rounded, responsible individuals.

Living by our own values

The high standards we demand are not just for our students. Our staff also strive to embody the same values and expectations that make Churston a positive learning environment.