Combe Pafford School, Torquay

In its own words: "It is my great privilege to serve as Headteacher of Combe Pafford School. Our school is a vibrant, nurturing, and inclusive community where children and young people feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. We are deeply committed to lifelong learning and every student is encouraged and supported to achieve their very best."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include cricket, tennis, gymnastics and basketball.

The nearest other special schools to Combe Pafford School are Mayfield School (0.1 miles, Good); Eat That Frog C.I.C (1.9 miles, Good); Glendinning Academy (3.6 miles, Good); and Brunel School (3.9 miles).

Of the 40 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 90% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 28% to a further education college and 3% to an apprenticeship.

54.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 2.5% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

Almost every pupil at Combe Pafford School has an education, health and care plan (239 of 239 in 2026). The most common need among them is autism.

Combe Pafford School provides for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.

The nearest railway station is Torre Rail Station, about 1.7 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Moor Lane (opposite), 210 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Combe Pafford School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 129 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Torbay (245).

In 2024/25, Combe Pafford School issued 58 suspensions, 22.6 for every 100 pupils, and 1 permanent exclusion.