Trinity School, located at the heart of Teignmouth, offers a unique educational experience that blends tradition with modernity. As an independent co-educational institution, it caters to both boys and girls aged three to 18, providing a comprehensive learning environment that is enriched by its Roman Catholic and Church of England ethos. The school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere is evident in its diverse student body and the wide range of boarding options available, including day, weekly/flexible, and full boarding.
Under the leadership of Robert Robinson since September 2023, the school has seen a growing appeal, particularly with the introduction of an extended three-form entry at Year 7. This expansion reflects the school’s increasing popularity among local families in Devon as well as those from across the UK and internationally. The school’s non-selective nature is complemented by CAT4 testing and informal assessment days, ensuring that new pupils are welcomed into an environment that values both academic achievement and personal growth.
Trinity School’s academic performance is commendable, with 12% of GCSE students achieving grades 9-7 in 2023. At A Level, 13% secured A*/A grades, while 39% achieved A*-B. These results demonstrate a steady improvement in academic standards, supported by small class sizes and personalised teaching approaches. The school prides itself on not being an exam factory, focusing instead on engaging each pupil individually. This approach was evident during classroom observations where Year 10 students were captivated by a Chemistry lesson on lithium, while Year 7 pupils engaged in an insightful analysis of Philip Pullman’s script for Frankenstein.
The curriculum at Trinity School is dynamic and responsive to student interests. From Year 10 onwards, setting is introduced in core subjects like Maths, English, and Science. The curriculum is rewritten annually to accommodate the current cohort’s preferences, even recruiting external teachers for subjects not offered in-house. This flexibility ensures that students have access to a broad range of GCSE and A Level options, including innovative subjects like Psychology and Economics.
Beyond academics, Trinity School excels in providing a rich array of extra-curricular activities. The school’s recent first-place ISA award for innovation in STEM highlights its commitment to creative learning approaches such as Science Buskers. Pupils also benefit from excellent art facilities and a well-equipped music department. While the school’s size limits large choir or orchestral opportunities, individual music lessons are popular among students.
Sport is another area where Trinity School shines. With facilities like indoor and floodlit tennis courts and a tennis academy run by former junior international player Mark Syms, pupils have ample opportunities to excel in various sports. The school’s coastal location allows for participation in water sports such as sailing and scuba diving, further enriching the student experience.
Boarding at Trinity School is characterised by a strong sense of community and integration between day pupils and boarders. The two mixed-gender houses provide a supportive environment where students form lasting friendships regardless of their boarding status. Activities such as five-a-side football, cinema trips, and surf outings ensure that boarders have a vibrant social life outside of academic hours.
Pastoral care is central to Trinity School’s ethos. Every teacher plays a pastoral role, ensuring that pupils feel supported both academically and emotionally. Regular academic pastoral review meetings involve all staff members in discussing each pupil’s progress and wellbeing. This holistic approach fosters strong bonds between students and staff, creating an inclusive community where every child feels valued.
The school’s heritage adds to its charm; originally founded as a girls’ convent school in 1979, it now operates from a mix of traditional and modern buildings overlooking Lyme Bay and the English Channel. Recent investments by Alpha Schools Group have enhanced facilities such as the swimming pool and early years building, with plans for further development underway.
Trinity School’s affordability makes it an attractive option for families seeking quality independent education in the South West. Scholarships are available at various entry points for academic excellence, sports prowess, creative arts talent, or all-round abilities.
In conclusion, Trinity School offers an enriching educational experience that goes beyond academics to develop well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society. Its blend of tradition with innovation ensures that pupils receive not only an excellent education but also memories they will cherish for life.
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