Welcome to Dartmouth Academy
At Dartmouth Academy, our guiding mission is simple yet powerful: Be your best self. We believe that our future successes are built on the work we do today, and every member of our community: staff, pupils, and families is committed to this shared purpose.
As an all-through Academy, we value the strength of long-lasting relationships with our pupils and their families. Our place at the heart of the community allows us to know every child personally, creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and supported.
Our core values of courage, compassion, and ambition shape everything we do. We encourage our pupils to be courageous in their learning, to show compassion in their interactions, and to pursue their goals with ambition and determination. These values are embedded in both our aspirational curriculum and the way we relate to each other every day.
We know that children flourish when they are truly seen and supported. Our staff create academically rich learning experiences while recognising and responding to the individual barriers each child may face. This approach ensures every pupil is given the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.
From the moment pupils join us in the Early Years Foundation Stage, we instil the belief that success is not defined by ability alone, but by the effort and resilience they bring to their learning. This belief is captured in the mantra we live by: Be Your Best Self.
Through a united effort between home and school, and with our unwavering commitment to courage, compassion, and ambition, we help every child become the best version of themselves—today and for the future they are building.
Paul Girardot
Principal
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Dartmouth Academy Inspires Young Readers with Special Author Visits as Part of Dartmouth Book Festival
Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were transported into a world of books and storytelling when three authors visited the school as part of this year’s Dartmouth Book Festival.
Children from years 1 to 6 at Dartmouth Academy, alongside pupils from Stoke Fleming Primary School and St John’s Primary School, enjoyed a day of inspiring sessions with authors Erin Allgrove, Margaret Bateson-Hill and Emma Swan, author and star of Horrible Histories.
The event gavthe books showcased during the day were Bosun Bob, Seagull Scruff, Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain and The Cruise Ship Kid, giving pupils plenty of new stories and characters to discover.
Emma Swan, whose session was described as particularly engaging and hilarious, also left signed bookplates at the school. Pupils who bring a copy of The Cruise Ship Kid into school can have one of the special bookplates added to their book.
The event was organised as parte pupils the opportunity to meet published authors, hear stories brought to life and discover new books, helping to nurture a love of reading and storytelling.
Among of the Dartmouth Book Festival, with the aim of bringing the joy of books and meeting authors directly to local children. The participating schools hope the experience will leave pupils excited about reading and keen to discover more books and stories.
Paul Girardot, principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:
“Days like this are a fantastic way to bring books and storytelling to life for our pupils. Having the opportunity to meet authors, hear directly from them about their stories and discover new books can make a real difference to a child’s enthusiasm for reading.
“It was wonderful to see the children so engaged, excited and eager to talk about the stories they had heard. We are very grateful to everyone involved in making this special event possible and for giving our pupils such a memorable experience and especially to Erin Allgrove for all her help organising the day.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“Developing a love of reading is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. Opportunities like the Dartmouth Book Festival give children the chance to experience the creativity, imagination and joy that books can bring, while meeting the people who create those stories.
“Bringing authors into our schools also helps children to see reading as something exciting and relevant, and we are delighted that pupils from across our local schools were able to take part in such an engaging and inspiring day.”
Dartmouth Academy Inspires Young Readers with Special Author Visits as Part of Dartmouth Book Festival Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were transported into a world of books and storytelling when three authors visited the school as part of this year’s Dartmouth Book Festival. Children from years 1 to 6 at Dartmouth Academy, alongside pupils from Stoke Fleming Primary School and St John’s Primary School, enjoyed a day of inspiring sessions with authors Erin Allgrove, Margaret Bateson-Hill and Emma Swan, author and star of Horrible Histories. The event gavthe books showcased during the day were Bosun Bob, Seagull Scruff, Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain and The Cruise Ship Kid, giving pupils plenty of new stories and characters to discover. Emma Swan, whose session was described as particularly engaging and hilarious, also left signed bookplates at the school. Pupils who bring a copy of The Cruise Ship Kid into school can have one of the special bookplates added to their book. The event was organised as parte pupils the opportunity to meet published authors, hear stories brought to life and discover new books, helping to nurture a love of reading and storytelling. Among of the Dartmouth Book Festival, with the aim of bringing the joy of books and meeting authors directly to local children. The participating schools hope the experience will leave pupils excited about reading and keen to discover more books and stories. Paul Girardot, principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “Days like this are a fantastic way to bring books and storytelling to life for our pupils. Having the opportunity to meet authors, hear directly from them about their stories and discover new books can make a real difference to a child’s enthusiasm for reading. “It was wonderful to see the children so engaged, excited and eager to talk about the stories they had heard. We are very grateful to everyone involved in making this special event possible and for giving our pupils such a memorable experience and especially to Erin Allgrove for all her help organising the day.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Developing a love of reading is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. Opportunities like the Dartmouth Book Festival give children the chance to experience the creativity, imagination and joy that books can bring, while meeting the people who create those stories. “Bringing authors into our schools also helps children to see reading as something exciting and relevant, and we are delighted that pupils from across our local schools were able to take part in such an engaging and inspiring day.”
Dartmouth Academy Celebrates GCSE Success
Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were all smiles this morning as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 20th August 2026).
This year’s cohort have achieved fantastic results, reflecting their dedication and the support of the staff at the school.
Dartmouth pupils have shown fantastic commitment and determination throughout their GCSEs, and staff are incredibly proud of the excellent results they have achieved. Their hard work, resilience and dedication have been rewarded, with many pupils achieving or exceeding their targets.
Particular congratulations go to Harry Senior, Alex Slade, Luke Black, Amber Heales and Seren Southern, who achieved especially impressive results, significantly exceeding their predicted targets. Their achievements are a wonderful reflection of the effort they have put in throughout their time at Dartmouth Academy, and staff wish all of the pupils every success as they take their exciting next steps.
This academic year, Dartmouth Academy has continued to provide a rich and varied programme of opportunities for pupils, combining academic achievement with creativity, personal development and community engagement.
Pupils have showcased their talents at the school’s annual GCSE Art and Photography Exhibition at The Flavel Arts Centre, worked alongside professional Bristol artist Jody Thomas in a specialist spray-painting workshop, and benefited from a range of enrichment activities including residential visits, educational trips and reward experiences.
Highlights have included a residential in North Devon featuring surfing, outdoor learning and team-building activities and a Rotary Club-supported reward trip to Woodlands Theme Park. The school has also strengthened its international links after securing funding for the next phase of its UK–Ukraine partnership project.
Alongside these opportunities, Dartmouth Academy has continued to build strong partnerships with local organisations and community groups while expanding leadership, extracurricular and personal development opportunities for pupils across all year groups.
Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:
"I am incredibly proud of every one of our pupils today. These results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the encouragement and commitment shown by our dedicated staff and the support of families throughout their journey. Whatever their individual results, each student should feel proud of what they have achieved and excited about the opportunities that now lie ahead. We wish them every success as they take their next steps and look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. We know that behind every grade are years of hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, support staff and families who have encouraged young people every step of the way.
These results represent far more than examination outcomes. They mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities, whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers."
Dartmouth Academy Celebrates GCSE Success Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were all smiles this morning as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 20th August 2026). This year’s cohort have achieved fantastic results, reflecting their dedication and the support of the staff at the school. Dartmouth pupils have shown fantastic commitment and determination throughout their GCSEs, and staff are incredibly proud of the excellent results they have achieved. Their hard work, resilience and dedication have been rewarded, with many pupils achieving or exceeding their targets. Particular congratulations go to Harry Senior, Alex Slade, Luke Black, Amber Heales and Seren Southern, who achieved especially impressive results, significantly exceeding their predicted targets. Their achievements are a wonderful reflection of the effort they have put in throughout their time at Dartmouth Academy, and staff wish all of the pupils every success as they take their exciting next steps. This academic year, Dartmouth Academy has continued to provide a rich and varied programme of opportunities for pupils, combining academic achievement with creativity, personal development and community engagement. Pupils have showcased their talents at the school’s annual GCSE Art and Photography Exhibition at The Flavel Arts Centre, worked alongside professional Bristol artist Jody Thomas in a specialist spray-painting workshop, and benefited from a range of enrichment activities including residential visits, educational trips and reward experiences. Highlights have included a residential in North Devon featuring surfing, outdoor learning and team-building activities and a Rotary Club-supported reward trip to Woodlands Theme Park. The school has also strengthened its international links after securing funding for the next phase of its UK–Ukraine partnership project. Alongside these opportunities, Dartmouth Academy has continued to build strong partnerships with local organisations and community groups while expanding leadership, extracurricular and personal development opportunities for pupils across all year groups. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:"I am incredibly proud of every one of our pupils today. These results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the encouragement and commitment shown by our dedicated staff and the support of families throughout their journey. Whatever their individual results, each student should feel proud of what they have achieved and excited about the opportunities that now lie ahead. We wish them every success as they take their next steps and look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:"Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. We know that behind every grade are years of hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, support staff and families who have encouraged young people every step of the way. These results represent far more than examination outcomes. They mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities, whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers."
Dartmouth Academy Students Get Creative with Professional Graffiti Artist
Students at Dartmouth Academy have explored the world of street art after taking part in a creative spray painting workshop led by professional Bristol based artist Jody Thomas.
Facilitated by The Flavel Arts Centre, the workshop gave students the opportunity to learn new spray painting techniques and experiment with a medium they may not otherwise have experienced, under the guidance of an established artist.
Jody Thomas has been creating artwork with aerosol paints since 1988. Having developed his distinctive style alongside fellow Bristol artists including Inkie, Cheo and Banksy, Jody has exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy and at Affordable Art Fairs in New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Bristol.
The workshop directly supported Dartmouth Academy's Art and Design curriculum, which encourages students to develop skills across a wide range of media, techniques and processes while nurturing personal expression and aesthetic judgement.
Alongside developing technical ability, the curriculum promotes historical and cultural understanding, critical thinking and the confidence to engage in wider philosophical conversations about art and its role in society.
The workshop forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing a broad and engaging curriculum, giving students access to inspiring experiences that develop their creative skills.
Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:
"It was fantastic to see our students embrace the opportunity to work with Jody Thomas and explore a completely different artistic medium. Experiences like this inspire creativity and allow students to learn directly from practising artists. We are incredibly grateful to The Flavel Arts Centre for making this workshop possible.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"A great education is about much more than exams. It is about nurturing imagination, creativity and confidence alongside academic achievement. The arts play a vital role in helping young people communicate ideas, solve problems and develop their own identity, which is why opportunities like this are such an important part of our curriculum."
Dartmouth Academy Students Get Creative with Professional Graffiti Artist Students at Dartmouth Academy have explored the world of street art after taking part in a creative spray painting workshop led by professional Bristol based artist Jody Thomas. Facilitated by The Flavel Arts Centre, the workshop gave students the opportunity to learn new spray painting techniques and experiment with a medium they may not otherwise have experienced, under the guidance of an established artist. Jody Thomas has been creating artwork with aerosol paints since 1988. Having developed his distinctive style alongside fellow Bristol artists including Inkie, Cheo and Banksy, Jody has exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy and at Affordable Art Fairs in New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Bristol. The workshop directly supported Dartmouth Academy's Art and Design curriculum, which encourages students to develop skills across a wide range of media, techniques and processes while nurturing personal expression and aesthetic judgement. Alongside developing technical ability, the curriculum promotes historical and cultural understanding, critical thinking and the confidence to engage in wider philosophical conversations about art and its role in society. The workshop forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing a broad and engaging curriculum, giving students access to inspiring experiences that develop their creative skills. Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "It was fantastic to see our students embrace the opportunity to work with Jody Thomas and explore a completely different artistic medium. Experiences like this inspire creativity and allow students to learn directly from practising artists. We are incredibly grateful to The Flavel Arts Centre for making this workshop possible.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "A great education is about much more than exams. It is about nurturing imagination, creativity and confidence alongside academic achievement. The arts play a vital role in helping young people communicate ideas, solve problems and develop their own identity, which is why opportunities like this are such an important part of our curriculum."