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 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."
Dartmouth Academy Pupils Embrace Adventure on North Devon Residential
Year 6 pupils from Dartmouth Academy have been making unforgettable memories during an action-packed residential trip to North Devon.
The adventure began with a series of exciting team-building challenges, including an assault course. Pupils tackled steep slides, giant inflatables and a range of physical obstacles, supporting one another to overcome fears and step outside their comfort zones.
After a well-earned dinner, the group rounded off the first day with a disco before some pupils enjoyed watching the England football match together.
Day two saw pupils set off on a scenic walk along the North Devon coast to Westward Ho!, where they learnt about the area's fascinating history, including the legendary "wreckers" who lured ships onto the rocks, as well as discovering more about tides and the role of the moon in shaping the coastline.
The highlight of the day was an afternoon spent surfing, with every pupil taking to the water and enjoying the opportunity to catch the waves. For many, it was their first experience of surfing, and pupils embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
The day concluded with a barbecue-style dinner before pupils put their navigation skills to the test during an evening of orienteering around the site.
The residential forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing enriching opportunities and helping pupils develop the confidence, independence and life skills that will support them as they prepare for the next stage of their education.
Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:
"Residential trips like this provide so much more than memorable experiences. They give young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and strengthen friendships in a completely different environment. We are incredibly proud of the way our pupils supported one another throughout every activity, whether they were tackling the assault course, learning to surf or exploring the coastline.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Every child deserves opportunities that broaden their horizons and inspire them to try something new. Residential visits give pupils the chance to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships and develop skills that cannot be taught from a textbook. It is wonderful to see Dartmouth Academy providing experiences that will have such a positive impact on its young people."
Dartmouth Academy Pupils Embrace Adventure on North Devon Residential Year 6 pupils from Dartmouth Academy have been making unforgettable memories during an action-packed residential trip to North Devon. The adventure began with a series of exciting team-building challenges, including an assault course. Pupils tackled steep slides, giant inflatables and a range of physical obstacles, supporting one another to overcome fears and step outside their comfort zones. After a well-earned dinner, the group rounded off the first day with a disco before some pupils enjoyed watching the England football match together. Day two saw pupils set off on a scenic walk along the North Devon coast to Westward Ho!, where they learnt about the area's fascinating history, including the legendary "wreckers" who lured ships onto the rocks, as well as discovering more about tides and the role of the moon in shaping the coastline. The highlight of the day was an afternoon spent surfing, with every pupil taking to the water and enjoying the opportunity to catch the waves. For many, it was their first experience of surfing, and pupils embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The day concluded with a barbecue-style dinner before pupils put their navigation skills to the test during an evening of orienteering around the site. The residential forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing enriching opportunities and helping pupils develop the confidence, independence and life skills that will support them as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "Residential trips like this provide so much more than memorable experiences. They give young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and strengthen friendships in a completely different environment. We are incredibly proud of the way our pupils supported one another throughout every activity, whether they were tackling the assault course, learning to surf or exploring the coastline.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "Every child deserves opportunities that broaden their horizons and inspire them to try something new. Residential visits give pupils the chance to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships and develop skills that cannot be taught from a textbook. It is wonderful to see Dartmouth Academy providing experiences that will have such a positive impact on its young people."
Dartmouth Academy Pupils Enjoy Rewarding Day at Woodlands Theme Park
Pupils from Dartmouth Academy enjoyed an exciting day at Woodlands Family Theme Park this term thanks to a special trip organised and supported by the local Rotary Club.
Twenty five year 6 and year 7 pupils took part in the reward trip, which recognised their positive contributions to academy life and commitment to the school's values.
Throughout the day, pupils enjoyed a range of rides, attractions and activities. Woodlands Family Theme Park offers a variety of attractions, adventure play areas and rides, making it one of Devon's most popular destinations for young people.
The visit provided pupils with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements outside the classroom while enjoying new experiences in a fun environment.
Dartmouth Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club and its volunteers for their generosity, support and commitment to providing enriching opportunities for local young people.
The academy remains committed to celebrating pupil success and offering a wide range of experiences that support personal development alongside academic achievement.
Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for organising and facilitating such a fantastic day for our pupils. The children had a wonderful time and were a credit to the academy throughout the visit. Opportunities like this are invaluable in recognising pupils' efforts and helping them create positive memories with their peers."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Experiences like this are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions that young people make to their school communities. We are grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support in creating opportunities that inspire, reward and motivate young people.”
Dartmouth Academy Pupils Enjoy Rewarding Day at Woodlands Theme Park Pupils from Dartmouth Academy enjoyed an exciting day at Woodlands Family Theme Park this term thanks to a special trip organised and supported by the local Rotary Club. Twenty five year 6 and year 7 pupils took part in the reward trip, which recognised their positive contributions to academy life and commitment to the school's values. Throughout the day, pupils enjoyed a range of rides, attractions and activities. Woodlands Family Theme Park offers a variety of attractions, adventure play areas and rides, making it one of Devon's most popular destinations for young people. The visit provided pupils with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements outside the classroom while enjoying new experiences in a fun environment. Dartmouth Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club and its volunteers for their generosity, support and commitment to providing enriching opportunities for local young people. The academy remains committed to celebrating pupil success and offering a wide range of experiences that support personal development alongside academic achievement. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for organising and facilitating such a fantastic day for our pupils. The children had a wonderful time and were a credit to the academy throughout the visit. Opportunities like this are invaluable in recognising pupils' efforts and helping them create positive memories with their peers." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "Experiences like this are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions that young people make to their school communities. We are grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support in creating opportunities that inspire, reward and motivate young people.”