Top 10 Best Schools in West Devon

Education in West Devon

For many families, the quality of local schools is one of the main reasons for choosing to live in West Devon. The borough offers a close-knit, community-focused approach to education, with small village primaries where teachers know every child by name and larger secondary schools in Tavistock and Okehampton that provide a broad curriculum and modern facilities. Outdoor learning is a natural strength here: few pupils anywhere in England have Dartmoor as their classroom.

Choosing a school is a personal decision that depends on your child's needs, interests and personality. Inspection reports, results and published data are useful, but so is visiting in person and talking to staff and parents. The following ten schools are widely respected across the borough for their teaching, pastoral care and community spirit. As inspection outcomes and admissions arrangements change over time, always check the latest information directly with each school and with the local authority.

Ten of the Best Schools in West Devon

1. Tavistock College

Tavistock College is the largest secondary school in the borough, serving Tavistock and a wide surrounding area. It offers a broad academic and vocational curriculum, a thriving sixth form and excellent facilities for sport, performing arts and technology. Its extensive enrichment programme includes Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions on Dartmoor and the famous Ten Tors challenge.

2. Okehampton College

Okehampton College serves the northern part of the borough and is known for its supportive ethos and strong links with the local community. It offers a wide choice of GCSE and post-sixteen courses, along with impressive sporting and outdoor education opportunities thanks to its location at the edge of the moor.

3. Mount Kelly

Mount Kelly is a historic independent day and boarding school in Tavistock, educating pupils from early years through to sixth form. It is particularly renowned for its swimming programme, which has produced international and Olympic athletes, as well as strong academic results, small class sizes and an extensive co-curricular offer.

4. Tavistock Primary and Nursery School

This well-regarded primary school provides a warm and nurturing start for young learners in the town. It combines a strong focus on literacy and numeracy with creative arts, outdoor learning and close partnership with families.

5. St Rumon's Church of England Infants School

St Rumon's offers a caring Christian ethos and a lively, child-centred approach to early education in Tavistock. Parents often praise its welcoming atmosphere and the way it builds confidence in young children as they begin school life.

6. Okehampton Primary School

Okehampton Primary is a large and popular school offering a broad curriculum and a wide range of clubs and activities. Its inclusive approach and emphasis on wellbeing help pupils develop both academically and personally.

7. Hatherleigh Community Primary School

Serving the historic market town of Hatherleigh and surrounding farms, this school is at the heart of its community. Small class sizes, strong relationships and a focus on outdoor learning create a happy and secure environment for children.

8. Bere Alston Primary School

Located on the Bere Peninsula between the Tamar and Tavy rivers, Bere Alston Primary benefits from a stunning natural setting. It is known for its friendly ethos, strong community links and imaginative use of its surroundings in teaching.

9. Lifton Community Academy

Close to the Cornish border, Lifton Community Academy offers a nurturing village-school experience. Its emphasis on personal development, creativity and respect ensures pupils leave well prepared for secondary education.

10. Mary Tavy and Brentor Community Primary School

Nestled on the western edge of Dartmoor, this small village school is highly valued by families for its caring atmosphere, mixed-age classes and close connection to the natural environment. Children benefit from individual attention and a strong sense of belonging.

How to Choose the Right School

Start by reading recent inspection reports and school websites to understand each school's vision, curriculum and performance. Then arrange visits. Pay attention to how pupils behave, how staff interact with children and whether the atmosphere feels purposeful and happy. Ask about class sizes, special educational needs support, extracurricular activities and transport arrangements, which are particularly important in rural areas where school buses may be needed.

Consider your child's individual strengths and interests. A child passionate about sport might thrive at a school with excellent facilities, while another might flourish in the intimate setting of a small village primary. Talking to other parents can provide valuable insights into daily life at each school.

Education Trends in the Borough

Schools across West Devon are embracing outdoor learning, digital skills and wellbeing initiatives. Many primaries run Forest School programmes, while secondary colleges are expanding vocational pathways that link with local employers in agriculture, tourism and engineering. Multi-academy trusts are encouraging collaboration between schools, sharing expertise and resources to raise standards across rural communities.

Final Thoughts

West Devon offers families an outstanding environment in which children can learn and grow. From the bustling corridors of Tavistock College to the cosy classrooms of moorland village schools, there is a setting to suit every child. Visit, ask questions and trust your instincts to find the school that will help your child flourish.