St Michael's Church of England Academy
Fisher Street, Paignton, TQ4 5EWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Michael's Church of England Academy is a primary school in Paignton for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 45 schools in Torbay. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 30 April 2024, report published 10 June 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 30 April 2024
St Michael's Church of England Academy is a welcoming and friendly school. Pupils learn about the school's distinctive values of love, hope, wisdom and community in assemblies and through their learning. They know why these are important to their learning and development. Pupils are kind, thoughtful and respectful. Their conduct is exemplary. Lessons are calm and purposeful. Pupils are keen to do their best and understand learning routines. Pupils are eager to share their ideas and value the rewards they receive for their positive engagement. Beyond the classroom, pupils socialise happily. They enjoy opportunities to mix with pupils from other schools at sporting and outdoor learning events. The school works in partnership with parents and carers to promote the importance of regular attendance. Most pupils attend regularly. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They value the nurture and care their children receive. Pupils are safe. They know that staff will help them if they have any worries. Pupils make visits to places of interest. For example, pupils travelled on a steam train and a ferry to develop an understanding of modes of transport. Pupils regularly participate in local community events. These support them to become active citizens in their community.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, the school has not identified closely enough the knowledge they want pupils to learn. As a result, not all pupils gain the depth of knowledge and skills that they need for what follows. The school should ensure that the curriculum in all subjects sets out the knowledge that pupils require with precision.
- In a few foundation subjects, the school's approach to assessment is not fully developed. This means the school does not always form an accurate picture of how successfully pupils have learned the curriculum. The school should ensure that the use of assessment identifies exactly what pupils know and remember so that this can be used to inform future planning.
Pupil numbers and mix
101 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near St Michael's Church of England Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curledge Street Academy | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | 62% met the expected standard |
| Hayes School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 79% met the expected standard |
| Sacred Heart Catholic School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 55% met the expected standard |
| Oldway Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 66% met the expected standard |
| Roselands Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 57% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Free schools
- Sector
- Free school
- Trust
- LEARNING ACADEMY PARTNERSHIP (SOUTH WEST)
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Julie Edwards
- Phone
- 01803500971
- Address
- Fisher Street, Paignton, TQ4 5EW
- Local authority
- Torbay
- URN
- 147851
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.