Totnes Independent School
Totnes · TQ9 5JT
AAB+ A-level
—
9–7 GCSE
22.1%
Day fees
£17k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
Totnes Independent School is a small, non-punitive coeducational day school for ages 11–16 located in South Devon, distinguished by its LARS ethos (Love, Acceptance, Resilience, Safety) and no-homework philosophy. The school prioritises emotional wellbeing and relationships alongside academic rigour, delivering GCSE results well above national averages and pupil starting points. Its alternative pedagogical approach—small classes, nurturing staff relationships, and a focus on purposeful learning—appeals to families seeking a less pressurised, developmentally responsive secondary education.
- →Non-punitive, relationship-centred culture explicitly designed to build emotional resilience and confidence
- →Small class sizes (118 pupils total) enabling personalised attention and rapid progress from varied starting points
- →No-homework policy combined with demonstrably strong GCSE outcomes (well above expectations)
- →Explicit mental health and wellbeing support embedded in curriculum and pastoral care
Who thrives here
Pupils who thrive in nurturing, low-pressure environments but are intellectually ambitious; those who have struggled in conventional schools or need emotional scaffolding alongside academic challenge; families prioritising holistic development over league tables.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Windmill House, 21 Ashburton Road, Totnes
Totnes
TQ9 5JT
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Totnes Independent School?
Day fees at Totnes Independent School are approximately £16,611 per year (2026/27).
How do you get into Totnes Independent School?
Totnes Independent School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Totnes Independent School's exam results?
At Totnes Independent School, 22.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Totnes Independent School a boarding school?
Totnes Independent School is a day school in Totnes and does not offer boarding.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely warm, non-punitive culture reduces anxiety and builds confidence in struggling learners
✓Small scale and attentive pastoral care enable rapid identification and support for emotional or learning difficulties
✓Strong GCSE outcomes despite alternative approach; pupils exceed expected progress
✓Healthy, resilient pupils; low bullying and high emotional literacy reported
✓Staff genuinely know every child and relationships are visibly strong
Common concerns
!Limited published sixth-form data; some parents uncertain about post-16 provision and university progression
!Rural location and day-only model limit accessibility for some families
!Small pupil cohort may restrict friendship diversity or subject breadth at GCSE
!Lack of Ofsted inspection history (ISI report only) means limited recent external validation