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OpenOfsted: GoodURN 144031

The Lodestar Academy

Academy alternative provision sponsor led · Torquay · TQ2 8JE

Ages 11–16 · 38 pupils · Torbay

Ofsted

Good

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

Read full report

Headline

Good

Inspection date

2023-11-21

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding effective
Yes

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill68%

38 pupils · 56 places

Pupils on roll
38
Boys / girls
18 / 20
School capacity
56
Capacity fill
38 / 56 (68%)
Free school meals
76.3%
FSM pupils
29
Gender
Mixed
School type
Academy alternative provision sponsor led

Age range

Ages 11–16

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

1 / 6

  • Nursery
  • Sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Governance
Academy trust: THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
Academy trust
THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
Sponsor
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
Headteacher
Mr Steven Hulme

Location

Address
South Parks Road
Postcode
TQ2 8JE
Town
Torquay
County
Devon
Local authority
Torbay
District
Torbay
Constituency
Torbay
Urban/rural
Urban: Further from a major town or city

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed academy alternative provision sponsor led, Ages 11–16, in Torquay, Torbay, 38 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: academy. Free school meals: 76.3%.

Open schools in Torquay
28
Academies among open schools in Torquay
68% (19)
Open schools in TQ2
13
Open schools in Torbay LA
47

Nearby schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseAll in TorquayNear TQ2

  • Lift Barton Hill

    Ofsted: Good

    Academy sponsor led · Primary

    Torquay · TQ2 8JA · Torbay

    Ages 3–11

    • KS263%
    • Absence6.2%
    • FSM39.0%

    0.2 miles away

  • Torquay Academy

    Ofsted: Standards maintained

    Academy sponsor led · Secondary

    Torquay · TQ2 7NU · Torbay

    Ages 11–18

    • Att844.6
    • P80.0
    • EM5+47%
    • Absence10.5%

    0.6 miles away

  • St Cuthbert Mayne School

    Ofsted: Not judged

    Voluntary aided school · Secondary

    Torquay · TQ1 4RN · Torbay

    Ages 11–18

    • Att837.3
    • P8-0.8
    • EM5+21%
    • Absence15.8%

    0.6 miles away

  • Watcombe Primary School

    Ofsted: Good

    Community school · Primary

    Torquay · TQ2 8NU · Torbay

    Ages 3–11

    • KS257%
    • Absence7.1%
    • FSM34.3%

    0.8 miles away

  • Combe Pafford School

    Ofsted: School remains Good

    Academy special converter

    Torquay · TQ2 8NL · Torbay

    Ages 8–19

    • Att84.7
    • P8-1.4
    • EM5+0%
    • Absence9.3%

    0.8 miles away

  • Torre Church of England Academy

    Ofsted: Strong standard

    Academy converter · Primary

    TORQUAY · TQ1 4DN · Torbay

    Ages 3–11

    • KS276%
    • Absence5.2%
    • FSM26.4%

    0.9 miles away

  • St Margaret's Academy

    Ofsted: School remains Good

    Academy converter · Primary

    Torquay · TQ1 4PA · Torbay

    Ages 4–11

    • KS252%
    • Absence6.3%
    • FSM28.5%

    0.9 miles away

Contact

Headteacher
Mr Steven Hulme
Telephone
03333602240

Official links