Sands School vs South Dartmoor Community College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South West, England, 1.0 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Sands School
Newton Abbot · Independent secondary · Ages 11–18
67 students
South Dartmoor Community College
Ashburton · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
801 students
| Measure | Sands School Newton Abbot, South West | South Dartmoor Community College Ashburton, South West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 4 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #399 of 402 | #131 of 402 |
| National rank | #4051 of 4,090 | #1452 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Independent | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 67 | 801 |
| Pupils on roll | 67 | 801 |
| Free school meals | – | 24.5% |
| Capacity filled | 79.8% | 46.9% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 14.3 | 47.7 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 0% | 51.7% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 0% | 67.5% |
| EBacc average points | 0.80 | 4.10 |
| A level points per entry | – | 33.2 |
| town | Newton Abbot | Ashburton |
| region | South West | South West |
| Website | www.sands-school.co.uk | www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk/ |
The verdict
- •South Dartmoor Community College scores higher on the Success Index (England) (60.6 vs 3.9).
- •South Dartmoor Community College is the larger school with 801 students compared with 67.
- •Sands School is a independent school while South Dartmoor Community College is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Sands School better than South Dartmoor Community College?
On the Success Index (England), South Dartmoor Community College ranks higher (60.6 vs 3.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Sands School and South Dartmoor Community College?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Newton Abbot and Ashburton in South West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Sands School: 67. South Dartmoor Community College: 801. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Sands School and South Dartmoor Community College rank in South West?
Sands School is 399th of 402 and South Dartmoor Community College is 131st of 402 among secondary schools in South West on the 2025 Success Index (England).