River Dart Academy
URN: 146735 • Dartington TQ9 6JD
Overview
- Name
- River Dart Academy
- URN
- 146735
- Type
- Academy alternative provision sponsor led
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Trust
- WAVE MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Special Measures
- Ranking score
- 34.8 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Tessa Claridge (since 2025)
- Telephone
- 01803865580
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Shinners Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6JD
Summary
River Dart Academy, located in Dartington, Devon, is an alternative provision academy designed to support pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream education. With a capacity of 40 and currently serving 37 students, the academy aims to provide a nurturing environment that fosters responsible citizenship and a lifelong love for learning. The school is committed to working closely with various external agencies to ensure that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support and guidance for successful reintegration into mainstream education.
The curriculum at River Dart Academy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each pupil, allowing for personalised educational experiences. This approach is complemented by a range of bespoke packages that are overseen by both Devon County Council and the academy itself, ensuring quality assurance in accordance with educational standards. The academy also places a strong emphasis on social and emotional well-being, with dedicated staff members, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, to support students effectively.
River Dart Academy operates from Monday to Thursday, 8:45 AM to 2:30 PM, and Friday, 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM, providing a structured yet flexible learning environment. The leadership team, including Principal Tessa Claridge, brings extensive experience in education, focusing on creating an excellent student experience and fostering a supportive community for all pupils.
The curriculum at River Dart Academy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each pupil, allowing for personalised educational experiences. This approach is complemented by a range of bespoke packages that are overseen by both Devon County Council and the academy itself, ensuring quality assurance in accordance with educational standards. The academy also places a strong emphasis on social and emotional well-being, with dedicated staff members, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, to support students effectively.
River Dart Academy operates from Monday to Thursday, 8:45 AM to 2:30 PM, and Friday, 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM, providing a structured yet flexible learning environment. The leadership team, including Principal Tessa Claridge, brings extensive experience in education, focusing on creating an excellent student experience and fostering a supportive community for all pupils.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- Staff Information (governance)
- Details (sen)
- Details (sen)
- RDA SEND Information Report (sen)
- View (sen)
- River Dart AP SEND accessibility plan 2024 2027 (sen)
- View (sen)
- SEN Policies (sen)
- Latest News (calendar)
Nearby alternatives
- Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd t/a the Libra School (80.7)
- Acorn School (67.6)
- The Greater Horseshoe School (65.8)
- Dame Hannah Rogers School (62.8)
- Vranch House School (61.3)
Key details
- LA
- Devon
- Age range
- 5 - 16
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- WAVE MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Capacity
- 40
- Pupils
- 37
- Boys
- 20
- Girls
- 17
- FSM %
- 64.90
- Open date
- 2018-11-01
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-01-11
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Devon
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 37 | 20 | 17 | 40 | 64.90 |
| 2024-09-11 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 40 | 68.40 |
| 2023-09-11 | 25 | 14 | 11 | 40 | 48.00 |
| 2022-09-11 | 25 | 14 | 11 | 40 | 48.00 |
| 2021-09-11 | 23 | 16 | 7 | 40 | 56.50 |
| 2020-09-11 | 24 | 24 | 0 | 40 | 29.20 |
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