Coombe Dean School Academy, opened in 1976, is a secondary school located on the outskirts of Plymouth, Devon, England. As of April 2018[update], it had 970 pupils. The school gained Specialist School status in September 2003. Ofsted awarded the school 'Outstanding' status in 2009 and 2012. However, in November 2018 the school received 'Requires Improvement'. The school’s latest Ofsted report, in March 2022, returned a grading of ‘Good’. Improvements to the school’s progress 8 outcomes have placed it favourably in the rankings of other non-selective Plymouth schools. The school’s progress outcomes for disadvantaged learners in 2023 were significantly above the national average. The school’s values are Community, Integrity and Opportunity. As a result of consistent positive performance, Coombe Dean School has established itself as a first choice for many parents living in the Plymstock area of Plymouth. Coombe Dean also attracts a significant number of applicants from other areas of the city due to the quality of education on offer. The school's lower year groups (Key Stage 3) are at capacity and demand is predicted to outstrip places available for Year 7 students in September 2024. As a high performing school, Coombe Dean was given the option to become an independent academy in 2010, which was actioned in September 2011.
In 2004, work started on building a larger hall, an all-weather AstroTurf pitch and an extended Mathematics facility with eight new classrooms. A new English block with geothermal heat pump was built in 2007 and renovations to the Technology block were completed in 2008. Also in July 2008, solar panels were integrated into the roof of the School Drama Hall. A new Post-16 block was built as an extension to the Art block in 2012, and an overhaul to the PE block was completed in the summer of 2013. The Science (C) block was renovated to a modern specification in 2013, and the Library (D) block has been updated and extended to incorporate an extended Student Services / Inclusion department (L block.)
The school offers The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and takes part in the annual Ten Tors event. Other applied learning events include; European exchange weeks, tall ships voyages and a sailing school.
During the Easters of 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017, students from the school visited Everest Base Camp to donate computer equipment and clothing to a Nepalese school.
