The Greater Horseshoe School

About The Greater Horseshoe School

We are an independent special school situated in a peaceful woodland setting near Newton Abbot in Devon. We offer a unique tailored programme for every child, combining a therapeutic approach, outdoor learning and individual academic and vocational programmes to suit each young person. We are committed to providing the best education for young people with complex needs.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Peta Hewitt

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.0

Teaching Quality 4.7

Communication 4.3

Student Wellbeing 5.0

Facilities 4.7

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

20.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Good

2.8

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

Note: Progress 8 scores are not available for 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years due to COVID-19 impact on prior attainment data.

Additional Information

1 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily M Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 1, 2022

5.0

"Outstanding School for Complex Needs"

I'm so grateful to have sent my son to The Greater Horseshoe School. The care farm is wonderful and the staff are truly dedicated to helping children with complex needs thrive. I've seen him grow in confidence and academic ability and I couldn't be happier with the school's individualised approach. The Thrive Approach is making a real difference in his life.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

R

Rachel T Unconfirmed

Parent May 25, 2022

4.0

"Mixed Experience"

My daughter has been at The Greater Horseshoe School for a few years now and while I appreciate the school's commitment to individualised learning, I've had some concerns about consistency in teaching and communication with parents. The care farm is lovely and the staff are generally supportive, but I feel like the school could do more to engage with parents and keep us informed.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 3/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 3/5

Helpful

J

James W Unconfirmed

Parent Mar 20, 2022

5.0

"Fantastic Care and Education"

The Greater Horseshoe School has been a game-changer for my daughter. The support staff are amazing and the teaching is tailored to her needs. The school farm and outdoor activities have given her a love of learning and a sense of purpose. We're so grateful to be part of the school community.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

S

Sarah K Unconfirmed

Parent Oct 15, 2021

5.0

"A Lifeline for My Son"

I'm so glad I found The Greater Horseshoe School for my son. He was struggling in mainstream education and the school's individualised approach helped him to flourish. The staff were always available to talk and the school's values of kindness and empathy resonated with me. I wish I'd known about the school sooner.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful