Devon School is an independent specialist provision for 7 to 18 year olds with Social, Emotional and Mental health needs based in Paignton in South Devon. We have two school campuses; one in Paignton and one in Buckfastleigh. Our Paignton campus is our main school campus and this is where the majority of academic lessons and therapeutic interventions take place. Our Buckfastleigh campus: Project Compass is our vocational campus where have our catering kitchen, our fam and forest schools, our ICT suite and DT facilities. 

At our school we adopt and use the relational behaviour model which is the approach from Trauma Informed Schools.  Our staff team build strong positive relationships based on mutual respect and trust and ensure that students are valued allowing them to thrive within our school. We use a positive reinforcement approach to encourage positive behaviour in School and celebrate every achievement for our students.

We offer a rich and varied curriculum that we are able to tailor to individual students needs and interests offering a range of both academic and vocational elements. Timetables are tailored to each individual to ensure they have the best opportunities available to them to make good progress and fulfil their potential. Our school supports the national curriculum building strong Literacy and Numeracy skills, underpinned by a whole school approach to emotional wellbeing, to ensure students are able to fully access the range of subjects and opportunities available to them. Students are able to access a range of qualifications including GCSE’s, Functional Skills, BTECs and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. We pride ourselves on our nurturing approach and the sense of community within our school, creating an environment in which students can thrive, students have access to a range of pastoral interventions such as Thrive, Emotional literacy and Talkabout.

Personal development is a core element of our school and students are actively encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities that enrich their experiences.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development as well as fundamental British Values are embedded across our curriculum and our school.