Welcome to Dawlish College.
It continues to be an absolute privilege to be the Headteacher at Dawlish College – the staff and students are second to none and take all of life’s challenges in their stride. Despite current uncertainties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to hold onto our core purpose in all that we do. Behind all of the decisions taken and measures put in place sits the balance between keeping staff and students safe whilst also providing them with a varied and exciting school experience.
Dawlish College is a vibrant and exciting place to be, where we have the highest expectations of staff and students alike and seek to provide challenge at every available opportunity. As a small school, we have a very proud record of holistic support, care and individual attention: the happiness and well-being of our students is of paramount importance and is a vital foundation for their growth and development. Our college has an atmosphere of creativity and positivity that is generated by the provision of excellent opportunities for every individual thereby maximising the outcomes and improving the life chances of the young people in our care.
As a parent myself, I understand that you want your child to be inspired, supported and challenged to be the best version of themselves within an environment that knows them and values them as an individual. Thank you for entrusting me with the care and education of your child, present or future, and I look forward to unlocking their ambitions as I get to know them and work closely with you.
S Banks
Headteacher
Exams are an unavoidable part of education and so Dawlish College is committed to ensuring that students from Year 7 onwards are given the right support and preparation to fulfill their academic potential and increase their life chances.
A key part of the preparation is that students will experience ‘low stakes’ tests in exam conditions from Year 7. These will be stage-appropriate and build in length and number as students move up through the College. These are essential in order to introduce students to the rigour of examinations so that they become accustomed to the environment thereby reducing stress and anxiety in Year 11.
Dawlish College will support students and their parents, carers and guardians in preparing for GCSE exams in a number of ways beyond the classroom. During the options process in year 8 there will be advice and guidance about the final examinations for each subject. In Years 10 and 11 there are Parent Support Evenings to provide further advice and guidance. The College also provides a comprehensive range of after-college sessions and weekend and holiday workshops to complement students’ independent revision.
Exams take place for different year groups at various times so please refer to the Key Dates for specific information.
For GCSE examination timetables and information please click on the links below. Students will be issued with their personal timetables early on in the year of entry.
Information for Candidates – Non-Examination Assessments
Information for Candidates – Written Examinations
Information for Candidates – Social Media
Information for Candidates - On Screen Examinations
Candidate Absence Policy
Candidate Late Arrival Policy
Privacy notices:
Pearson
In order that students are not disadvantaged in public examinations and internal assessments, Access Arrangements are considered so that all students can demonstrate their underlying ability in line with their peers. This particularly focuses on students with a special educational need but can include, on occasions, medical needs or social, emotional and mental health issues. As a College we follow the processes and procedures as stipulated by the Joint Council for Qualifications.
Results Day is Thursday 21st August 2025 and takes place in the Millennium Hall from 10:00 until 12:00.
Results cannot be given over the telephone or emailed, they must be collected in person by the candidate or by a nominated person. The nominated person must have a signed letter from the candidate authorising them to collect their results. Without written permission from the candidate we cannot release the results.
Internal Assessment
Dawlish College uses two types of assessment (or marking): Formative and summative.
The purpose of summative assessment is to reach a judgement, mark or grade based on a piece of work or an exam. The ultimate summative assessments are the GCSE exams: you get awarded a grade based on how you did that day and there is no opportunity to improve. We will use summative assessments at key points in the college year, however formative assessment is much more useful in helping students to make progress.
The purpose of formative assessment is to enable students to improve their knowledge, skill or application. This form of assessment results in either, the student doing something different to have a positive impact on their progress, the teacher doing something different to have a positive impact on the student’s progress or both of these at the same time.
Each subject area works slightly differently due to timescales, content and frequency of contact. However our approach to assessment is as follows:
Internal Appeals Procedure (Reviews of results and appeals) 2023-2024 | PDF
Internal Appeals Procedure (Internal assessment decisions) 2023-2024 | PDF
Internal Appeals; Deadlines, timescales and forms | PDF
At Dawlish College we know that we need to work together with parents, carers and guardians to support our young people to achieve excellence. We therefore actively encourage home-college engagement and are ready to discuss your child’s performance and progression at any time: Parents’ Evenings and by telephone or e-mail at any time throughout the year. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s academic progress and attainment, please contact the College.