Suspensions at Paignton Academy have decreased by around 60 per cent since it adopted a new way of working alongside other schools in The Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

The new approach has also resulted in the number of days lost by suspension at the school falling by 70 per cent.

This is thanks to Torbay Council, through the Lodestar Academy, launching the secondary school locality model.

This follows on from the primary version of the model, which Torbay Council began trialling among pupils with additional needs in primary schools last year.

This means schools work collaboratively with other local schools to identify children’s needs and put support in place straight away.

The locality, or ‘area-based’, way of working focuses on suspension and exclusion in secondary schools.

There were 176 fewer suspensions at Paignton Academy in the autumn term and 80 fewer in the spring term, according to Principal Derwyn Williams.

There were 435 fewer days lost to suspensions in the autumn term and 176 fewer days lost in the spring term.

In 2022-23 there were 857 suspensions and 12 exclusions at Paignton Academy, the second highest in Devon.

Mr Williams said: “We had an action for improvement set by Ofsted in 2024.

“We’re working closely with the Lodestar Academy. If a student’s behaviour is causing concern, we work with the Lodestar Academy, who can provide intensive intervention work.

“Lodestar staff have also come into our school to train our staff about trauma-informed practices.

“As we are in the same Trust as both Lodestar and Brixham College, we enjoy exceptionally strong relationships with both schools to help lower suspensions.”

“It’s about offering layers of support before we get to suspension.”

Paignton Academy, Brixham College and Lodestar Academy are all in the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

Steven Hulme, Headteacher of the Lodestar Academy said “The success at Paignton has been achieved through the hard work of the staff at Paignton Academy and well supported by collaborative work between Torbay Council, Lodestar Academy and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. We are very much looking forward to expanding the project further for even greater impact across Torbay."

Mr Williams added that a key part of the reduction in suspensions was that the school had also worked on its vision and values and embedded those among pupils and staff. Assemblies and tutor time focus on its four values – community, ambition, relationships and excellence (CARE) – and staff receive ongoing training through daily and weekly professional development.

Mr Williams said: “As well as sanctions, we also offer praise and rewards for good behaviour linked to our core values. This helps develop a sense of belonging within our community.

“Visitors all comment now on how calm the school is and there has also been a marked impact on students’ attendance.

“Teachers say there is less disruption and vandalism has been eradicated.

“It’s a trial at the moment but we want to make it permanent. The data proves it’s working.”

Councillor Nick Bye, Torbay’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This locality way of working began as a trial last year and I’m glad to see it’s been extended to our secondary schools with such success.

“A 60 per cent reduction in suspensions in just two terms is a great achievement so well done to Mr Williams and his team for their commitment to making it work.

“Children with additional needs often need more help than others and it’s reassuring that schools have come together collectively to identify when that support is needed and then act on it quickly.

“Reducing suspensions and exclusions in secondary schools was identified as a priority action in our SEND local area partnership Ofsted inspection last year so it’s good we are making some progress on that.”