Welcome to Dartmouth Academy
At Dartmouth Academy, our guiding mission is simple yet powerful: Be your best self. We believe that our future successes are built on the work we do today, and every member of our community: staff, pupils, and families is committed to this shared purpose.
As an all-through Academy, we value the strength of long-lasting relationships with our pupils and their families. Our place at the heart of the community allows us to know every child personally, creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and supported.
Our core values of courage, compassion, and ambition shape everything we do. We encourage our pupils to be courageous in their learning, to show compassion in their interactions, and to pursue their goals with ambition and determination. These values are embedded in both our aspirational curriculum and the way we relate to each other every day.
We know that children flourish when they are truly seen and supported. Our staff create academically rich learning experiences while recognising and responding to the individual barriers each child may face. This approach ensures every pupil is given the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.
From the moment pupils join us in the Early Years Foundation Stage, we instil the belief that success is not defined by ability alone, but by the effort and resilience they bring to their learning. This belief is captured in the mantra we live by: Be Your Best Self.
Through a united effort between home and school, and with our unwavering commitment to courage, compassion, and ambition, we help every child become the best version of themselves—today and for the future they are building.
Paul Girardot
Principal
Latest News
View allDartmouth Academy Pupils Return From Borneo Adventure
Students from Dartmouth Academy experienced the trip of a lifetime during an excursion to Borneo this summer. Over four extraordinary weeks, 22 pupils swapped the classroom for the luscious landscapes of Borneo, an experience that tested their independence, built friendships and transformed the way they see the world.
As well as throwing themselves into community and conservation projects, pupils trekked into jungle camps and even dived with turtles off Mamutik Island. “We saw four of the Borneo Big Five,” one student, Millie, recalled. “The only one we missed was the pygmy elephant, but we saw everything else; crocodiles, monkeys, hornbills and orangutans - it was incredible.”
But this was no sightseeing holiday. The journey was built on two years of hard work, as every pupil was challenged to raise the £5,000 needed for the expedition themselves. The school organised raffles, bingos and sponsored walks, but it was the students’ own initiative that made the difference. Millie baked cakes to sell in her mum’s salon. Another student, Alec, sold jewellery and delivered logs during winter, while others took on part-time jobs, saving up to reach their goal.
“It took about two years to raise the money,” explained Year 11 pupil, Seren. “But that’s what made it so rewarding. We weren’t just handed this opportunity - we built it ourselves.”
Once in Borneo, the pupils turned their energy to helping rural communities. They played football with local children, taught English and worked alongside villagers on projects to support everyday life.
Dartmouth Academy has set its sights on the next expedition: a month-long trip to Cambodia in July 2027. The fundraising wheels are already in motion, with more fetes, fayres, sponsored walks and bingo nights planned.
Pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy want to thank the Dartmouth community for their ongoing support. For many students, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of local people.
Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:
“This wasn’t just a school trip, it was a transformation. Our pupils showed resilience, ambition and pride, not only in Borneo but in the years of fundraising that got them there. We are so proud of the way they embraced every challenge, from trekking through jungles to teaching in local communities. This is education at its very best.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:
“The Borneo expedition shows what’s possible when young people combine hard work with heart. These students proved that learning goes far beyond the classroom, and experiences like this truly change lives. We are excited to see Dartmouth Academy already planning for Cambodia in 2027, which promises to be another incredible opportunity for the next generation.”
Dartmouth Academy Pupils Return From Borneo Adventure Students from Dartmouth Academy experienced the trip of a lifetime during an excursion to Borneo this summer. Over four extraordinary weeks, 22 pupils swapped the classroom for the luscious landscapes of Borneo, an experience that tested their independence, built friendships and transformed the way they see the world. As well as throwing themselves into community and conservation projects, pupils trekked into jungle camps and even dived with turtles off Mamutik Island. “We saw four of the Borneo Big Five,” one student, Millie, recalled. “The only one we missed was the pygmy elephant, but we saw everything else; crocodiles, monkeys, hornbills and orangutans - it was incredible.” But this was no sightseeing holiday. The journey was built on two years of hard work, as every pupil was challenged to raise the £5,000 needed for the expedition themselves. The school organised raffles, bingos and sponsored walks, but it was the students’ own initiative that made the difference. Millie baked cakes to sell in her mum’s salon. Another student, Alec, sold jewellery and delivered logs during winter, while others took on part-time jobs, saving up to reach their goal. “It took about two years to raise the money,” explained Year 11 pupil, Seren. “But that’s what made it so rewarding. We weren’t just handed this opportunity - we built it ourselves.” Once in Borneo, the pupils turned their energy to helping rural communities. They played football with local children, taught English and worked alongside villagers on projects to support everyday life. Dartmouth Academy has set its sights on the next expedition: a month-long trip to Cambodia in July 2027. The fundraising wheels are already in motion, with more fetes, fayres, sponsored walks and bingo nights planned. Pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy want to thank the Dartmouth community for their ongoing support. For many students, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of local people. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “This wasn’t just a school trip, it was a transformation. Our pupils showed resilience, ambition and pride, not only in Borneo but in the years of fundraising that got them there. We are so proud of the way they embraced every challenge, from trekking through jungles to teaching in local communities. This is education at its very best.” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said: “The Borneo expedition shows what’s possible when young people combine hard work with heart. These students proved that learning goes far beyond the classroom, and experiences like this truly change lives. We are excited to see Dartmouth Academy already planning for Cambodia in 2027, which promises to be another incredible opportunity for the next generation.”
Dartmouth Academy Marks Youth Mental Health Day
Students and staff at Dartmouth Academy have marked Youth Mental Health Day (19th September) this month.
Mental health concerns for young people have multiplied in recent times. Today, a fifth of 8 to 25-year-olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Youth Mental Health Day aims to provide hope and positivity by getting young people engaged in discussions and activities about how to improve their mental health. Stem4, the UK's leading digital mental health charity for young people, is the founder of Youth Mental Health Day, which started in 2020.
Dartmouth Academy know that without good mental health children aren’t able to thrive in education. The school is pleased to have a team of mental health professionals on hand who regularly visit and speak with the entire school community. They also hold assemblies on how to achieve good mental health and provide a comprehensive programme of support to aid staff wellbeing.
Paul Girardot, Principal, at Dartmouth Academy, said:
"Good mental health is the foundation on which learning and personal growth are built. At Dartmouth Academy, we are committed to creating an environment where every young person feels supported, listened to, and able to flourish. Youth Mental Health Day is an important reminder that taking care of our wellbeing is just as vital as academic achievement."
Matthew Shanks, CEO, at Education South West said:
"Across Education South West, we recognise that schools play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health. Dartmouth Academy’s approach demonstrates the importance of providing early support, reducing stigma, and giving both students and staff the tools they need to thrive. We are proud to stand alongside them in supporting Youth Mental Health Day."
Dartmouth Academy Marks Youth Mental Health Day Students and staff at Dartmouth Academy have marked Youth Mental Health Day (19th September) this month. Mental health concerns for young people have multiplied in recent times. Today, a fifth of 8 to 25-year-olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Youth Mental Health Day aims to provide hope and positivity by getting young people engaged in discussions and activities about how to improve their mental health. Stem4, the UK's leading digital mental health charity for young people, is the founder of Youth Mental Health Day, which started in 2020. Dartmouth Academy know that without good mental health children aren’t able to thrive in education. The school is pleased to have a team of mental health professionals on hand who regularly visit and speak with the entire school community. They also hold assemblies on how to achieve good mental health and provide a comprehensive programme of support to aid staff wellbeing. Paul Girardot, Principal, at Dartmouth Academy, said: "Good mental health is the foundation on which learning and personal growth are built. At Dartmouth Academy, we are committed to creating an environment where every young person feels supported, listened to, and able to flourish. Youth Mental Health Day is an important reminder that taking care of our wellbeing is just as vital as academic achievement." Matthew Shanks, CEO, at Education South West said: "Across Education South West, we recognise that schools play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health. Dartmouth Academy’s approach demonstrates the importance of providing early support, reducing stigma, and giving both students and staff the tools they need to thrive. We are proud to stand alongside them in supporting Youth Mental Health Day."
Dartmouth Academy Attendance Surgery - School Support and Snacks
Dartmouth Academy Attendance Surgery - School Support and Snacks
Bright Futures Ahead: Local Students Embark on Ambitious Academic Journeys
Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were all smiles this morning as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 21st August 2025).
This year’s cohort have achieved fantastic results, reflecting their resilience, dedication, and the support of the entire Dartmouth Academy community. A group of high-achieving students are celebrating major academic milestones as they move on to exciting new chapters in their education.
Emelia, having successfully completed her GCSEs, has taken a bold step internationally by moving to Denmark to study the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB). Known for its academic rigor and global recognition, the IB program is an ideal fit for Emelia's ambition and global outlook.
Back in the UK, Laila was celebrating a collection of 7, 8 and 9 grades and is heading to grammar school sixth form where she will pursue A Levels, a pathway that reflects her strong academic foundation and focus for the future.
Noah collected grades 7 and 9s today and will be continuing his education at sixth form with a creative and analytical blend of Film Studies, Art & Design, and Mathematics, a unique combination that positions him well for careers in media, design, or digital arts.
Jesual, having achieved exactly what she needed for her future studies, is setting her sights firmly on the sciences, opting to study Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Her choices reflect a strong interest in understanding both the natural world and the human mind, paving the way toward a future in medicine or research.
These students represent the diversity of talent and aspiration in their community, and staff at Dartmouth Academy, as well as their families are rightly proud of their achievements. With each pursuing distinct but equally ambitious paths, they are certainly ones to watch in the years ahead.
At Dartmouth Academy, an all-through school for children aged 3 to 16, staff build deep, long-term relationships with pupils and families, making the school a true hub of the town.
It’s been a busy academic year at the school with pupils taking part in mock job interviews with members of Dartmouth Rotary, forging a new partnership with Dartmouth Community Chest and even starting a new youth council at the request of the town council. Pupils have also enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities including sailing on a 60 foot yacht and are off on trips to Paris and Borneo over the summer break.
Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:
"I am incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this year. Our mantra, ‘Be Your Best Self,’ is more than words, it’s a daily commitment. Our Year 11s have shown great maturity, effort and aspiration. We will miss them, but know they leave us ready for what’s next."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Congratulations to all the Dartmouth students receiving their results today – especially those who have been with us since nursery. It’s a privilege to support students through every step of their educational journey. We wish you all the very best in your next chapter."
Bright Futures Ahead: Local Students Embark on Ambitious Academic Journeys Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were all smiles this morning as they collected their GCSE results (Thursday 21st August 2025). This year’s cohort have achieved fantastic results, reflecting their resilience, dedication, and the support of the entire Dartmouth Academy community. A group of high-achieving students are celebrating major academic milestones as they move on to exciting new chapters in their education. Emelia, having successfully completed her GCSEs, has taken a bold step internationally by moving to Denmark to study the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB). Known for its academic rigor and global recognition, the IB program is an ideal fit for Emelia's ambition and global outlook. Back in the UK, Laila was celebrating a collection of 7, 8 and 9 grades and is heading to grammar school sixth form where she will pursue A Levels, a pathway that reflects her strong academic foundation and focus for the future. Noah collected grades 7 and 9s today and will be continuing his education at sixth form with a creative and analytical blend of Film Studies, Art & Design, and Mathematics, a unique combination that positions him well for careers in media, design, or digital arts. Jesual, having achieved exactly what she needed for her future studies, is setting her sights firmly on the sciences, opting to study Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Her choices reflect a strong interest in understanding both the natural world and the human mind, paving the way toward a future in medicine or research. These students represent the diversity of talent and aspiration in their community, and staff at Dartmouth Academy, as well as their families are rightly proud of their achievements. With each pursuing distinct but equally ambitious paths, they are certainly ones to watch in the years ahead. At Dartmouth Academy, an all-through school for children aged 3 to 16, staff build deep, long-term relationships with pupils and families, making the school a true hub of the town. It’s been a busy academic year at the school with pupils taking part in mock job interviews with members of Dartmouth Rotary, forging a new partnership with Dartmouth Community Chest and even starting a new youth council at the request of the town council. Pupils have also enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities including sailing on a 60 foot yacht and are off on trips to Paris and Borneo over the summer break. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:"I am incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this year. Our mantra, ‘Be Your Best Self,’ is more than words, it’s a daily commitment. Our Year 11s have shown great maturity, effort and aspiration. We will miss them, but know they leave us ready for what’s next." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:"Congratulations to all the Dartmouth students receiving their results today – especially those who have been with us since nursery. It’s a privilege to support students through every step of their educational journey. We wish you all the very best in your next chapter."