Honiton Community College is a comprehensive secondary academy school in Honiton, Devon, England. It was originally established as Honiton Secondary School in 1938, and converted to an academy in 2011. The school educates around 650 students, and employs approximately 150 staff. The current principal is Mrs Brothwood, who follows Alex Kirkbride, who follows Glenn Smith, who in turn, took up the post in September 2009 following the retirement of predecessor Norman Tyson.
The school held 'specialist' status in science from 2005 until the specialist schools programme ended in 2010.
Contents
Inspections
In 2022, the school was considered to have an overall effectiveness of 'requires improvement' by Ofsted. As of 2026, the school's most recent inspection was in 2024, with a judgement of Good.
Music
The school has a music department. Music clubs include a Russian Balalaika ensemble, a Japanese Taiko group, a House Band and a Rock School. The school's Honiton Music Centre is open to anyone living in the area. The school has a recording studio.
Campus and buildings
Parts of the college's physical estate date back to its founding in the late 1930s, and the school has faced a legacy of poor construction for much of its history. In 1993, former principal Norman Tyson described it as 'hut city', and the college was then believed to have had the highest number of temporary classrooms in Devon.
Capital investment of ~£5 million between 2011 and 2018 improved the school's infrastructure and facilities, with the introduction of a number of purpose-built facilities, including an AV suite, dance studio, gym, sports hall, and sixth form common area as well as a refurbishment of English and the old Science block.
Student activities
In September 2010, the school launched a student-led local radio station as 'Radio HCC' on 87.7FM (which has since stopped airing). Students at the school also have an inactive YouTube channel.
Controversy
In 2022, Andy Holt, vice-principal at Honiton Community College, was found guilty of bringing the profession into disrepute after buying drugs, condoms and underwear for a 20-year-old in exchange for sex.
Notable former students
Douglas Fordyce — acrobatic gymnast
Nathan Hannay - rugby union player
Aaron Jarvis — international rugby union player
David Lye — English cricketer
Maurice Setters — English football player and manager
Charlie Wright — rugby union player