Chances Educational Support Services
School summary
With just 15 pupils on roll, Chances Educational Support Services is among the smallest independent schools in Devon, offering a notably personal setting in Dawlish. Nearly half the pupils receive SEN support, which suggests a focus on tailored teaching and close attention to individual needs. Led by headteacher Mr Gary Hayes, the school is co-educational, takes pupils from age 11 and operates without a religious character. Families looking for a small, supportive environment rather than a large mainstream school may find it particularly worth considering.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Teaching & academics
Teaching takes place on a very small scale, with the entire roll standing at around 15 pupils, which allows for highly individual attention. The school admits at 11 and offers 11+ entry. It is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
Head · Mr Gary Hayes
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 46.67%
- EHC plans
- 13.33%
Schools nearby
Trinity School
South West
Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education
Exmouth, South West
St Peter's Preparatory School
Exmouth, South West
Exeter Pre-Prep School
Exminster, Exeter, Devon, South West
Abbey School
Torquay, South West
Fieldstone School
Devon, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A tiny, specialist-feel independent where almost half of pupils receive SEN support - one for families who want close, individual attention over the scale of a larger school.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
Chances Educational Support Services 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.