Founded in 1633, Exeter School occupies a 25-acre site, located within a mile of the city centre, having moved from its original location in the High Street in 1880. Some of its well-designed buildings date from that time but many new buildings have been added over the past 20 years and the school now enjoys first-rate facilities on a very attractive open site.
The school is fully co-educational and offers education to boys and girls from 7 to 18. It has its own junior school of around 200 pupils, nearly all of whom transfer to the senior school at the age of 11. The senior school has around 720 pupils, including a sixth form of 220. (For further information about Exeter Junior School, see entry in IAPS section.) The New School joined the Exeter School family in March 2021 and rebranded as Exeter Pre-Prep School in September 2023. This offers a co-educational nursery and pre-prep experience for girls and boys aged 3–7 meaning that Exeter School is now a complete through-school.
Exeter School is a well-run setting with high all-round standards and very good academic results – four out of the UK’s 126 pupils that achieved 11 grade 9s at GCSE in 2023 were Exeter School pupils. It prides itself on strong cultural, sporting and extracurricular achievement. Its music is outstanding and there is a strong tradition of performance drawn from all age groups, with over 500 instrumental lessons a week being covered by 26 visiting music teachers. It offers a very wide range of sports and maintains consistently high standards especially in hockey, rugby and cricket. It is well placed for outdoor pursuits (e.g. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and Ten Tors on Dartmoor) and has its own very large voluntary CCF unit. The school is closely involved with the life of the City of Exeter and its university, and it has a substantial commitment to support the local community.
Buildings, grounds and general facilities. The senior school block includes a large multipurpose assembly hall, a library, a private study area, dining hall and Sixth Form Centre as well as many well-appointed classrooms. The Sixth Form Centre was innovatively overhauled in 2024 to bring more study spaces, pupil-focused café space and central meeting area as well as a games room and wellbeing area. A major refurbishment of the former boarding accommodation including a new library and study centre was completed for September 2006 and the outdoor swimming pool has been transformed into a welcoming admissions reception in 2022. There are separate buildings on the site housing the Chapel, the Music School, the Science Centre, Art Studio, Drama Studio, Design and Technology Centre and Exonian Centre. The Science Centre provides 14 laboratories and there are four fully equipped computer rooms with innovative renovations being rolled out constantly. In 2005, the school opened a new dance studio and a fitness suite to add to the existing sports facilities of a large modern well-equipped Sports Hall with its own squash courts and access to on-site floodlit all-weather sports arena, top-grade all-weather tennis/netball courts and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, built in 2017. The playing fields, which are immediately adjacent to the school buildings, are well kept and provide, in season, rugby, cricket, hockey, football, rounders and athletics areas. The junior school, which was extended in 2017 to provide additional changing room facilities and a STEAM room for DT, science and cookery, has access to all the senior school facilities but is self-contained on the estate. The playground benefitted from a substantial refurbishment over the summer of 2021, including bespoke wooden playground equipment and an outdoor classroom.
Admission. The majority of pupils enter the pre-prep first and transfer up to Exeter School at age 7. If transferring into Exeter School from another institute, they mostly enrol into the junior school at 7 or 9 and the senior school at 11 or 13. Admission is also possible at other ages where space allows and a significant number of pupils join at the age of 16 for sixth-form studies.
Entrance to the junior school is by assessment in January. This includes a report from the child’s previous school, classroom sessions in the company of other prospective pupils, and literacy and numeracy tasks.
Entrance examinations for the senior school are held in January.
Assessment for entry to the sixth form at 16 is by interview and a report from the applicant’s previous school. Dedicated interview days are held monthly from December to March each year and the entry requirement is a minimum of 3 passes at grade 7 and 3 passes at grade 6 at GCSE, including English and mathematics, with normally a grade 7–9 in the subjects chosen for study.
Registration fee: £150 (£100 for Pre-Prep).
Fees per term (2024-2025). Junior School: Years 3 & 4 £4,575, Years 5 & 6 £4,825. Senior School: £5,845.
Sibling discount of 5% for the second child and 10% for the third or subsequent child attending concurrently. Fees are collected termly.
Scholarships and financial awards. Academic scholarships for 7+ pupils new to Exeter Junior School are awarded based on the results of the entrance assessments sat in January of the year of entry. Exeter School offers a range of scholarship opportunities to pupils who are talented in their chosen discipline. Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ for pupils who show excellence in art, drama, music, and sport. Academic scholarships for pupils new to Exeter School are awarded based on the results of the entrance assessments sat in January of the year of entry. All registered candidates for the 11+, 13+ and 16+ examinations are automatically considered for an academic scholarship or exhibition based on their performance in the examinations and interviews.
Bursaries are means-tested awards based on parental circumstances and are awarded on an annual basis. They are available to external candidates who meet the school’s academic entry requirement and whose parents could not afford to send their child to Exeter School without financial assistance.
Free places: As part of its bursary programme, Exeter School is able to offer up to nine free places in the senior school and sixth form as a result of donations and legacies from former pupils and grants from a local charity.
Curriculum. In the first three years in the senior school, all pupils take English, history, geography, two modern foreign languages (French, German or Spanish), classical studies, mathematics, IT, physics, chemistry, biology, art, design technology, drama, music and religious and physical education. After this there is a wide choice of subjects at GCSE level, including English, one compulsory modern foreign language, mathematics, dual or triple award science and three of the following: Latin, French, German, Spanish, classical civilisation, religious studies, history, geography, music, drama, art, design and technology, and computer science.
Pupils enter the sixth form choosing over 20 different subjects for A level study and are prepared for university scholarships, university entrance and admission to other forms of further education or vocational training. Over 95% go on annually to degree courses.
Houses. There are five pupil houses. Each is under the personal care of a Head of House and his/her deputy, with whom parents are invited to keep in touch on any matter affecting their child’s general development and progress throughout the school.
Religion. All pupils attend religious education classes, which include sixth-form discussion groups.
Games. Rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, athletics, dance, cross-country, tennis, badminton, squash, shooting, basketball, netball and golf. Further activities are available for the sixth form, including football and multi-gym sessions. Recent sports tours have included a trip to Canada.
Community and other service. All pupils learn to serve the community. Many choose to take part in social service, helping old people and the handicapped young. There is a voluntary CCF Contingent with thriving RN, Army and RAF Sections. The CCF offers a large variety of outdoor activities, including adventure training camps, Ten Tors Expedition training as well as specialist courses. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
Music. Pupils are taught singing and musical appreciation and are encouraged to learn musical instruments. More than one third of all pupils have individual lessons on at least one instrument. There are four orchestras, a Choral Society which annually performs a major work in Exeter Cathedral, and four choirs, three jazz bands, and numerous smaller groups from string quartets to rock bands. There are 26 visiting instrumental teachers. Over 20 public concerts are given each year. Recent summer music trips have included Barcelona, Salzburg and New York.
Drama. Drama is developed both within and outside the curriculum. The School Hall with its large and well-equipped stage provides for the dual purpose of studio workshop and the regular production of plays and musicals. The refurbished Drama Studio is used for smaller productions.
There are three productions every year: the senior school play operates on a three-year rotation (Shakespeare, straight play, musical), embracing a variety of styles, genres and challenges; the lower school play (Years 7–11) is performed in the summer term in the main school hall and offers a very exciting opportunity for pupils to get on stage and show their talents and the Middle Fifth play, which is performed in February in the drama studio, is open to Year 10 only, meaning actors don’t miss out in the transition between the seniors and the juniors. The drama department hosts National Youth Theatre auditions every year and has introduced LAMDA as an extracurricular option.
Art and Design. Art lessons are given to junior and senior forms. Apart from the formal disciplines of GCSE and A level, which can be taken by those who choose, all pupils have opportunity for artistic expression in painting, print-making, photography and construction in many materials. All younger pupils learn to develop craft skills in wood, metal and plastic and to use them creatively in design work. Some then follow GCSE or A level courses in design and technology. There is an annual art exhibition in July.
Expeditions. Throughout the school, a large number of residential field trips and expeditions take place each year including a Third Form residential camping on the school field, various departmental excursions, several foreign exchanges and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions. In recent summers, the school has run its own adventure trips to Namibia, Peru, Vietnam, the Himalayas, Cuba and Borneo. There is a programme of major and minor sports tours.
Societies and clubs. Pupils are encouraged to pursue their interests by joining one of the school societies. Groups of enthusiasts can form new societies or clubs, but the following are at present available: art, badminton, basketball, chess, Choral Society, computing, dance, drama, electronics, model railway, MUN, music, politics, shooting and squash.
Social. Close contact is maintained with the city and the university. Association between members of the school and the wider society outside is fostered wherever opportunity offers.
The staff believe strongly in the value of association with parents, who are invited to meetings annually throughout their sons’ or daughters’ time at the school. A termly lecture by a visiting speaker is provided for parents.
Careers. Careers education begins at the age of 7 and continues on a progressive programme until pupils leave the school. Careers evenings are held annually when pupils and their parents have the opportunity to consult representatives of the professions, industry and commerce. A work experience programme is organised for Year 11 pupils each summer, and a scheme of mock interviews with career professionals for pupils in the sixth form. A major Careers Convention is held at the school each Autumn for pupils from Years 9 to 13.
Honours. Pupils regularly gain admission to Oxford and Cambridge. The school encourages application to the leading universities, including the Russell and 1994 Groups.
Leading musicians have gained places at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music.
Charitable status. Exeter School is a Registered Charity, number 1093080, and a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England, number 04470478. Registered Office: Victoria Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS.
Governors & Staff:
Patrons:
The Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon
The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Exeter
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter
Governors:
Gillian Hodgetts (Chair)
Claire Baillie (Vice-Chair)
Adrian Burbanks (Vice-Chair)
Catherine Gibaud (Vice-Chair)
Helen Clark
Stephen Hodder
Ikenna Iroche
Michael Johnson
Dominic Kalantary
Richard May
David McGahey
Head: Ms L A Simpson
Deputy Head: Miss A Dunning
Deputy Head: G S Bone
Assistant Head, Enrichment and community: Miss B Rose
Assistant Head, Head of Sixth Form: Mr L Chu
Director of Learning and Teaching: Mr P Fennemore
Assistant Staff:
* Head of Department
[OE] Old Exonian
Art & Design:
*Mrs J Brewer
Ms C Brownsey
Mrs J H Rafferty-White
Biology:
*Mrs J H Metcalf
Mr P J C Boddington
Mrs K A Coe
Mrs A C Johnson
Ms M E Montagu
Mrs J M Seaton-Burn
Business and Economics:
*Mr S Mackintosh
Mr P Bell
Chemistry:
*Dr S P Smale (CCF Contingent Commander and Head of RAF section, CCF)
Mr S Larkham
Mr P I O'Connor
Mrs F J Tamblyn
Ms D H Wilson
Classical Subjects:
*Mr H Drew
Dr E L Keane
Mrs S T Trica
Computer Science:
*Ms A O Pinches
Mr G J McGrath
Ms S Morgan
Design Technology
*Mr R A Collard
Mr L Mc Menamin
Drama:
*Mr J S Brough
Mr C C Harknett
Electronics:
*Mr M E Schramm (see Physics)
Mr M Commin
English:
*Miss J A Wilson
Mrs J H Daybell
Mr P Fennemore
Mr C O'Rooke
Mrs K L Ridler-Murray
Mr E J Seaton-Burn
Ms E Stone
Geography:
*Mr S Munday
Ms A Harris
Mr P M Hyde
Miss M Nye
Mrs A Roff
Mrs H M Sail
Careers and Higher Education:
Mrs M Szender
History:
*Ms A Harris
Mr R J Baker
Mrs S Bartholomew
Mrs A-J Culley
Miss M Nye
Mr P Pugh
Mrs M F Sheehan
Languages:
*Ms L Trotman
Mr R A Charters
Mr L Chu
Mrs N H R Cushion
Miss A Dunning (see Deputy Heads)
Ms A Dworak
Mrs A M Francis
Mr M F Latimer
Mrs D D S Masters
Mrs E Pomares-Sempere
Ms C Sewell
Ms C Vo Van Qui
Mrs S C Wilson
Learning Support:
Mrs H E Coogan
Mrs A L Reeves (Head of RN Section, CCF)
Mathematics:
*Mr M Worthy
Miss A C Blackmore
Mrs E V Cartwright
Mr M F C Glanville
Mr B M Hall
Ms M McCluskey
Ms Y Osborne
Mr A J Reynolds
Mr K Whitehead
Music:
*Mr P Tamblyn (Director of Music)
Mr G M Davies (Assistant Director of Music)
Mr P J Adcock
Mrs R Allnatt
Mr D Bowen
Mr M R Cann
Mr S J Crossen
Mr A Daldorph
Ms S Dean
Ms C Hayek
Ms E Kirwan
Ms R Molins
Mr D Nair
Ms A Northcott
Mrs R L Willson
Physical Education:
*Mr D J Gibson (Director of Sport)
Mr G Ashman
Miss A Barnes
Miss L Barnes
Miss S Brook
Miss L Didon
Mrs H L Hayden
Mr I Hopkins
Miss E Horn
Miss B G Johnson
Mr E P M Jones
Mr T Maidment
Mr T N Ross
Mr I Sharpe
Mr G Skinner [OE]
Physics:
*Mr D L N Tuohey
Mr G S Bone (see Deputy Heads)
Dr M J Commin
Mr S Larkham
Dr G B N Robb (Master i/c Aquatics)
Mr M E Schramm
Mr D I Trim (Head of Army Section, CCF)
Mrs H Wilson
Psychology:
*Mrs C Gooddy
Mrs A M Godfroy
Religious Studies:
*Mr J F M Gooddy
Mrs J M K Murrin
Miss B V Rose (see Deputy Heads)
Junior School
Headmistress: Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk
Deputy Head: Mr J S Wood
Assistant Staff:
Ms A Ager
Mrs H E Coogan
Miss E C Cox
Mr A P Cunningham
Mr C Dutch
Mr R W I Evans
Mrs C H Handley
Mrs L L Hardy
Mrs K L Jones
Mrs S S Morgan
Mr R J Pidwell
Mrs H D Russell
Ms S Withers
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: M C M MacEacharn
Head of Finance: Mrs A Rowley
Operations Manager: C A Stewart
Director of Development and Alumni: Miss A S A Holohan
Director of Admissions and Marketing: Mrs E S Williams
Admissions Manager: Mrs A O C Irons
Communications Manager: Mrs L K Bates
Headmaster’s PA: Mrs K Leach
Bursar’s PA: Mrs L M Stewart
Information Manager: Mr A D R Carter
Network Manager: Mr P D Sprake
Librarian: Mr T Halpin
School Nurse: Mrs L J Barlass