Exeter School Review: Rankings, Fees And More
Exeter School is a highly rated, independent co-educational day school located in Exeter, Devon. The school enjoys a stunning backdrop with its expansive 25-acre field is well-equipped with world-class educational facilities. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of what makes Exeter School stand out among the rest.
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Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 7-18
- Pupils: 900
- Fees: £13,200 – £16,710 (Day Fee, Per Annum)
- 2023 A-Level Results: 61% A*-A
- 2023 GCSE Results: 73% 9-7
Table of Contents
Exeter School Overview
Exeter School consists of the Junior School and Senior school, which provides quality education programmes in line with the UK education system. The school enrols boys and girls aged between 7-18.
With roots tracing back to 1633, the now independent day school was first opened as the Exeter Free Grammar school, financed by wealthy Exeter Merchants.
Today, it continues its longstanding tradition of academic excellence and quality teaching standards. These standards are evident in their recent A Level and GCSE results, where students performed exceptionally well.
Outside of academics, you can find a wide range of extracurricular activities ranging from sports and arts to club activities and school expeditions.
Former pupils, known as ‘Old Exonians’ are celebrated and have built amazing careers as scientists, academicians, actors and actresses and politicians.
Exeter School Courses And Programmes
Exeter School offers a diverse range of courses tailored to students at different stages of their education journey.
At Junior School students embark on a comprehensive educational journey aimed at fostering their intellectual curiosity and holistic development. Core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities form the backbone of the curriculum, providing a solid foundation for academic growth. Additionally, students engage in enriching activities in art, music, physical education, and modern foreign languages, nurturing their creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. The Junior School’s nurturing environment and dedicated teaching staff ensure that students thrive academically and emotionally as they begin their educational journey.
At Exeter’s Senior School, students undertake a challenging and stimulating curriculum designed to prepare them for success in their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. Core subjects including English language, English literature, mathematics, and science are complemented by a diverse range of options such as humanities, modern foreign languages, arts, and physical education.
At Sixth Form, a wide range of A Levels subjects are offered, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Studies are rigorous and comprehensive, designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at the tertiary education level and beyond. BTEC is also offered, where pupils gain skills and knowledge in their subject area, then put those skills into practice in real-life scenarios. There is some flexibility in the course, so you can choose to study a BTEC alongside A Levels.
Overall, the Sixth Form experience at Exeter School empowers students to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Exeter School Application Deadline
In general, applications for should be submitted to the school by September in the year prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2024 or January 2025 should be submitted before September 2023.
We highly recommended using the school’s admission tool to identify the nearest upcoming deadline.
Exeter School Rankings And Results
In 2023, 61% of A Level grades were A*-A and 73% of GCSE grades were 9-7. These outstanding results highlight the students’ hard work as well as the high academic standards of the school. The school ranked 46 and 99 respectively in the A Levels League Table for 2023 and GCSE League Table for 2023.
Exeter School Fees
For the 2023/2024 academic year, the annual school fees are as follows:
- Junior School (Year 3 and 4) – £13,200
- Junior School (Year 5 and 6) – £13,800
- Senior School – £16,710
Exeter School Entry Requirements
Spots at Exeter School are extremely limited and selection is based on academic merit and on an assessment of the student’s likely positive contribution to the school. As such, parents are encouraged to enquire early.
The usual requirements apply, such as past academic transcripts, entrance interviews, verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests, minimum subject grade requirements and more.
Exeter School Reviews
“Highly rated school with excellent facilities and grounds.”
“We love Exeter School. We have 2 girls and a boy there and it is great for all of them. There are slightly more boys than girls, but we don’t mind that and it doesn’t feel like a boys’ school.”
“Children feel listened to, respected and secure in their environment. Pupils we met were impressively open – chatty, kind and empathetic to each other and the adults around them. A true accolade to a school that is getting things right pastorally, with ‘happy children learn well’ an oft repeated mantra among staff we met.”
Exeter School Houses
There are ten houses in total: Acland, Buller, Collins, Crossing, Daw, Dowrich, Drake, Goff, Raleigh, and Townsend.
Each house is led by an experienced head of house and supported by a team, including the deputy head of house and two house tutors.
These staff members provide academic, social, and emotional support, ensuring individualised guidance for pupils from the Fourth Form (Year 8) to the Upper Sixth (Year 13). Daily interactions with house staff allow for personalised support tailored to each pupil’s needs. House staff serve as the primary contact for parents and support pupils throughout their school journey, all the way to graduation.
Weekly house meetings foster a strong sense of community, enabling pupils to connect with peers across different year groups. This structure promotes close-knit relationships within the school.
A vibrant calendar of house activities, including charity events, house dance, music, and sporting competitions, further strengthens support networks and encourages lasting friendships.
Exeter School Pastoral Care
Exeter School is committed to creating a warm and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their best selves. The school believes that a strong foundation in pastoral support is essential for fostering personal growth and developing resilience.
As such, caring form tutors, a team of well-qualified teaching assistants, a qualified Thrive practitioner, and a learning support coordinator offer advice, guidance, and a sympathetic ear. For newcomers, Specialist Form tutors work to ensure new pupils feel supported and quickly integrate into the community.
Overall, the school is ready to support each child’s journey and help them become confident, well-rounded individuals.
Exeter School Extracurricular Activities
Beyond academics, Exeter School has everything a student needs to thrive holistically and to nurture their passions and interests.
Sports
Sports play a big role in the school’s day-to-day schedule. The school features a 25-acre site which includes playing fields, a set of hockey astro-turfs as well as stellar indoor facilities consisting of a 25m indoor pool, sports hall and fitness suite. Students can choose from a wide variety of sports such as cricket, football, squash, rugby and tennis.
Music
The music department is extensive and offers specialist classrooms, 18 practice rooms, and a concert hall. Annually, the school hosts contemporary and classical concerts at the school and throughout the region. The school also provides instrumental lessons for students who wish to hone their skills.
Art
For the aspiring artists, the school offers opportunities for all pupils to develop love and awareness for art. Pupils are encouraged to explore different art techniques through lessons, art clubs, art projects and masterclasses. The school also regularly hosts art exhibitions, featuring artwork and projects created by students.
Drama
At the junior and senior level, the school encourages involvement in drama through the bi-annual productions. Students can be involved through a variety of roles, such as performers, prop managers, production crew or even running the tech desk.
Clubs and Societies
With dozens of clubs and societies to choose from, students have the opportunity to pursue their passions and make new friends. Some popular clubs and societies include:
- Art Club
- Astronomy
- Board Games Club
- Chess
- Choir
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Electronics Club
- History
- Mathematics
- Programming
- Science
Exeter School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.exeterschool.org.uk/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone call: +44(0)1392307080
- Location: Exeter School, Victoria Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS
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