Exeter School
Exeter, Devon · EX2 4NS
Exeter School is one of the South West's leading independent day schools, educating pupils from age 4 through to 18 on a single historic site in the heart of Exeter. Founded in 1633, it combines a rigorous academic tradition with a strong emphasis on character education and breadth of opportunity. The school operates across three sections — Pre-Prep, Junior, and Senior — creating a genuine through-school community. Its location in Devon's county town gives it a distinctive regional identity, drawing able pupils from across Exeter and the wider South West.
- →Strong academic outcomes and a track record of Russell Group and Oxbridge destinations from a genuinely day-school environment
- →Broad co-curricular programme including a notable Cathedral Chorister partnership and strong sport, drama, and DofE provision
- →Single-site through-school continuity from age 4 to 18 with a well-regarded pastoral house system
- →Active bursary and scholarship programme making the school accessible to a wider range of families
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious, well-rounded pupils who want strong academics without the pressure of a hyper-selective London day school, and who will thrive with the breadth of activity on offer in a close-knit community. Particularly well suited to those with musical, sporting, or outdoor interests.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Victoria Park Road
Exeter, Devon
EX2 4NS
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Poet and philosopher
Peter Bleksley
Former Scotland Yard detective and author
Geoffrey Fisher
Archbishop of Canterbury 1945–1961
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into Exeter School?
Exeter School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Exeter School's exam results?
At Exeter School, 42.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 62.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Exeter School a boarding school?
Exeter School is a day school in Exeter and does not offer boarding.
What is Exeter School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Exeter School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Staff who genuinely know and care about individual pupils — strong relationships across the school
✓Excellent breadth of co-curricular activity particularly music, sport, and outdoor education
✓Good academic results achieved in an atmosphere that feels less pressurised than London day schools
✓The school bus network makes it practical for families across a wide area of Devon
Common concerns
!Some parents feel communication between school and home could be more proactive, particularly around academic progress mid-year
!Facilities, while adequate, are not as extensive as some newer-built independent schools
!Devon's relative geographic isolation can limit the breadth of university and career networking compared with schools in major cities