St Wilfrid's School
Exeter, Devon · EX4 4DA
St Wilfrid's is a small, nurturing all-through independent school in Exeter serving pupils aged 3–18. The school emphasises a supportive, collaborative ethos with personalised learning in small class sizes, positioning itself as an alternative to larger institutional settings, particularly for children requiring a calm, familiar environment. It has developed a strong reputation for supporting neurodivergent pupils and those recovering from transitions or trauma, underpinned by a commitment to knowing each child individually.
- →Small class sizes and individualised attention from staff who genuinely know every pupil
- →Proven track record supporting autistic and anxious learners in a low-pressure, structured environment
- →Accessible headship and pastoral leadership that responds flexibly to pupil needs
Who thrives here
St Wilfrid's suits sensitive, introverted, neurodivergent, or previously disengaged learners who thrive in intimate, consistent relationships with teachers. It is particularly well-suited to pupils who have struggled in larger state systems or suffered anxiety.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
25-29 St David's Hill
Exeter, Devon
EX4 4DA
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into St Wilfrid's School?
St Wilfrid's School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are St Wilfrid's School's exam results?
At St Wilfrid's School, 8.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is St Wilfrid's School a boarding school?
St Wilfrid's School is a day school in Exeter and does not offer boarding.
What is St Wilfrid's School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated St Wilfrid's School “Good” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Transformative impact on anxious and autistic learners; rapid improvement in confidence and achievement
✓Genuinely small class sizes with excellent teacher–pupil relationships and staff who know each child deeply
✓Responsive, accessible headship and pastoral care that treats families as genuine partners
✓Exam results exceed parental expectations, particularly for pupils with prior struggles
Common concerns
!Very small pupil cohort (50 total) may limit peer diversity and long-term friendship networks
!No Ofsted inspection history makes independent quality verification difficult
!Limited transparency on fees, facilities, extracurricular breadth, and alumni outcomes