Queen Elizabeth's: A Historic Devon Comprehensive

Queen Elizabeth’s (QE) is a school where history is woven into the fabric of daily life, yet it refuses to be defined solely by its past. Established in 1547 and granted its charter by Queen Elizabeth I, the school serves the market town of Crediton and a wide web of surrounding villages. It operates as a split-site comprehensive, with a distinct Lower School for younger students and an Upper School for those approaching examinations, a structure that allows for a graduated transition from primary education to young adulthood.

Since February 2021, the school has been part of the Ted Wragg Trust, a significant shift that has brought updated structures, investment, and a renewed focus on educational standards. While the red-brick facade of the Western Road site speaks to centuries of tradition—the school motto, Semper Eadem (Always the Same), is carved above the door—the atmosphere inside is thoroughly modern. It is a large school, with over 1,000 students, but the campus division helps maintain a sense of community that can sometimes be lost in schools of this size.

Arriving at Queen Elizabeth’s, one is struck immediately by the physical separation of the year groups, a feature that profoundly shapes the school’s character. The Barnfield campus, home to Years 7 and 8, acts as a "middle school" style sanctuary. Here, the youngest students have their own dedicated space, playground, and dining facilities, insulating them from the hustle of the older years. This arrangement allows the "smalls" to remain small for a little longer, building confidence in a nurturing environment before graduating to the main site.

The Western Road campus, housing Years 9 to 13, feels markedly different. It is busier, more academic in tone, and architecturally more imposing. The Boarding House, which once defined much of the school’s ethos, closed its doors in 2021, marking the end of an era and the school’s full transition to a day provider. Despite this, the "boarding feel" lingers in the pastoral depth and the house system, which remains a central pillar of student identity.

Under the leadership of Mrs Paula Smith, appointed in January 2023, the school has navigated the transition into the Ted Wragg Trust with a focus on stability and ambition. The Trust’s influence is visible in the tighter behaviour policies and the standardised curriculum frameworks, bringing a rigour that some parents felt was previously lacking. The atmosphere is purposeful but friendly; this is a Devon school, after all, and the rural catchment ensures a lack of pretension. Students come from farming families, local businesses, and Exeter commuters, creating a grounded, diverse intake.

The most recent data paints a picture of a school that adds value, particularly at GCSE. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.22. This positive figure indicates that students at Queen Elizabeth's make more progress from their primary school starting points than the average student in England. It is a reassuring statistic for parents, suggesting that teaching pushes students beyond their baseline expectations.

In terms of raw attainment, the average Attainment 8 score was 47.6, sitting above the England average of 45.9. The core subjects are a particular strength. The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics is solid, providing the vast majority of students with the qualifications needed for their next steps.

Queen Elizabeth's ranks 1,291st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st locally among comparable providers in Crediton. This places the school in the "national typical" band, reflecting solid performance that aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England.

Sixth Form performance is more mixed. The A-level provision is broad, maintaining minority subjects that other state providers have cut, but top grades are harder to come by than in the selective sector. In 2024, 39.44% of grades were A*-B. While this supports university entry for most, it sits below the England average of 47.2%. The school ranks 1,682nd in England for A-level outcomes. However, for a non-selective sixth form serving a rural area, the value-added remains the key metric, and students generally secure their first-choice destinations.

The curriculum at Queen Elizabeth's is designed to be broad rather than purely utilitarian. In the Lower School at Barnfield, the focus is on mastering the basics while keeping horizons open. Students study a full suite of subjects including Drama, Music, and Art, disciplines that are squeezed in many modern curriculums but remain protected here.

As students move to Western Road, the teaching style shifts. There is an expectation of greater independence. Science is taught in dedicated laboratories that, while not brand new, are well-equipped. The English department is particularly vibrant, often using the school’s own history—including its connection to the struggle between Catholic and Protestant during the Reformation—to bring texts to life.

The connection with the Ted Wragg Trust has brought centralised resources and training. Teachers now benefit from subject networks across the Trust’s schools in Exeter and Plymouth, sharing best practice and resources. This has led to more consistent lesson planning and assessment, ensuring that a student in Year 9 Geography receives the same core diet of knowledge as their peers in the city.

One notable strength is the provision for Special Educational Needs. The school has a long reputation for inclusivity. Support assistants are deployed effectively, not just velcroed to individual students but working to foster independence. The learning support zones provide quiet refuge for those overwhelmed by the main school environment.

The school prides itself on diverse exit routes, reflecting the varied aspirations of its intake. While university remains the primary destination for Sixth Formers, the school champions alternative pathways with equal vigour. In 2024, 35% of leavers progressed to university, while a significant 39% moved directly into employment or higher-level apprenticeships. This high employment figure is characteristic of the region, where local industry and agriculture offer viable careers for school leavers.

For the academic high-flyers, the pathway to elite universities is open but requires student drive. In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge, continuing the school's record of regular, if not high-volume, Oxbridge success. The school provides support for early applicants, including mock interviews and personal statement workshops, often drawing on the alumni network.

Destinations for Year 11 leavers are overwhelmingly into the school’s own Sixth Form or to Exeter College for vocational courses not offered on site. The retention rate into the Sixth Form is healthy, a testament to the relationships built during the lower years.

Admission to Queen Elizabeth's is administered by Devon County Council. As the only state secondary in Crediton, it is the natural choice for the town and the surrounding villages including Sandford, Newton St Cyres, and Copplestone.

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of roughly 270, though intake fluctuates with the local birth rate. For September 2024 entry, there were 220 applications for the Year 7 intake, resulting in 193 offers. This meant that every family who applied was able to secure a place, a rarity in an era of squeezed school places.

However, parents should note that "undersubscribed" does not imply a lack of quality; rather, it reflects the rural geography where alternative schools are significantly distant. The school is non-selective, welcoming students of all abilities. The transition process is extensive, with staff visiting feeder primary schools in the summer term to meet students and discuss learning needs before they arrive at Barnfield.

The House system is the beating heart of pastoral care at QE. Every student is allocated to a house—Drake, Grenville, Raleigh, or similar historical local names—creating vertical communities that cut across year groups. House points are fiercely contested, not just for sport but for merits, attendance, and contributions to school life.

The dual-campus model provides a structural advantage for wellbeing. Year 7s are not thrown into the deep end with 18-year-olds; they are allowed to find their feet in a smaller pond. This reduces the anxiety of transition significantly.

The school employs non-teaching pastoral support managers who are available throughout the day. This means that if a student has a crisis during lesson time, there is someone to see immediately, without waiting for a teacher to have a free period. Bullying is taken seriously, with an electronic reporting system that allows students to flag concerns discreetly.

If there is one area where Queen Elizabeth's punches well above its weight, it is outdoor education. The school’s location makes it a prime hub for the Ten Tors challenge. Training for the 35, 45, and 55-mile expeditions is rigorous, involving weekends on Dartmoor through the winter months. It is a rite of passage for many, fostering resilience that no classroom lesson can replicate.

The Arts are equally prominent. The "Drama Barn" at the Western Road site hosts productions that are ambitious and inclusive. Recent years have seen full-scale musicals and serious plays, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew. Music tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, and the school orchestra performs regularly at community events and in the local parish church.

Sports facilities include a large astroturf pitch, gymnasium, and extensive playing fields. Rugby and netball remain the staples of the winter term, with fixtures played against schools across Devon. The school also runs a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) linked with the army, offering drill, shooting, and leadership training.

Clubs run lunchtime and after school, ranging from the frantic energy of Lego Robotics to the quiet concentration of the Chess Club. The Debate Society has grown in popularity, often sparring with other Trust schools.

The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm. Transport is a major logistical operation, with a fleet of buses bringing students from the widespread rural catchment. Parents relying on school transport should apply through Devon County Council early, as routes are strictly planned.

Uniform is strict but standard: a blazer with the school crest, house tie, and black trousers or skirt. The Sixth Form has a dress code rather than a uniform, requiring business-like attire that marks their status as young adults.

Wraparound care is not provided on-site for secondary students, though the library is typically open for homework before and after school.

Split Site Logistics: While the two campuses are only a short walk apart, the split site does mean the school operates as two distinct entities in many ways. Families with children in both Year 7 and Year 10 will find themselves managing two drop-off points if driving, though the walk between them is manageable.

Rural Connectivity: For Sixth Formers wanting to access the nightlife or wider opportunities of Exeter, the last train back to Crediton is a consideration. While the branch line is reliable, the school feels distinct from the city, which suits some but can feel isolating for teenagers craving urban independence.

Academy Standardisation: The move to the Ted Wragg Trust has brought standardised policies. For some families used to the idiosyncrasies of the "old QE," the new rigour on uniform and behaviour took time to adjust to. Parents should expect a school that enforces rules strictly.

A-Level Top Grades: While the Sixth Form is welcoming and supportive, the percentage of top A* grades is lower than in the selective schools in Exeter. academically elite students will need to be self-driven to achieve the very highest grades required for top-tier medical or law courses.

Queen Elizabeth's manages the difficult balancing act of respecting its deep history while serving a modern, mixed-ability community. The split-site arrangement is a genuine asset, providing a gentle landing for Year 7s. It is a school that produces well-grounded, resilient young people who look back on their time—particularly the outdoor adventures—with affection. Best suited to local families wanting a supportive, comprehensive education where every child is known, and where the moors of Devon are treated as a second classroom.