St Peter's Church of England Aided School Review 2026: Character and Community

At drop-off, the gates on Quarry Lane reveal a school that feels distinctly different from a standard comprehensive. St Peter's Church of England Aided School positions itself not merely as an exam centre, but as a community rooted in the promise of "life to the full". This ethos is not decorative; it shapes the daily rhythm of the school, from the "Character Compass" framework to the emphasis on service.

Serving the Heavitree area of Exeter, this Voluntary Aided school educates just over 1,300 students aged 11 to 16. It is heavily oversubscribed, with nearly 2.5 applications for every place in 2024, reflecting its standing as one of the city's most desirable state secondaries. While academic results are strong, the school explicitly prioritises the development of the whole person, balancing rigorous study with a commitment to Christian values.

The atmosphere is purposeful but noticeably warmer than in many high-pressure environments. The school site, a mix of established blocks and newer additions, centres around the Chapel, which serves as both a physical and spiritual hub. Students move between lessons with a sense of order that stems from clear expectations rather than rigid enforcement.

Mr Phil Randall has led the school as Headteacher since 2016. His leadership is characterised by a steady focus on "Character Education", a distinct pedagogical approach that treats virtues like resilience, compassion, and wisdom as skills to be taught alongside mathematics and geography. Staff speak of a supportive culture where professional development is prioritised, which in turn fosters stability in the classroom.

The school's Church of England identity is pervasive but inclusive. It does not feel like a closed community for the devout; rather, the Christian ethos provides a framework for behaviour and relationships. The "Character Compass" is referenced frequently by students and staff alike, providing a shared language to discuss conduct and aspiration.

Academic outcomes at St Peter's are consistently solid, placing the school in the upper tier of performance both locally and nationally. In the most recent examinations, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 53.3, significantly above the England average. This metric measures the average grade across eight subjects, suggesting that the typical student achieves strong passes across a broad curriculum.

The school ranks 1,545th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance reflects solid standing, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), but the raw progress data tells a stronger story. The Progress 8 score of +0.33 indicates that students make above-average progress from their primary school starting points. In practical terms, students here achieve roughly a third of a grade higher across all subjects than they would be expected to achieve based on national averages.

Locally, St Peter's ranks 5th among secondary schools in Exeter. This competitive position underscores why demand for places remains so high. While the percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects was 9.6% in the reported data, this often reflects curriculum choice and entry policies rather than purely academic attainment.

The curriculum at St Peter's is broad and ambitious, designed to keep doors open for post-16 study. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) covers the full National Curriculum with additional emphasis on religious education and citizenship. The approach to teaching is structured and traditional; lessons typically begin with retrieval practice to consolidate prior learning before moving to new content.

A distinctive feature is the integration of character education into subject teaching. In Science, for example, students might discuss the ethics of genetic engineering as explicitly as the biological mechanisms. In English, the study of literature is used to explore empathy and moral complexity. This "double helix" of academic and character education aims to produce students who are not just knowledgeable, but wise.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is well-organised. The Learning Support department works closely with teaching staff to ensure strategies are applied in the classroom, rather than relying solely on withdrawal sessions. This inclusive approach ensures that students with additional needs remain part of the main social and academic body of the school.

As an 11-16 school, St Peter's does not have a sixth form. This means Year 11 is a significant transition point, and the school invests heavily in careers guidance and transition support.

The majority of students progress to Exeter College, an Ofsted Outstanding tertiary college in the city centre. The relationship between the school and the college is strong, ensuring a smooth academic handover. A smaller number of students opt for school-based sixth forms in the area, such as those at The Maynard School or Exeter School (independent options), or other state providers like Exeter Mathematics School for the most able mathematicians.

The lack of an on-site sixth form changes the dynamic of the school; Year 11 students are the leaders of the community. They take on roles as prefects and peer mentors, responsibilities that would often go to Year 12s in an all-through school.

Admission to St Peter's is coordinated by Devon County Council, but as a Voluntary Aided school, the Governors set the admissions policy. The process is competitive. In 2024, the school received 593 applications for just 242 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.45 applications per place.

The school operates a faith-based admissions policy alongside community criteria. Foundation places are available for children who regularly attend a Christian church. Families applying under these criteria must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to provide evidence of attendance.

However, St Peter's is not exclusive to churchgoers. A significant number of places are allocated as "Open" places, based on distance from the school. The catchment area for these open places can be tight due to the high demand. Families living in Heavitree and the immediate surrounds have the best chance, but those further afield without a faith claim may find securing a place difficult.

Pastoral care is structured around a year-group system, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity; the Head of Year 11 likely knows the students' history from their first day in Year 7.

Tutor groups meet daily for "Check-in", a period dedicated to wellbeing, registration, and character development. The school employs non-teaching Pastoral Support Managers who are available throughout the day to deal with immediate issues, ensuring that teachers can focus on teaching while students still receive support.

Bullying is taken seriously, with clear reporting channels. The school's Christian ethos emphasises forgiveness and reconciliation, but not at the expense of justice. Restorative practice is often used to resolve conflicts, encouraging students to understand the impact of their actions.

The extracurricular offer is extensive, leveraging the staff's willingness to go the extra mile. The Ten Tors challenge is a major pillar of outdoor education here; St Peter's has a long and proud history of entering teams who train on Dartmoor throughout the winter months. This gruelling challenge builds exactly the kind of resilience the school's character education promotes.

Sport is another strength, with the school fielding competitive teams in rugby, netball, football, and athletics. The large sports hall and outdoor pitches are well-used, both for fixtures and lunch-time clubs.

Music and drama are central to the school's cultural life. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew. The Music department runs several ensembles, including a choir that performs regularly in the Chapel and at Exeter Cathedral.

This is a state-funded school, meaning there are no tuition fees. Education is free for all students.

Parents should budget for standard costs associated with secondary education, including:

• Uniform: The distinctive navy blazer and house tie must be purchased from approved suppliers, though a "pre-loved" shop is available.
• Trips: Optional residential trips (such as Ten Tors training or overseas visits) carry a cost, though the school works to keep these accessible.
• Music Lessons: Peripatetic music tuition is available at an additional cost for families who wish to access it.

The school day begins at 8:40am and finishes at 3:10pm. The site is located on Quarry Lane in Heavitree, a residential area with busy narrow roads. Parents are strongly encouraged not to drive to the school gate to reduce congestion; many students walk or cycle from the surrounding estates.

Public transport links are good, with bus routes along the Heavitree Road and Polsloe Bridge train station a reasonable walk away.

Uniform is strictly enforced as a sign of belonging. It consists of a navy blazer with the school crest, house tie, and grey trousers or skirt. The school maintains a "pre-loved" uniform shop to assist families with costs and sustainability.

No Sixth Form: Families should be aware that St Peter's education ends at 16. While transition to Exeter College is well-trodden, some students may prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school where they can stay in a familiar environment for A-levels.

Faith Commitment: While the school welcomes those of all faiths and none, the Christian character is genuine and pervasive. Students attend regular Chapel services and Religious Education is a core subject. Families uncomfortable with explicit Christian teaching may find the environment does not align with their preferences.

Oversubscription: With 2.45 applications for every place, entry is far from guaranteed. Families relying on a distance-based "Open" place need to live relatively close to the school. It is essential to have realistic backup options on the application form.

Tight Site: The school is popular and full. At changeover times, corridors can be busy. While facilities are good, the site does not have the sprawling acreage of some countryside schools, and space is maximised to accommodate the student body.

St Peter's Church of England Aided School offers a compelling blend of academic rigour and character development. It refuses to treat students as data points, insisting instead on their value as individuals. The result is a school that achieves strong results without becoming a hothouse. Best suited to families who value a structured, values-led education and are happy to support the Christian ethos, even if they are not churchgoers themselves. The main challenge is securing a place in this heavily oversubscribed community.