St Wilfrid's School operates on a scale that is increasingly rare in modern education. Located in a Georgian townhouse near St David's station, this independent day school serves just over 100 pupils aged 3 to 16. It is not a place for those seeking sprawling campuses or elite sporting academies. Instead, it offers something arguably more elusive: a genuine family atmosphere where class sizes rarely exceed 16 and anonymity is impossible.
Mr Ross Bovingdon has led the school since 2017, overseeing a provision that prioritises individual attention over league table aggression. The school's history stretches back to 1870, and while the crest bears the motto Nisi Dominus Frustra (Without the Lord, all is in vain), the current ethos is welcoming to all faiths and none.
For parents in Exeter, St Wilfrid's represents a distinct alternative to both the large state comprehensives and the more expensive, high-pressure independent schools nearby. It markets itself on pastoral strength and the ability to tailor education to the child, a claim supported by its consistently small cohorts.
At drop-off on St David's Hill, the red-brick Georgian facade creates an impression of domestic history rather than institutional scale. The school feels more like a large family home than a traditional educational establishment. Inside, the corridors are narrow and busy, filled with a mix of ages that reinforces the vertical community structure.
The atmosphere is noticeably calm. With such small numbers, the noise levels associated with larger schools are absent. Teachers and pupils interact with a familiarity that comes from years of close contact. It is common for staff to teach siblings and know families well; the divide between home and school is porous.
Facilities are modest, as one would expect from a city-centre townhouse. There are no vast playing fields on-site. Instead, the school makes intelligent use of its location. Break times take place in the secure playground or nearby Bury Meadow Park. The school leverages Exeter's amenities, using university pools for swimming and local grounds for sports fixtures. This approach requires logistical organisation but integrates the school firmly into the city fabric.
St Wilfrid's is non-selective, yet it secures respectable academic outcomes. In the 2024 GCSE cycle, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 52.0. This places it above the England average of 45.9.
In terms of relative performance, the school ranks 1,240th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting solid achievement given the broad ability intake. Locally, the school ranks 4th in Exeter for progress metrics, a testament to the value added by small class sizes.
The school does not have a sixth form, meaning all Year 11 students must transition to new institutions. This exit point is managed carefully, with students progressing to local colleges, grammar school sixth forms, or other independent providers.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad but traditional. In the Junior School, the focus is on establishing core skills in literacy and numeracy, but specialist teaching is introduced early. By the time pupils reach the Senior School, they are taught exclusively by subject specialists.
Class sizes are the defining feature of the educational experience here. A typical class might contain 10 to 15 students. This allows for a teaching style that is conversational and interactive. There is no back of the class to hide in. Teachers can spot misconceptions immediately and adjust lessons in real-time.
Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a key strength. The October 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good, noting that leaders have constructed a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils, including those with SEND. The small environment suits children who might find larger, noisier environments overwhelming.
In a school of this size, pastoral care happens organically as well as formally. Form tutors see their tutees twice daily, but in reality, every staff member knows every child. The 'open door' policy is literal; students have easy access to the Headteacher and pastoral staff.
The 2024 Ofsted report highlighted Personal Development as a Good feature of the school. Inspectors found that pupils feel safe and are respectful of one another. Bullying is rare, and when it occurs, the small community means it is detected and resolved quickly.
The vertical house system (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) fosters relationships between year groups. Older students are expected to model behaviour for the younger ones, and lunchtimes often see mixed-age groups interacting in a way that segregates less than in larger schools.
Despite its size and lack of on-site acreage, the extracurricular programme is active. The school operates a 'Stay and Play' and homework club to support working parents, but beyond childcare, there are specific enrichment activities.
Sport relies on off-site facilities, which the school utilises effectively. Pupils travel to Exeter University for swimming and use local pitches for team sports. Fixtures are played against other local independent and state schools. While not a sporting powerhouse, the school fields teams in netball, football, and rounders, ensuring everyone gets a game.
Creativity flourishes in the tight spaces. The art department is a hub of activity, with student work displayed prominently throughout the building. The choir performs at local events and the annual carol service is a highlight of the calendar. Drama productions involve large sections of the school, often necessitating the hire of local theatre spaces to accommodate audiences.
Lunchtime and after-school clubs rotate termly. Options typically include Chess Club, Coding, Art Club, and various sports. The emphasis is on participation rather than elite performance; the goal is for every child to find a niche.
St Wilfrid's offers a competitive fee structure compared to other independent schools in the region. For the 2025/2026 academic year, Senior School fees (Years 7-11) are £3,995 per term. Junior School fees are tiered, with Years 3-6 at £3,320 per term and Reception to Year 2 at £3,085 per term.
Bursary support is available for families who require financial assistance to access the school. These are means-tested and awarded at the discretion of the Headteacher and proprietors. Parents interested in bursary support should indicate this during the admissions process.
Fees data coming soon.
St Wilfrid's is broadly non-selective academically, though it assesses pupils to ensure they can access the curriculum and that the school can meet their needs.
The main entry points are Nursery (age 3), Reception (age 4), and Year 7 (age 11), though casual admissions into other year groups are common if spaces allow.
The school is popular with families relocating to Exeter or those whose children have struggled in larger settings. Early application is recommended for Reception and Year 7.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:45pm. Wraparound care is available:
From 8:00am.
Until 5:30pm (charges apply).
Located on St David's Hill, the school is a short walk from Exeter St David's railway station, making it accessible for families commuting from outside the city. There is no on-site parking for parents; drop-off requires quick stopping or parking in nearby public car parks.
St Wilfrid's offers a distinct proposition in the Exeter market: affordable independent education with class sizes that guarantee individual attention. It is not a school for those seeking grand facilities or a hothouse atmosphere. It is best suited to children who will thrive in a smaller, gentler environment where confidence can be built on a personal scale. For families wanting a school that feels like a family, St Wilfrid's is a compelling choice.
Yes. The Ofsted inspection in October 2024 rated St Wilfrid's as Good. Inspectors praised the ambitious curriculum, the behaviour of pupils, and the strong family atmosphere that pervades the school.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees range from £3,085 per term for Reception to Year 2, up to £3,995 per term for the Senior School (Years 7-11).
No. As an independent school, there is no catchment area. Pupils travel from across Exeter and the surrounding Devon villages, often utilising the nearby St David's railway station.
Class sizes are deliberately kept small, typically containing between 10 and 16 pupils. This allows for significant individual attention and immediate feedback from teachers during lessons.
No. St Wilfrid's educates pupils up to age 16 (Year 11). Students then transfer to local grammar schools, Exeter College, or other independent sixth forms for their A-levels.
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