Admissions Guide 2026–2027
A School of Great Character
Welcome
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. At Exeter School, we believe that education is about far more than academic success, it is about shaping young people of great character.
Our pupils are encouraged to think deeply, act with integrity, show kindness, and develop independence. These values underpin everything we do, from the classroom to the sports field, from music rehearsals to everyday interactions.
From early years through to sixth form, Exeter School provides a seamless educational journey where pupils are known, supported, and challenged to become the very best version of themselves.
The admissions team are here to support you throughout the admissions process, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. We warmly invite you to visit us – whether for a tour, an open event, or a personal meeting with the Head or Director of External Relations. There’s no better way to experience the character and spirit of Exeter School.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Liz Williams Director of External Relations
Sarah Westcott Receptionist/ Admissions Officer
Alex Irons Admissions
Manager
Helen Didon Receptionist/ Admissions Assistant
Emily Vantreen Admissions Officer
Why Choose Exeter School?
At Exeter School, success is measured not only by results, but by the kind of people our pupils become.
• Integrity – doing the right thing, even when no one is watching
• Kindness – building a community where everyone feels valued
• Curiosity – fostering a lifelong love of learning
• Independence – developing confidence, resilience, and leadership
Alongside these values, pupils benefit from:
• Excellent academic outcomes
• Exceptional pastoral care
• A rich co-curricular programme
• Inspiring teaching and facilities
Joining Exeter School
We make the admissions process as personal and supportive as possible.
– your child becomes part of our school for a day Visit us – experience the school in action
Taster day
Register – begin your application
school that knows your child as an individual
Assessment – age appropriate
Arranging a visit
We encourage all prospective parents and pupils to visit Exeter School as many times as you wish, so that you feel fully confident in your decision.
You can visit us by attending one of our open events or taster days which take place throughout the academic year and offer excellent opportunities to meet pupils and staff and explore our facilities. Alternatively, you may prefer to arrange a personal tour through our admissions team, with the option of a meeting with the Head, Junior School Head or Director of External Relations.
To arrange your visit, you can email the admissions team (admissions@exeterschool.org.uk), call the school on 01392 307080, or submit an enquiry through our online OpenApply admissions portal (exeterschool.openapply.com).
Most visits take place during the school day in term time, allowing you to see the school at its best, although we are sometimes able to offer appointments during the holidays. Meetings with other key members of staff, such as the Director of Sport or Director of Music, can also be arranged.
For families considering Exeter Pre-Prep School, visits take place at our Exminster site, where you will be shown around by the Pre-Prep Head. During your visit, you will learn about the admissions process, teaching and learning, music, sport, and the transition to Exeter School, giving you a clear understanding of life in our early years setting. As the Pre-Prep is based in Exminster, we recommend allowing sufficient travel time when planning your visit.
Register for a place
Once you feel that Exeter School may be the right fit for your child, the next step is to register for a place. Registration can be completed online and marks the beginning of your child’s journey with us. A non-refundable registration fee is payable to cover the administration of the application:
• £100 plus VAT for Exeter Pre-Prep School
• £150 plus VAT for Exeter Junior School and Exeter School
To complete the registration form, you will be asked to provide the following information:
• Name and address of your child’s current school, including contact details for the Head
• Current school report
• Recent electronic photograph
• Length of time your child has attended their current school
• Details of parent(s)/guardian(s)
• Your child’s hobbies and interests
• Any special educational needs or disabilities, and details of any support received
• Any relevant medical conditions and/or medication
In addition, for sixth form applicants:
• Predicted GCSE grades (if not yet available, these can be updated later)
• Four preferred A Level subjects
From this point our admissions team will guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring it is clear, supportive, and tailored to your family.
Taster Days and Accepting a Place
As part of the admissions process to join the junior school children will join us for either an individual or group taster day or session, offering a valuable opportunity to experience life at Exeter School first-hand. Taster days are also available for any pupils who are thinking of joining the senior school.
During their visit, your child will spend time with pupils in their current year group, taking part in lessons and enjoying a typical school day. Where possible, we are happy to tailor the experience to include particular subjects or activities that reflect your child’s interests.
Each child is paired with a pupil ‘buddy’ who will guide them through the day, helping them to feel comfortable, included, and part of the community from the moment they arrive.
Accepting a place
To secure your child’s place, an acceptance form must be completed on the admissions portal, together with the acceptance deposit of £500 for a school place or £200 for a nursery place.
If your child has been awarded a bursary, the acceptance deposit will still be required.
We will also require a copy of your child’s birth certificate and passport, along with copies of both parents’ passports.
If your child is joining the school at the start of the autumn term, you will be invited to a new parents’ afternoon during the summer term prior to entry.
Key Dates
Autumn term 2026
Monday 14 September
Pre-prep open morning in Exminster
Saturday 19 September School Fete
Friday 25 September Scholarship applications open
Saturday 26 September Junior and senior school open morning
Thursday 5 November Sixth Form open evening
Friday 13 November
Closing date for scholarship applications
Tuesday 17 November Sixth Form taster day
Saturday 21 November Junior school Inspiring Minds morning
23-25 November Sport scholarship trials
Tuesday 24 November Junior and senior school open morning
Saturday 28 November Sixth form interview day
Saturday 28 November Year 7 assessment preparation morning
Tuesday 1 December Year 9 taster day
Friday 4 December Junior school taster day
Spring term 2027
Friday 8 January
Closing date for bursary applications
Saturday 9 January Senior school assessment day
Thursday 14 January
Junior and senior school open morning
W/C 18 January Drama, music, art scholarship assessments
Friday 29 January
Saturday 30 January
Year 3 assessment morning for Exeter Pre-Prep pupils
Junior school assessment morning
Friday 5 February Offer holders tea
Thursday 11 February
Monday 1 March
Friday 5 March
Pre-prep open morning in Exminster
Prep School Year 9 (for Year 6 pupils) early testing assessment
Senior school acceptance deadline
Friday 5 March Scholarship acceptance deadline
Summer term 2027
Thursday 6 May Summer open evening
Thursday 20 May Junior school taster day
Tuesday 8 June
Thursday 10 June
Tuesday 22 June
Exeter Insight day – for pupils holding Early Testing Scheme offers
Pre-prep open morning in Exminster
Junior and senior school open morning
Pre-Prep School
“They have the self-confidence to ‘have-a-go’ and speak highly of the recognition they experience”
– ISI 2024 report
Our pre-prep is where the foundations of character are first formed. Through play, exploration, and nurturing support, children begin to develop confidence, independence, social awareness, kindness, and an early curiosity and love of learning. Every child is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish.
Entry into Exeter Pre-Prep School
There is no formal assessment for the pre-prep. Children may join from the half term after they turn three, provided they are toilet trained and no longer require nappies during the day.
Before a place is offered, children are invited to attend a taster morning, giving them the opportunity to experience the pre-prep environment and gain a sense of daily school life.
Funding
Parents may be eligible to claim 15 hours of funded childcare from the term following their child’s third birthday (subject to eligibility). Where children join before this point, nursery fees will apply.
Nursery (ages 3–4)
The nursery day is structured into flexible sessions, with lunch included in the morning session:
• Morning Session (including lunch): 8.30am – 12.30pm
• Afternoon Session: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
• Full Day (including lunch): 8.30am – 3.30pm
Extended care is also available:
• Early Birds: 8.00am – 8.30am
• Late Room: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
In the spring term of your child’s final year in Nursery, the acceptance deposit is increased by a further £300, bringing the total to £500, in order to secure a place in Reception.
The school day begins at 8.30am, with an optional Early Birds club available from 8.00am. Lunch is served at 12.00pm in the dining hall, with hot, balanced meals provided by Exeter School, including a vegetarian option.
The school day ends at 3.30pm, with a Late Room available until 5.30pm for families requiring extended care.
A dedicated bus service is also available to and from Exeter School at the start and end of the day for children in Reception to Year 2.
Junior School
“Everyone is really kind here. If you’re stuck, someone will always help you, even if they’re not your friend yet.”
–
Year 5 pupil
In the junior school, pupils begin to take greater ownership of their learning and behaviour. They are supported and encouraged to develop resilience in their studies, to collaborate positively with others, and to take pride in their achievements.
Academic learning is carefully balanced with a rich programme of sport, music, and creative arts, ensuring pupils are challenged, inspired, and able to discover and develop their individual strengths.
Entry into Exeter Junior School
Entry to the junior school usually takes place at Years 3 and 5, although children may also enter into other year groups where places are available.
Entry is by assessment, together with a report and reference from the child’s current school and attendance at a taster day or session. The taster day provides an opportunity to meet the Junior School Head, staff, and current pupils, and to experience life in the school.
Children in Year 2 at Exeter Pre-Prep School will attend a taster day and be assessed for entry to Exeter Junior School on Friday 29 January 2027. Parents in this case do not need to complete a further registration or attend the assessment day on Saturday 30 January 2027.
During the assessment, pupils will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their literacy and numeracy skills in line with their age.
Depending on progress, children joining in Years 5 and 6 may also be required to sit the Year 7 entry assessment for progression to Exeter School.
Where assessment has taken place remotely, the school reserves the right to withdraw an offer should a pupil’s academic performance on entry not reflect the standard demonstrated during the admissions process.
English
The English assessment is designed to evaluate key areas of literacy, including reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and handwriting.
The writing task includes a short planning and introductory session with the teacher before writing begins. This introduction may include verbal, visual, or practical stimulus, which is fully discussed with pupils beforehand. Emphasis is placed on clarity, presentation, punctuation, and content rather than quantity.
Children will also complete an online English reading assessment (NGRT), which includes a range of age-appropriate reading and comprehension tasks. A short spelling test will also be included. For Year 3 and 4 entry, pupils will additionally read a passage from an age-appropriate text aloud to the teacher.
Mathematics
The mathematics assessment consists of two written papers. The first is an arithmetic paper covering the full range of calculations appropriate to the age of the child, as per the national curriculum. The second assessment is a reasoning and problemsolving paper. Together, the two papers assess pupils’ knowledge and understanding of number and calculation, while also evaluating their ability to apply this understanding in a range of contexts and to justify and explain their reasoning.
Senior School
“When I joined, I was expecting a lot of change but actually I feel really secure”
– Year 9 pupil
The senior school is where character truly comes into its own. Pupils are challenged academically, while also developing leadership skills, moral judgement, and emotional intelligence.
A wide range of opportunities, academic, creative, and sporting, ensures that every pupil is supported to discover their strengths and passions. Alongside the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to take part in clubs, activities, and societies, building friendships and enriching their wider school experience. These opportunities are designed to nurture the Exeter School virtues of integrity, kindness, independence, and curiosity.
Entry into Exeter School
Entry to the senior school usually takes place at Year 7 or Year 9, although applicants may also enter other year groups where places are available.
All pupils are required to sit the Exeter School entrance assessments. In addition, pupils entering Years 9 and 10 will be invited to attend an interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team.
Attending a taster day, assessment, and interview provides an excellent opportunity for children to experience the school, meet staff and pupils, and ask any questions about joining a new school community.
Entrance assessments for entry in September 2027 will take place on Saturday 9 January 2027. Sample papers are available on the website at www.exeterschool.org.uk.
“I simply love the school and all the things I can do here. I’m so grateful for my bursary”
– Year 8 pupil
Year 7 and Year 8 entry
Entrance assessments
English
(1 hour)
This paper includes a reading comprehension exercise designed to assess understanding of written texts. Candidates will also be asked to complete a writing task, such as a descriptive piece or story.
Mathematics (1 hour)
This paper assesses competence in core numerical skills, including arithmetic and fractions (excluding multiplication and division of decimals). Additional questions are designed to assess problemsolving ability using standard numerical methods. Calculators are not permitted.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) (2 hours)
Candidates will also complete a computer-based assessment covering verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative reasoning. The test includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and word-based questions. It is designed to be fair and accessible for all pupils, regardless of educational background, and requires no prior preparation.
Pupils assessed remotely may also be invited to an online interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team. Where assessment has been completed remotely, the school reserves the right to withdraw an offer should a pupil’s academic performance on entry not reflect expectations.
Year 9 and Year 10 entry
“You’re encouraged to try things you wouldn’t normally do. That’s how you grow in confidence.”
– Year 10 pupil
Entrance assessments
English
(Year 9, 1 hour; Year 10, 1 hour 30 minutes)
This paper assesses both reading comprehension and written expression. Candidates will be asked to produce a written response in an argumentative, informative, or imaginative style.
Mathematics
(Year 9 and Year 10, 1 hour 15 minutes)
This paper builds on earlier content and includes topics such as basic algebra, angle facts, more advanced fraction work, and measurement of area and volume. Calculators are not permitted.
Science
(Year 9, 1 hour; Year 10, 1 hour 30 minutes)
This paper consists of short-answer questions covering biology, chemistry, and physics at Key Stage 3 level. Calculators are permitted.
Cognitive
Abilities
Test
(CAT4) (2 hours)
Candidates will also complete a computer-based reasoning assessment covering verbal, non-verbal, spatial, and quantitative reasoning. The test includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and word-based questions and is designed to provide a fair and reliable assessment for all applicants.
Heads interview
In addition, candidates will have a fifteen-minute interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team, usually conducted online.
Where assessment has been completed remotely, the school reserves the right to withdraw an offer should a pupil’s academic performance on entry not reflect expectations.
Sixth Form
“Exeter School doesn’t just prepare you for exams, it prepares you for life. You learn how to think for yourself.”
– Sixth Form pupil
Entrance assessments
In the sixth form, pupils become role models within the school community. They are encouraged to demonstrate independence in their learning, to take on leadership opportunities across the school, and to develop a clear sense of purpose for their future.
Our aim is to support young adults in leaving Exeter School not only with excellent academic results, but with the confidence, character, and resilience to thrive in the wider world.
Entry into Exeter School Sixth Form
Entry to the sixth form is based on GCSE performance, alongside a satisfactory report and reference from the candidate’s current school. Specific GCSE requirements will vary depending on subject choices, and candidates are encouraged to speak with the Admissions team for guidance.
For certain A Level subjects, a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE (or in a closely related subject) is required. Full details of subject-specific requirements can be found in the A Level brochure or on the school website at www.exterschool.org.uk.
Most pupils begin with a four A Level programme. However, this can be discussed at interview, particularly where a three A Level programme may be more appropriate alongside a pupil’s wider cocurricular interests and commitments.
Admissions process
The Sixth Form interview day will take place on Saturday 28 November 2026, with alternative dates available if required.
The assessment process is designed to understand each candidate’s strengths, interests and potential. It includes:
• Interviews with Heads of Department in the subjects the candidate wishes to study at A Level, exploring motivation, subject knowledge, and future potential
• An interview with the Head and Assistant Head (Sixth Form)
• A computer-based Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)
Candidates are encouraged to bring examples of their coursework to interview, particularly in subjects they have studied at GCSE.
Choristers at Exeter School
“The chorister programme is so special: musical excellence, daily structure, and outstanding pastoral care.”
– Member of staff
For children who love to sing, becoming an Exeter Cathedral chorister offers an extraordinary blend of high quality musical training and a full academic education. As members of the Exeter Cathedral Choir, choristers take their place within a centuries old choral tradition, contributing to services, concerts, broadcasts, and special events throughout the year.
Musical training and weekly routine
Choristers follow a structured weekly timetable that includes rehearsals, vocal coaching, and regular services. They work closely with the Cathedral’s professional music team who guide them through everything from singing technique to musicianship and ensemble skills. Choristers typically sing around eight services each week during term time, maintaining a tradition that has remained largely unbroken for centuries.
Life at school
From September 2026, choristers are educated at Exeter School. Pupils follow the full curriculum and are encouraged to take part in sport, clubs, and creative activities such as coding, art, and cookery.
Careful coordination between the school and Cathedral will ensure that choristers can balance their musical commitments with their academic work. Pastoral staff and the Cathedral music team will meet regularly to monitor wellbeing and workload, helping pupils thrive both in the classroom and the choir stalls.
Voice trials
Voice trials are open to girls and boys in Years 2 - 5, whether they currently attend Exeter School or any other school. These auditions are run by the Cathedral and offer children the chance to be considered for a place as a chorister.
Each child will take part in a friendly, informal musical assessment designed to explore their potential and enthusiasm for singing. The session usually includes:
• A prepared song or hymn.
• Instrumental performance (optional).
• Simple listening and musicality tests.
Admissions requirements for prospective choristers
Children wishing to join the Cathedral Choir must complete both the Cathedral’s chorister application and the usual Exeter School admissions process. This means:
• submitting the Cathedral chorister registration form, found on the Cathedral’s website: exeter-cathedral.org.uk
• registering for a place at Exeter School, and
• sitting the Exeter School entrance assessments.
A choristership can only be offered when a child is successful in both the school entrance assessments and the voice trials. Choristerships are offered with the expectation that pupils will remain in the choir until the end of Year 8.
How are decisions made?
After the voice trials and academic entrance assesments, the Cathedral music department meets with Exeter School staff to review the results. Parents are normally informed of the outcome within two weeks. Because places in the Cathedral Choir are limited, the process is selective. Some younger applicants may be encouraged to try again the following year if their voices need more time to develop. Many current choristers were successful on a later attempt.
Who can apply?
Voice trials are open to pupils in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5, whether they are already at Exeter School or attend another school.
Do choristers receive fee remission?
All pupils who are offered and accept a chorister place currently receive a remission of 25% on Exeter School tuition fees. Additional financial support may be available through external charitable organisations that provide assistance to choristers, subject to their individual eligibility criteria and application processes.
Alongside the fee remission, each chorister receives free tuition on one musical instrument as well as additional voice coaching.
For further information about fee remission and available funding, please contact the Admissions Team.
Scholarships & Bursaries
We recognise and celebrate excellence across a wide range of disciplines, including sport, music, art, and drama. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that an Exeter School education remains accessible. Through our bursary programme, we support talented pupils with strong character and potential, regardless of financial circumstances.
Exeter School aims to be as accessible as possible to pupils who would benefit from its academic, cultural, sporting, and cocurricular opportunities. We encourage all families to consider applying, regardless of whether they feel able to meet the full cost of fees. We are proud to welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds, and we recognise that many families make considerable commitments to invest in their child’s education. Fees are therefore set to represent value for money in light of the breadth of opportunities available.
Awards fall into two categories:
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and excellence to both current and prospective pupils entering Years 7, 9, and 12. These awards recognise outstanding talent in sport, music, art, and drama. While scholarships do not typically include fee remission, families may apply for means-tested bursaries to support fees where appropriate.
Bursaries and free places
Bursaries and free places are means-tested awards based on parental circumstances and are reviewed annually. They are available to external candidates who meet the school’s academic entry requirements and whose families would not otherwise be able to afford an Exeter School education.
As part of the application process, families are required to provide a full and verified statement of financial circumstances, and the assessment will include a home visit conducted by an independent agent on behalf of the school. As a general guide, gross parental income would typically need to be below £70,000 per annum to be considered.
Parents wishing to apply for a bursary should indicate this on the online registration form. For entry in the 2027-28 academic year, applications for financial support must be received by Friday 8 January 2027.
Information about fee remission for Exeter Cathedral choristers can be found on page 29.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Scholarships are awarded in:
Art
Candidates for art scholarships are invited to attend a practical assessment and interview with the Head of Art. As part of the process, pupils will complete a supervised practical task, present a portfolio showcasing their work, and discuss their interests and experience in the subject.
Candidates will also attend a short interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team. Art scholars are expected to engage fully in lessons and to contribute to exhibitions and gallery visits organised by the department.
Drama
Candidates for drama scholarships are required to attend a practical assessment and interview with the Head of Drama.
Acting candidates will prepare and perform a short monologue of approximately two minutes from a play of their choice, learned by heart. Design candidates will present a logbook including sketches of set, costume, or lighting designs based on a chosen production.
All candidates will also be asked to discuss a theatrical performance they have seen within the past twelve months. A further short interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team forms part of the process. Scholars are expected to contribute fully to the creative life of the school.
Music
Candidates for music scholarships will attend an audition and interview with the Director of Music. They will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument or voice, complete sight-reading and/or sight-singing tasks, and undertake aural tests appropriate to their level of experience.
Candidates will also attend a short interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team. Music scholars are expected to participate fully in lessons, ensembles, and performances, including those that may take place after school or at weekends.
Sport
Sport scholarships are awarded to pupils who demonstrate a high level of ability across a range of activities, alongside a strong commitment to their own development and to the school. Assessment focuses on both current performance and future potential.
As part of the process, candidates will meet with the Director of Sport and attend an interview with the Head or a member of the Senior School Leadership Team. Pupils are asked to provide a record of achievement, including a reference, and will receive further details in advance regarding required kit.
Sports scholars are expected to contribute fully to the sporting life of the school, including lessons, training, and fixtures, some of which may take place after school or at weekends.
Further details, including key scholarship dates, can be found on page 15 in this booklet.
Fees and Terms & Conditions
Current fee information is available on the school website at www.exeterschool.org.uk.
Payment of fees
School fees are payable in advance and must be settled by the first day of each term, in accordance with the school’s terms and conditions. In the event of late payment, interest will be charged at a rate of 1.5% per month, calculated on a daily basis and added to subsequent invoices.
Fees are typically paid by direct bank transfer. Full payment details, including the relevant account information and reference requirements, are provided on each invoice. Please note that credit card payments are not accepted. Payments by debit card do not incur an additional charge.
For added convenience, a termly instalment scheme is available, allowing fees to be paid by monthly direct debit. The first instalment for the autumn term is collected at the end of August. Further details are available from the finance department or by emailing fees@exeterschool.org.uk.
Additional charges
Tuition fees do not include the cost of external examinations. These are paid by the school on behalf of pupils and will be itemised separately on fee invoices. Current examination charges can be found on the school website.
Learning support is also charged separately; further information and current rates are available online.
Notice of withdrawal
A s outlined in the school’s terms and conditions, one full term’s written notice is required if a pupil is to be withdrawn. If sufficient notice is not provided, a full term’s fees in lieu of notice will be charged.
For pupils in Year 11, notice must be given by the end of the first half of the spring term; otherwise, a term and a half’s fees in lieu of notice will apply.
Insurance and personal belongings
Personal accident and dental insurance are included within the termly fees. This provides cover for serious injury as well as dental treatment arising from an accident or emergency.
The School Fees Refund scheme offers partial reimbursement of fees in the event that five or more consecutive school days are missed due to illness. Parents may choose to opt out of this scheme via the school portal; however, this decision is final.
Parents are advised to ensure that pupils’ personal belongings are covered under a family insurance policy, particularly higher-value items such as bicycles, musical instruments, and electronic devices. All items brought into school should be clearly labelled. Claims against the school’s insurance can only be considered where the school is deemed to be liable.
“Character is not taught in isolation, it’s developed through every lesson, every conversation, every opportunity.”
– Member of staff
At Exeter School, we believe that who a child becomes is just as important as what they achieve.
We warmly invite you to visit and experience a school where character is nurtured, potential is realised, and every pupil is encouraged to make a positive difference within the school community and beyond.
Please get in touch by emailing admissions@ exeterschool.org.uk or telephoning 01392 307080
“What stands out is not just the academic progress, but the way the school develops confident, grounded young people.”
– Current parent
