Explore our school: 11-14 November ☀️ Click here to book your place!
Enquire
Enquire
A remarkably tailored education
Where pupils reach their full potential
A world-class musical education
A stunning educational setting
A high-calibre sporting education
A happy and purposeful community
Spirituality, timelessness and wonder

We are Exeter's oldest school offering girls and boys aged 3-13 a remarkably tailored education.

james-featherstone-headmaster-profile-to-camera

I’m delighted that you’re visiting our website, and hope that it will provide you with a flavour of what life is like here at Exeter Cathedral School.

We’ve been going for over 800 years, so there is a tremendous amount of history, tradition, culture and heritage in the walls and in the blood. But there is also freshness, dynamism, modern facilities, and a real sense of pride in being an ancient foundation with traditional values and a modern approach, and a place where children can be children.

Exeter Cathedral School is a terrific place and I am hugely proud to be Headmaster of this very fine independent school. Our website will give you a good insight into what we’re all about, but there’s no substitute of course for a visit in person. Do come and see us at any stage for a tour and taster day to discover what makes Exeter’s oldest school such a very special place to be – my team and I will be delighted to welcome you.

James Featherstone
Headmaster

"A fantastic spring board for whatever the future holds. Thank you."

Exeter Cathedral School Parent

Our Outstanding Inspection

Click here for our 2024 ISI report

Nursery

Nursery

Ages 3-4
Explore Nursery

Pre-Prep

Pre-Prep

Ages 4-7
Explore Pre-Prep

Prep

Prep

Ages 7-13
Explore Prep

Arrange a tour

Discover the History, Heart and Future of Your Child’s Education.

We invite you to experience Exeter Cathedral School firsthand. Our informal private tours offer a glimpse into Exeter’s oldest independent private school, showcasing our unique blend of tradition, vibrant classrooms and exceptional facilities. 

Click here to arrange your tour

194

Instrument lessons taught every week.

30+

Clubs offered every term throughout the school.

176

Happy pupils enrolled.

8

First-rate sporting facilities.

“Exeter Cathedral School is great and it has helped me understand me.”
PoppyECS Alumna
"The teaching staff are utterly fantastic and the children feel safe, cared for and nurtured whilst in the pre-prep."
ECS Parent
"The teachers have a wonderful gauge of each child, pushing those that need a nudge and offering great support to those that are flying."
ECS Parent
“The ECS Futures programme has been exceptional.”
OwenECS Alumnus
"The level of thought development as they move up the school is astounding"
ECS Parent
"Exeter Cathedral School Nursery is quite simply superb."
ECS Parent
"My time at Exeter Cathedral School set me up for anything that came my way"
FelixECS Alumnus
“Getting an Art Scholarship has given me the confidence to go for the things I wouldn’t usually go for”
KerstenECS Alumna

Read our Good Schools Guide Review

The Good Schools Guide is the UK’s number one school guide, helping parents in every aspect of choosing the best private school in Devon for their children.

We hope that reading this review will help your family make a more informed decision as you explore life at Exeter Cathedral School.

Click here to read our review

Be a Chorister for a day!

Be a Chorister for a Day is a free Chorister open day for boys and girls currently in Years 2-5 who enjoy singing. It is a great chance for young people to be encouraged and coached by professional musicians in an inspirational setting. 

Date: Saturday 30 November 2024

Book your place
choristers-blossom-tree-page-header

Exeter Cathedral School Celebrates Inspection Report 2024

This inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) highlights the many strengths of Exeter Cathedral School. The report highlights the first-rate provision in all areas of school life and found the school to be fully meeting all of the relevant standards.

Inspectors praised the school’s nurturing environment, where pupils flourish academically and develop strong social and emotional skills. The report highlights the school’s commitment to:

  • High-quality education: The curriculum is well-planned and engaging, with teachers passionate about their subjects. Pupils make good progress across all areas.
  • Supportive environment: The school fosters a positive and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and respected.
  • Broad range of opportunities: Exeter Cathedral School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Strong leadership: Leaders were commended for their clear vision, effective management, and focus on pupil well-being.

For a full picture of the school’s achievements, please click here to access the complete inspection report.

A warm, enveloping family of a school where pupils are, in the words of one parent but echoed by many, ‘allowed to be individuals, encouraged to be true to themselves and helped to flourish in whatever they find a passion for’.

The Good Schools Guide

What charitable work does Exeter Cathedral School do?

Find out here on our FAQ page

What's the average class size?

Find out here on our FAQ page

What instruments can my child learn at Exeter Cathedral School?

Find out here on our FAQ page

What transport options are available?

Find out here on our FAQ page

How many pupils go on to get scholarships for senior schools after Year 8?

Find out here on our FAQ page

What's the admissions process?

Find out here on our FAQ page

Is Exeter Cathedral School the oldest school in Exeter?

Find out here on our FAQ page

Contact us

Exeter Cathedral School
The Chantry, Palace Gate,
Exeter, Devon EX1 1HX

Tel: 01392 255 298
Email: [email protected]

Enquire
Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram

Useful links

FAQs
Work with us
Policies
Calendar
Term dates
Staff access

Exeter-cathedral-school-logo-crest-white
Search
Pupils’ self-esteem, self-confidence and self-knowledge flourish as a result of warm relationships between staff and pupils and the nurturing culture of the school. They also develop because of the encouraging and effective feedback provided by teachers.
The curriculum for the youngest children is highly tailored to their individual needs and interests, while the oldest pupils are supported effectively by teaching planned to develop pupils’ analytical skills and prepare them for the likely academic demands of their senior or secondary school.
Academic leaders employ a robust tracking system which informs teachers’ understanding of the progress made by their pupils…. Teachers adapt their provision in response to needs identified by assessment data. This contributes to pupils’ good progress.
The school provides a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities, ranging from the ‘country club’ in the pre-prep school where the children extend their geographical learning, to those exploring coding or ancient history.
Pupils who attain highly in sport are supported in progressing to high level competition by specialist coaching.
Music is embedded across the school. Staff have shaped an inclusive approach where all pupils are involved.
An emotionally-healthy lifestyle is promoted by leaders through the provision of quiet classroom areas and the support available from the ‘wellbeing room’.
Pupils are encouraged to express their views and show appropriate consideration toward those who hold opinions different from their own.
The culture of the school cultivates a sense of self-awareness and an appreciation of the needs of others.
Leaders and staff model high levels of respect and consideration, which are then shown across the community.
Pupils develop a sense of responsibility towards wider society through involvement in local citizenship projects and initiatives.
Leaders maintain an effective safeguarding culture where staff are aware of their responsibilities and respond appropriately should a concern be raised.
Read report
Skip to content