Best Schools in Exeter 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 37 schools and nurseries in Exeter — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Exeter is a cathedral city in Devon with 37 schools. As a university city, Exeter has a strong educational culture. The city has a mix of community schools, academies and the renowned Exeter School (independent). Heavitree, St Thomas and Topsham are popular school areas.
Exeter at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Exeter
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exwick Heights Primary School | Exeter | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Woodwater Academy | Exeter | Good | 73% | — | — |
| St Leonard's (CofE) Primary School (VC) | Exeter | Good | 73% | — | — |
| St Gabriel's CofE Primary School | Exeter | Good | 70% | — | — |
| St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy | Exeter | Good | 69% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Exeter
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Peter's Church of England Aided School | Exeter | Good | +0.33 | 79% | 17% |
| St Luke's Church of England School | Exeter | Good | +0.29 | 71% | 75% |
| West Exe School | Exeter | Good | +0.16 | 71% | 68% |
| Isca Academy | Exeter | Good | -0.04 | 66% | 78% |
| Thomas Hall School | Exeter | Requires Improvement | -0.27 | 44% | 24% |
Admissions in Exeter — Key Dates
Devon County Council coordinates admissions for Exeter schools. Applications follow the standard Devon timetable. Most schools use distance as the primary criterion. The city is compact, making most schools accessible.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Exeter?
St Luke's Church of England School, Exeter Mathematics School (selective sixth form) and West Exe School are well-regarded. Exeter School is a leading independent. Clyst Vale Community College serves the eastern outskirts.
Is Exeter good for schools?
Yes. Exeter benefits from its university city status and generally has strong schools. The compact city means most families can access several schools. Several primaries are rated Outstanding.
How do school admissions work in Exeter?
Apply through Devon County Council by national deadlines. Exeter schools are popular and some are oversubscribed. Check admission distances from previous years.
Find the right school in Exeter
Browse all 37 schools and nurseries. Filter by Ofsted rating, exam results and distance.
Browse All Schools in Exeter