West Exe School
95%
Capacity
1,237
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About West Exe School
West Exe School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Exeter community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,237 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 1,300 places).
Ofsted has rated West Exe School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Julie Fossey, it falls under Devon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.16 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.4. Additionally, ranked 1170th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 5 in Exeter.
West Exe School is a popular choice with families — it received 326 applications for 248 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 248 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at West Exe School include Art Studios, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Football, Rugby, Dance and 4 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Chess, Drama, Eco Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.2%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Exeter, West Exe School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Hatherleigh Road, Exeter, Exeter, EX2 9JU |
| Headteacher | Julie Fossey |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,237 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,237 / 1,300 (95% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 25 Jul 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.16)
1170th of 3,141
Nationally
103rd of 306
In South West
3rd of 5
In Exeter
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed248
326
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
248 families put this school as their 1st choice (76% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Exe School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Hatherleigh Road, Exeter
Exeter, EX2 9JU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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