Exeter College or Exeter School

[Spongebung]

We’re new to the area and we are trying to decide between the College and the School. Both seem to offer everything we want - in terms of courses and extra curricular - wondering if it’s worth spending money for the school? Our child is into Math and Physics but wants to do activities like Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors. All help is very much appreciated.

Do you mean Exeter Maths School? If those are your child's interest I would look towards the specialist school, it's a state funded sixth form.

Extra curricular activities at the Maths school are shared with Exeter College, so plenty of opportunities.

Sadly we have missed the dates for application to the Maths School. I mean Exeter private school vs Exeter College

That's such a shame. I've had a few friends whose children went to Exeter College and they were not at all impressed with the teaching (this was across a wide range of subjects) The young people themselves enjoyed their time there but also didn't rate the teaching of some of the subjects. I don't have any experiences of the private school. Have you visited them?

Ahh that’s good to know. I haven’t visited because we’re not nearby. I was interested in the College because it got such a great Ofsted rating. Did you friends have children there recently? I really appreciate your help btw. I need to make the right choice and it’s so difficult from a distance.

It's a really difficult decision to make from so far away. They were there within the last 12 months (started university in Sept), Covid may have had an impact on teaching.

Ofsted ratings definitely don't tell you everything, my older children attended an 'Outstanding' secondary School that was anything but in many areas, my youngest DC will not be going to that school Outstanding Ofsted or not!

If you're able I really would try and visit with your son so that you can both get a feel for the places. Good luck.

Is this for A levels?

This is for A-Levels