Relocating to Exeter

[Oceanseeker]

Any advice on good commuting/community in North East Exeter city? We’re relocating and it would be good to get on a good bus route with likeminded families nearby for secondary school please?

Check schools very very carefully. My friend had to put her son in private as the schools were abysmal (a few years ago things may have improved)

Thank you, which schools are bad?

St Peters is probably considered the best. Many of the school are in the Ted Wragg Trust which has had some negative press.
There are grammar schools in colyton and Torquay. Colyton has an excellent academic reputation.

I second this, I know 4 people who have relocated to Devon and all of them pulled their kids out of the schools. My sister had a terrible time 35 years ago and it really doesn't seem like anything has changed.

I'm sure there will be posters who will say they are all fine but I know too many people who have had terrible experiences.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor - Devon is a large county. Were all of these school in Exeter?

Btw Exeter is unusual in that there are no state sixth forms. Exeter college is, however, rated outstanding by Ofsted and offers A levels, BTECH, T levels, the IB and other qualifications and apprenticeships. It’s a really fabulous place to continue your education.

Not in Exeter to be fair.

The grammar schools in Torquay and Colyton are excellent, if this might be a route for you, there is transport for both daily.

If you are going to the university (which is in the NE of the city, so that's a guess) then lots of children go to the grammars, and lots go to the local comprehensives, such as St James and St Peters on that side of town.

I think the school situation isn't bad at all in Exeter and some schools are great, plus the College is rated outstanding. I think some of these comments are a bit out of date, there are also private schools though if you want all the options.

Thank you thats really helpful but we’re looking at which areas to live, is Pinhoe good for families?

Exeter is a nice city. I'd be looking at places with easy access to a train station as the buses aren't the most reliable and parking in town so very expensive. There are two sides of the river and you tend to like one or the other. I personally prefer the Pinhoe side as I use the train and it's easy access to the M5. The Ted Wragg schools don't have the best reputation. St Peter's and Clyst Vale have a better reputation, but St Peter's is a church school. Clyst Vale is just outside of Exeter in Broadclyst. Grammar schools are further away (Torquay and Colton). Nice areas for families are Pinhoe, Heavitree, St Thomas (other side of the river). I would also look just outside in some of the villages as there are some nice places around. Good luck with your move.