Secondaries in/ near Crediton

Movingtodevon · 2023-05-03T06:03:22+00:00

Hi, we may be moving to Crediton for work and have looked into primaries which seem good. We’re not sure about secondaries as online there seems to be a lot of mentioning of bullying at Queen Elizabeth QE(although this does seem to be under the old head teacher). Does anyone have knowledge of what the local schools are like? Where do teenagers living in Crediton tend to go? Our son is quite academic and wants to be a vet at the moment. Thanks!

ThatsGoingToHurt · 03/05/2023 11:28

In Crediton there is only QE for secondary. It did have a reputation as a good school then had an RI Ofsted and then was take over by the Ted Wragg Trust. I’m not sure what it is like now. There is a lower school site and an upper school site. TWT is been in the local press a lot recently due to the use of Reset/Ready to Learn and toilet policies. I don’t live it Crediton myself, but I know people who do and they are happy living there as it’s a small town but easily commutable to Exeter.

Original poster

Movingtodevon · 03/05/2023 12:05

Ah thanks that’s useful information. I’ve been doing a lot more reading about it based on what you’ve said and I’m not sure now!!! We’re moving from somewhere where both the local secondaries are ‘outstanding’ so this worries me a bit…

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ThatsGoingToHurt · 03/05/2023 13:21

How old is your son currently? It is more expensive to live in Exeter, but you will have more choice regarding secondary schools and Crediton is easily commutable. You could go the opposite way towards North Devon up the A377 and then there is Chumleigh College but I don’t know what this school is like.

blackpearwhitelilies · 03/05/2023 13:26

We had to take both of my sons out of QE - the elder one was desperately badly bullied and they didn't seem that interested in getting on top of it. There were a few v supportive teachers, but they have mostly left as they didn't fit in with the regime. However, there has been a much needed change of leadership within the school, so I don't know what it will be like going forward. Academic results also plummeted under the previous head. Alternatives may be St James and St Peters, both in Exeter.

Original poster

Movingtodevon · 03/05/2023 14:01

Currently year 5 so one more year at primary. We had actually started by looking at Topsham so maybe we will rethink that as we could live in either Crediton or Exeter. I’ve had a look at Chulmleigh and that does look like a better option if we do go to Crediton , so thanks for that.

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Original poster

Movingtodevon · 03/05/2023 14:02

blackpearwhitelilies · 03/05/2023 13:26

We had to take both of my sons out of QE - the elder one was desperately badly bullied and they didn't seem that interested in getting on top of it. There were a few v supportive teachers, but they have mostly left as they didn't fit in with the regime. However, there has been a much needed change of leadership within the school, so I don't know what it will be like going forward. Academic results also plummeted under the previous head. Alternatives may be St James and St Peters, both in Exeter.

Ah sorry to hear this, that is so horrible. I hope they were happier in their new school. I’m getting this vibe from all my research on QE so I think we will avoid if possible.

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Postapocalypticcowgirl · 03/05/2023 19:39

This is the issue with moving to a town with only one school- you are essentially stuck with that school, regardless of whether it is good or bad- and a good school can go downhill quickly.

Although a change of leadership may be a good thing long term, it sounds like there may have been a lot of staff turnover already, and in the short term, a change in leadership can make this worse, so it's probably not a great time to join the school.

Original poster

Movingtodevon · 03/05/2023 20:07

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 03/05/2023 19:39

This is the issue with moving to a town with only one school- you are essentially stuck with that school, regardless of whether it is good or bad- and a good school can go downhill quickly.

Although a change of leadership may be a good thing long term, it sounds like there may have been a lot of staff turnover already, and in the short term, a change in leadership can make this worse, so it's probably not a great time to join the school.

I know, argh! I don’t think we’d appreciated quite how bad QE might be but I have read a lot of negative things about it today!! Genuinely wondering if we might discount Crediton now as it’s a bit risky with the one school.

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dinnermoneyready · 08/05/2023 21:34

I think like a lot of things you’ll always see the negative comments online. QE is a good school and I know many families who are happy with it. I’ve got two DS in year 8 and 10 there and an older one who has just finished sixth form as is now at an RG uni. The school had a good Ofsted last year and the new head is making a positive difference too. I think really you have to visit - your other thread mentioned uffculme and kings - neither of those have had Ofsted for a LONG time and often people are relying on old knowledge of a school. Good luck!