St Peter’s Church of England Aided School in Exeter, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 12-13, 2019. The school provides a solid educational foundation for its pupils, emphasizing the values of kindness, friendship, and charity. Students engage in meaningful discussions about social issues, such as homelessness, demonstrating maturity and insight. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to help others through various charitable activities, contributing to a calm and harmonious atmosphere conducive to learning.
Pupil behavior and attitudes towards learning are commendable, with reports indicating that bullying is infrequent and effectively addressed by staff when it occurs. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, with strong relationships between pupils and staff. In lessons, students feel safe to express their thoughts and learn about maintaining both physical and mental safety. High aspirations are evident among pupils, who are attentive in class and dedicated to their studies. They also appreciate opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage in fundraising activities, which are integral to the school’s character development program.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote social, emotional, and academic growth. Pupils learn resilience, leadership, and empathy through various activities, including annual visits to schools and hospitals in Malawi, where they raise funds to support these institutions. The school encourages pupils to take on significant roles, such as mentoring peers and leading assemblies, which helps them grow into confident citizens.
Staff members are well-prepared and effectively deliver the curriculum, particularly in subjects like mathematics, where pupils demonstrate impressive knowledge and achieve strong results. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in language subjects, where leaders are revising plans to enhance pupil performance. The school selects engaging texts for English lessons, fostering enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement among students.
St Peter’s is recognized as a thinking school, where pupils reflect on their thought processes, and staff continuously seek to improve educational quality. The school has implemented a robust program to support pupils struggling with reading and writing, particularly in Years 7 and 8. While this support is valued by students, there is a need for a more consistent approach across all subjects to assist disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
Staff express satisfaction with the support provided by school leaders, who ensure manageable workloads. Governors actively engage with the school to monitor teaching quality and challenge leaders effectively. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Despite the school’s strengths, there are areas that require attention. Leaders must ensure that all teachers provide explicit support to improve literacy and language skills for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. This will help bridge the gap in achievement compared to their peers nationally. Overall, St Peter’s Church of England Aided School continues to provide a good education, preparing pupils well for their future endeavors while fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
