St Peter's School

St Peter’s Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Lympstone, Devon, catering for pupils aged between three and thirteen years. Established in 1882, the school has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a boys-only institution to a co-educational environment in 1974. The school moved to its current site in 1949, and a nursery was established in 1995 to accommodate younger children. The school currently has 288 pupils enrolled, with a diverse demographic primarily consisting of British families from the local area. The school has identified 72 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing additional support to those who require it.

The school’s mission is to foster independent learning and personal growth in a secure and supportive environment. It aims to help each child reach their full potential, preparing them for future challenges as confident individuals. The curriculum has been enriched with new subjects such as philosophy, mindfulness, and drama, alongside the introduction of a separate computing subject for older students. The school has also recently opened a new library and a performing arts space, enhancing the educational experience for its pupils.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that St Peter’s Preparatory School meets all the required standards set by the Department for Education. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school effectively promotes good behavior, safeguards pupils, and maintains a safe environment. The school has appropriate measures in place to prevent bullying and ensure the health and safety of all pupils.

In terms of educational quality, the inspection highlighted that the academic achievements of pupils are excellent. Most pupils make significant progress and achieve advanced levels of attainment across various subjects. The school employs a bespoke skills-based curriculum known as the St Peter’s Baccalaureate, which empowers pupils to take charge of their learning. This approach has resulted in outstanding academic performance, with pupils demonstrating high levels of knowledge and critical thinking skills. The school also emphasizes the importance of personal development, encouraging pupils to become self-aware, resilient, and confident decision-makers.

The personal development of pupils is a key focus at St Peter’s. The school fosters a strong sense of community and encourages pupils to engage in collaborative learning. Pupils are taught to appreciate the value of good decision-making and are provided with opportunities to develop their social awareness and empathy. The school promotes a culture of respect and responsibility, where pupils are encouraged to challenge unkindness and support one another. The high standards of behavior observed among pupils reflect their understanding of fairness and justice.

The school’s commitment to extracurricular activities is evident, with pupils excelling in various fields outside the formal curriculum. Many pupils achieve scholarships to senior schools, particularly in areas such as art, music, drama, and sports. The school celebrates the achievements of its pupils, whether in competitive sports or artistic endeavors, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Overall, St Peter’s Preparatory School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth. The school’s holistic approach to education ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their lives, equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. The positive feedback from parents and pupils alike underscores the school’s effectiveness in delivering a high-quality educational experience. The school’s leadership is dedicated to maintaining these standards and continuously improving the educational offerings to meet the needs of its diverse pupil population.