St Luke's Church of England School in Exeter, Devon, has recently undergone an inspection, which took place from May 14 to May 15, 2024. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This is the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school was not previously inspected.
The headteacher, Harrison Littler, leads the school, which is part of The Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Moira Marder and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Mulcock. The school has high expectations for its pupils, who are aware that staff are ambitious for their success. This has resulted in pupils being well-prepared for their future choices.
Pupils at St Luke's follow established routines and are ready for learning, contributing to a calm school environment. Lessons are conducted respectfully, allowing pupils to learn without disruption. The school provides necessary support and adjustments to meet diverse needs, including a CHAT room for pupils requiring additional help. The Behaviour Support Room ensures that pupils can continue their curriculum learning even when they need extra support.
The school actively combats bullying, with pupils trained as anti-bullying ambassadors through a national award scheme. When bullying is reported, the school takes immediate action. St Luke's offers a variety of clubs and enrichment activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and opportunities for pupils to participate in school productions. The school also engages with parents and the community through initiatives like family cookery sessions.
The curriculum at St Luke's is robust and ambitious, thoughtfully sequenced to ensure pupils acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for future learning. This has led to strong performance in published outcomes, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff receive high-quality training to enhance their expertise, and there is a consistent pedagogical approach that helps pupils learn effectively. Regular checks on pupil understanding allow for secure knowledge retention before progressing.
While the curriculum is well-structured, it can sometimes limit opportunities for pupils to engage in evaluative thinking and discussions about their learning. This can hinder their ability to articulate their understanding confidently. Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, with adaptations made to their learning experiences. The school has also established a learning support room for additional assistance.
Reading experiences are carefully planned, with interventions tailored to address barriers some pupils face. This has resulted in strong progress in reading skills. However, attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils not attending regularly. The school has implemented robust processes to improve attendance, and while progress is being made, some pupils still miss too many school days.
The school's curriculum, titled Life to the Full, prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, covering relationships and sex education in an age-appropriate manner. From Year 7, pupils engage in an ambitious careers programme, including weekly career-focused sessions. The school collaborates with local providers to support pupils in planning their future steps.
St Luke's has undergone significant changes and is focused on providing an ambitious education. However, parents have mixed views about the school, and efforts are being made to strengthen relationships with them and the wider community. Older pupils acknowledge improvements in recent years and appreciate the dedication of the staff in supporting their education. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
