Exeter Cathedral School
School summary
Tracing its roots to the year 1200, Exeter Cathedral School carries one of the longest histories of any school in the country, its Anglican identity still central to daily life in Exeter. This is a small, intimate prep school of around 176 pupils spanning ages 3 to 13, where a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly 7:1 allows for closely individual attention. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent, with personal development also judged excellent and all compliance standards met. It suits families seeking a nurturing, traditional setting with strong pastoral care and a genuine musical heart.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 September 2024
Teaching & academics
The exceptionally low pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 7:1 underpins a teaching approach built on close support, reflected in the ISI's excellent rating. Around 12 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school comfortable adapting to a range of learning needs. As a school for ages 3 to 13, it prepares children for the next stage of their education within a small, attentive community.
Headmaster · James Featherstone
Beyond the classroom
Music is woven into the fabric of the school, with choristerships offering 25 per cent off tuition fees for those singing in the cathedral tradition. A broad range of awards, including those in drama, the visual and performing arts, sport and academics, points to opportunities well beyond the classroom.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1200
- Religious character
- Anglican/Christian
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 11.93%
- EHC plans
- 2.27%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,444 - £20,856
Means tested bursaries available
Schools nearby
The Maynard School
Exeter, South West
St Wilfrid's School
Exeter, South West
Magdalen Court School
Exeter, South West
Exeter School
Exeter, South West
INTO Exeter
Exeter, South West
Belong School Devon
Exeter, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, historic prep school where cathedral music and individual attention go hand in hand. The scholarship and bursary options, including a fully-funded place, widen access to a genuinely distinctive education.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Exeter Cathedral School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.