University of Exeter, Exeter

Higher education institutions
Mixed

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

Key Information

DfE GIAS
Head:Professor Sir Steve Smith
LA:Devon
Phone:01392263263
Website:exeter.ac.uk
Address:Northcote House, The Queen's Drive, Exeter, EX4 4QJ
Admissions:Not applicable
Status:open

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 4 months ago

Report card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)

Achievement
Exceptional
Personal Development
Strong Standard
Leadership
Exceptional
Inspected 12 May 2026View full report
URN:133817
UKPRN:10007792
Diocese:Not applicable
Constituency:Exeter
Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

University of Exeter excels at supporting apprentices to thrive both in their studies and workplaces through high-quality teaching and considerable tailored support. The institution removes barriers before apprentices encounter them, offering flexible support and professional qualifications alongside degrees. Apprentices produce high-quality work that transforms their employers' operations while developing confidence and marketable skills for their futures.

Key Strengths

  • Exceptional achievement with apprentices making rapid progress from their starting points, many gaining merit and distinction grades and professional qualifications from recognized bodies
  • Exceptionally sophisticated leadership and governance with deeply embedded initiatives like Success for All and Universal Design for Learning shaping all aspects of the institution
  • Highly inclusive culture where apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds, care experienced, disabled or facing other barriers receive carefully considered support and flexible, compassionate assistance
  • Innovative sourcing of transformational participation and development opportunities including Leading Edge speaker programme, WorldSkills UK competitions and professional networks
  • Expert teaching staff using cutting-edge, industry-leading curriculum with innovative strategies that effectively convey technically complex concepts

Safeguarding

Safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed, resulting in learners feeling safer.

Extracurricular Activities

Leading Edge speaker programme, WorldSkills UK competitions, professional networks and societies for degree apprentices, Black Apprentice Network, learning circles, structured networking groups

University of Exeter's apprenticeship provision has been rated as exceptional, with leaders creating a sophisticated culture of reflective improvement and ambitious apprenticeship practice. The institution has fundamentally reshaped apprenticeship provision to remove barriers and provide highly inclusive and transformational educational experiences.

At a Glance

No

Boarding

No

Nursery

No

Sixth Form

No

Special Measures

Getting There

Train Stations

Exeter St Davids Rail Station
911m · 15 min walk
Exeter Central Rail Station (Entrance)
917m · 15 min walk
St James Park (Devon) Rail Station (Entrance)
950m · 15 min walk

Bus Stops

The Queen's Drive (N-bound)
109m · 2 min walk
North Park Road (NE-bound)
117m · 2 min walk
Streatham Court (SW-bound)
178m · 3 min walk
Poole Gate (SW-bound)
226m · 4 min walk
Innovation Centre (E-bound)
314m · 5 min walk
Can you get into this school?
Enter your postcode to find out

Commute Calculator

Find out if this school is reachable from your home - before you apply

Sign up free to see your commute to this school

What are my chances?

Enter your postcode to estimate your probability of getting a place.

Capacity & Demand

Area Demand Pressure - Exeter

High pressure
New homes approved:3,921
Projected new pupils:706

Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Exeter

Admissions Demand - Devon

Low demand0.93x oversubscription

Places available

8,027

Applications

7,482

Got 1st preference

93.3%

Got preferred school

98.2%

Secondary admissions across Devon (2025/26)

Inspection History(3)

12 May 2026Report card
Achievement
Personal Development
Leadership
17 May 2022
Quality of EducationGood
Behaviour & AttitudesGood
Personal DevelopmentGood
Leadership & ManagementGood
5 June 2019

House Prices

Moving into the catchment? See what homes near this school actually cost

Sign up free to see house prices near this school

Reviews

No reviews yet - be the first to leave one.

Leave a Review

You need to be signed in to leave a review.

Nearby Schools

Do you work at this school?

Claim your profile free to get a verified badge, update your contact details, and see how many parents are viewing your page.