West Exe School wins national praise for their education in Exeter

West Exe School is celebrating national recognition after receiving a “Highly Commended” award for its growing and increasingly popular Classics programme. 

The Exeter secondary school was honoured in the Classics for All 2025 Impact Awards, which recognise schools across the UK that are expanding access to classical subjects.

The award reflects West Exe’s rapid growth in Classical Civilisation, which now has 84 students studying the GCSE across Years 9 to 11. 

Staff say interest has risen steadily since the course launched, with many pupils drawn to topics such as ancient history, mythology and classical literature.

Students have also had opportunities to broaden their learning beyond the classroom. This year they visited the University of Exeter, joining lectures from academic specialists and exploring subjects ranging from ancient society to the graffiti preserved in the ruins of Pompeii.

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To meet growing demand, West Exe has added a Latin and Roman Empire elective, giving younger students a chance to discover classical culture earlier in their school journey. 

Teachers say classical subjects help build strong literacy and language skills, boosting confidence across the curriculum.

One Year 10 student said: “I love learning about Classics… It’s really interesting learning about ancient historical figures and myths of heroes and gods. Overall, it’s a really fun subject.”

Another student in Year 11 added that the course had “re-ignited” their interest in ancient civilisations and helped them understand classical societies in a new way.

The recognition comes during a strong year for West Exe, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust. 

This summer, three-quarters of students achieved passes in both GCSE English and Maths, placing the school well above the national average.

Headteacher Julie Fossey said the award highlights the school’s commitment to broadening opportunities: "Studying classical subjects strengthens literacy, problem-solving and analytical skills.” 

“I’m incredibly proud of the staff who have championed this programme and of our students, whose enthusiasm for learning inspires us every day.”

Ted Wragg Trust CEO Moira Marder praised the recognition, saying it reflects the school’s ambition to open up new academic pathways for young people.

The Impact Awards ceremony took place at Leeds Royal Armouries, with teachers and leaders from across the country gathering to celebrate excellent classical teaching in state schools.