Sixth Form Curriculum

At Exeter School we continue to develop the academic, personal and physical potential of each pupil in the school, and we believe in the development of the whole pupil. The school’s academic and pastoral teams operate side by side to monitor, guide and support pupils and to ensure that parents are well informed. We believe that happy, healthy pupils make the best academic progress.

The large number of additional opportunities for academic enrichment is of great value and participation is encouraged. The development of study skills, independent thought and personal reflection is a key factor in making excellent academic progress and is embedded in all that we do.

Pupils enjoy academic success in their subjects and university applications because of high levels of application together with support from dedicated and professional teachers.
We enjoy a recently refurbished library that provides an exciting, modern resource centre to support pupils both in their academic work and in their extra-curricular activities and interests. Comprehensive ICT facilities include dedicated ICT suites. These are available to pupils with additional computers in the library, sixth form study room, design and technology suite, music, and art departments.

There is a dedicated sixth form study supervisor, Mrs Bell, based in the library who supports the sixth form with their supervised study. She works closely with the Assistant Head (Sixth Form), heads of house and subject teachers as a valuable source of support to the pupils, advising them on their organisational and study skills, and helping them to develop good work habits.

In the Lower Sixth all pupils study four main subjects. In the Upper Sixth pupils choose to continue with their study of either three or four subjects which they started in the Lower Sixth, in addition to continued opportunities through the Futures programme.

The sixth form courses booklet can be read below.

Sixth Form options booklet 2024-26

Sixth Form Prospectus 2025

CAREERS AND UNIVERSITY ADVICE

Exeter School recognises the importance for pupils to receive good quality careers education, information, advice and guidance. Through our Future programme, PSHE and special assemblies we provide pupils access to information on careers, the labour market and career development as well as finding out about the world of work with opportunities to develop and nurture key transferrable skills so that they are ready and able to create their own futures.

The school has a dedicated careers adviser based in the library.

The Morrisby programme is further developed by pupils in Lower Sixth (Year 12). This online careers tool, based on psychometric assessments, helps pupils explore different career and education options as well as get a feel for the opportunities available to them. It provides access to information about apprenticeships, colleges and degree courses in addition to a database of potential careers, including salary expectations and the different routes to employment.

Our in-house careers adviser organises a careers convention every year, attracting over 40 different career areas and professionals, and is on hand to offer advice and guidance. The medical society and Oxbridge group, along with an extensive alumni network, also provide useful support to pupils interested in these areas.

OXBRIDGE GROUP

As part of the Futures programme, Exeter School provides bespoke guidance to those considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge Universities. This includes specific guidance on personal statements, advice on choosing the most appropriate course at the right college, and preparation for any admissions tests and/or interviews.

This programme is delivered by our highly experienced staff, with input from heads of department and alumni.

MEDICAL SOCIETY

The competition for places to study medicine remains fierce. Having a genuine passion for the profession is paramount. A lively, ambitious group of people with a common interest in the art and science of medicine, the medical society at Exeter School meets every few weeks and is open to anyone in the school.

Run by a committee of sixth formers, its primary aim is to provide their peers with the latest information about medicine. Professionals from different fields regularly visit to share their expertise and experience: what their work involves, why they do it, how they first became interested. Inspiring presentations spark discussions covering topics as diverse as paediatrics, mental health, hormonal control, cardiac surgery, ethics, and how to “break bad news”.

As part of Medical Society, the school offers step-by-step specialist guidance for those taking the UKCAT or BMAT medical entrances examinations, along with practice MMI interviews.

Exeter School

Exeter Junior School