A bestselling children’s author has inspired students to find their voices through storytelling.
Tom Palmer, known for the Football Academy and Foul Play series, delivered a live session to Year 8 students at West Exe School to mark the start of the National Year of Reading 2026. During the visit, Mr Palmer shared his writing journey, discussed his approach to storytelling, and encouraged pupils to use their own interests as the foundation for creating stories.
Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said: "It was a joy to see our students so inspired. Sessions like this bring reading and writing to life, helping pupils connect their classroom learning with real-world creativity and giving them the confidence to explore their own ideas. It’s going to be a really exciting year."
West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, puts a strong emphasis on literacy and confident communication, aiming to develop creative writers and critical thinkers. The session with Mr Palmer also supported the school’s English curriculum, which encourages students to analyse literature within its historical, social, and cultural context and to express their ideas with clarity.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: "We’re delighted to see students inspired by authors like Tom Palmer. Experiences like this open up possibilities, spark imagination, and show young people just how far their creativity and ideas can take them."
The school says author visits play a key role in helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
West Exe School pupils Evie F and Ruby C impressed judges at the Devon FutureChef Local Final.
Evie prepared a cheesy vegetable pasta, while Ruby cooked a vegetable curry.
Both students said: "We really enjoyed the experience, it gave us an opportunity to improve our cooking skills and knowledge."
Springboard FutureChef is the UK’s largest schools-based culinary competition, designed to help students build practical skills and confidence while connecting them with industry professionals.
Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said: "Evie and Ruby represented the school brilliantly. It's a joy to see them put their skills into action and live out their love of cooking in a real-world setting."
West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, emphasises opportunities for students to shine both inside and outside the classroom.
The school offers a food preparation and nutrition course, which develops culinary skills alongside an understanding of food science, nutrition, and healthy eating.
Students are taught to plan and prepare affordable, nutritious meals and are encouraged to be creative in the kitchen, gaining skills that support personal wellbeing and the ability to cook for others.
Our school Christmas Concert was a huge success and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of a fantastic term. The evening was filled with festive cheer, incredible talent and a real sense of community.
Students from across the school took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, delivering a memorable programme of songs, music and performances that truly captured the spirit of Christmas. From joyful carols to lively performances, every act was met with well-deserved applause.
The concert was a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by students and staff throughout the term. It was heart-warming to see the school hall filled with families, friends and staff all coming together to support our young performers and share in such a special occasion.
A huge thank you goes to all the students who performed, the staff who helped organise and rehearse the concert and the families who joined us for the evening. Your support made the night truly unforgettable.
What a night, and what a way to end the term! We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, restful break.
The West Exe leavers’ graduation evening on 27 November was a truly heart-warming celebration of everything that makes our school community special. Families, staff and students came together to honour the achievements, character and growth of a remarkable year group who have consistently embodied our core attributes of being kind, proud, resilient, ambitious, curious and adaptable.
A number of standout moments filled the evening with pride. Jack was awarded the Greens Student Award, recognising not only his hard work but how his dedication inspires those around him. Tom received the prestigious Ivor Doble Cup for Academic Achievement, a testament to his outstanding dedication to learning. The title of Student of the Year was awarded to Stan, whose commitment, contribution and spirit have enriched the whole school community.
Reflecting on the cohort, Headteacher Ms Fossey said: “This year group has shown us what it truly means to live our values every day. They support one another, challenge themselves and rise to every opportunity with determination and integrity. We could not be more proud of the young people they have become.”
The evening was a fitting celebration of a year group who leave West Exe ready to thrive, live great lives and make the world a better place.
Exeter secondary earns ‘Highly Commended’ award as its growing Classics programme boosts student achievement and inspires new interest in ancient history. 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.
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.
West Exe students and staff were elated today as Year 11 achieved brilliant GCSE results that reflected their years of hard work and determination.
Three quarters of students successfully passed both English and Maths, placing West Exe considerably above the national average yet again. As well as being a reason to celebrate, these results have also given students the best possible opportunity to pursue their first-choice next steps.
This year saw so many success stories including:
· Tom R who achieved eight grade 9s.
· Shingi C who achieved an incredible six GCSEs after just over a year in the UK.
· Natan R who got an amazing ten GCSEs with nine of those at grade 8 or above.
· Ella-Grace A who achieved ten GCSEs with 9 of them at grade 8 or above.
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said: "GCSE results day is a proud moment for our students and it’s been such a joy to celebrate their achievements with them and their families this morning. At West Exe, we are committed to educating our students so they live great lives and make the world a better place. This year, our students have embraced a range of opportunities beyond the classroom; they were a key part of our school becoming the first in Devon to be awarded the prestigious Gold award quality mark for our work on anti-bullying, and they took on the Ten Tors challenge, where they showed incredible resilience and teamwork. Our students have become confident, compassionate young people ready to thrive in whatever path they choose next, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We wish them all the very best in their next chapter and can’t wait to hear how they get on in the future."
Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “Congratulations to students at West Exe receiving their GCSE results today. These results are a proud moment for the school and whole community and reflect the support from their families, our dedicated staff and students determination, perseverance, and ambition. We’re so proud of the young people they’ve become and we look forward to seeing our students take their next steps with confidence and pride."
Sophia, a standout athlete from West Exe School, has made waves on the track and field stage this summer, winning double gold at both the Devon Schools Athletics Championships and the Southwest Schools Championships.
Sophia took first place in both the Triple Jump and Long Jump at the Devon event, setting a new personal best of 5.58 metres in Long Jump. Her success continued as she went on to claim gold again in both events at the Southwest Schools Championships.
Sophia's incredible performance has now earned her a place representing Devon at the National Finals, taking place at the prestigious English Schools' Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10th–12th July.
At West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their offer is built on the values of Community, Opportunity, and Success. Every student is guaranteed access to a rich programme of experiences that support their personal growth. These opportunities are carefully planned to develop key attributes such as curiosity, kindness, ambition, resilience, adaptability, and pride.
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:
“We are all incredibly proud of Sophia, not just for her medals, but for the determination and focus she has shown throughout her training and competitions. She embodies the commitment and resilience we value so highly at our school.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
“Sophia’s achievement is a brilliant example of what our students can accomplish with the right support and ambition. Her success will inspire others across our trust to aim high and pursue their passions with confidence.”
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Three talented Year 9 students from West Exe School, Sophia, Tia, and Mason, have successfully secured funding for a social action project after pitching their plan to a Dragons' Den-style panel in Reading as part of the AQA/Dame Kelly Holmes Trust ‘Unlocking Potential’ programme.
The event, held earlier this month, provided students with the opportunity to showcase their ideas and skills, with their pitch for a project working with a local primary school earning them a well-deserved victory.
The ‘Unlocking Potential’ programme, run jointly by AQA and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, aims to empower young people by developing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. The project is designed to support students in reaching their full potential by challenging them to come up with ideas that will have a positive impact on their community.
In their pitch, Sophia, Tia, and Mason demonstrated how they planned to use their project to engage with younger students at a local primary school, providing mentorship and support that will have a lasting effect on both groups.
The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust was founded in 2008 by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes to support retired athletes in transitioning from sport. Through mentoring programmes, the trust uses the skills and experience of athletes to inspire and transform the lives of young people.
The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, prides itself on the West Exe Offer which includes an exciting extra-curricular programme including, the jazz band, Model United Nations, Ten Tors, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, climbing and school productions. Over 100 students each year also volunteer for their growing Student Leadership Team which includes Student Parliament, the Green Team, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Primary Mentors, Sports Leaders and many more roles within the school community.
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:
“Everyone at West Exe School is incredibly proud of Sophia, Tia, and Mason for their outstanding achievement in securing funding for their social action project. This is a fantastic example of how our students are not only developing academically but also gaining valuable life skills through initiatives like the Unlocking Potential programme. Their commitment to making a positive difference in the community is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see how their project unfolds.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to helping students develop both academically and personally. Taking part in the Unlocking Potential programme is a great way to nurture young people’s leadership skills while also encouraging them to give back to their communities. We are proud to see students from West Exe School embrace this opportunity, and we look forward to following the success of Sophia, Tia, and Mason as they complete their project.”
West Exe School is thrilled to be participating in Art Bytes, a prestigious national art and EdTech programme that encourages creativity and builds cultural capital for students. The programme, which combines an inter-school art competition with a bespoke virtual gallery and in-person celebration events across England, is aimed at Year 5 and Year 9 students. It has proven to nurture talent, raise ambition, and develop vital skills that will benefit students in future employment.
Art Bytes is now in its 12th year and the programme supports not only the development of artistic skills but also mental health and emotional well-being by creating a space for young people to express themselves through art. By engaging with this competition, students are given the chance to showcase their talent, gain confidence, and be part of an inclusive creative community.
The programme culminates in a series of events, including the Art Bytes Virtual Exhibition in June. Once all artwork entries are submitted, the Art Bytes panel of expert judges will shortlist the top three entries from each participating school. These shortlisted entries will be showcased in the virtual gallery, and an online public vote 3will open on the 3rd of April.
The students with the most votes from each school will win a place in the annual virtual exhibition and the opportunity to be regional or national winners. Additionally, the school with the most votes will receive the Community Engagement Award, with a certificate and generous art prizes awarded from Art Bytes sponsors.
West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is being sponsored to take part in the competition by The Arts Society Exeter. The Arts Society Exeter’s aim is to increase the understanding, knowledge and enjoyment of arts in the broadest sense by holding talks each month and by supporting arts education in the local community.
West Exe would like to encourage everyone to get involved and vote for their favourite artworks to help support young artists and contribute to the success of the programme. For more information, and to vote visit the Art Bytes website: https://artbytes.co.uk/
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:
"We are incredibly excited to participate in Art Bytes. This programme offers our students a unique opportunity to display their artistic talents on a national platform while also nurturing their confidence, ambition, and cultural capital. The support from The Arts Society Exeter has been invaluable, and we are proud to be part of this fantastic initiative."
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
"We are incredibly proud to support West Exe School’s participation in Art Bytes. This programme offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage with creativity, develop vital skills for the future, and showcase their talents. The partnership with The Arts Society Exeter is amazing and we are excited to see the positive impact participation in Art Bytes will have.”
As part of their House system and charity fundraising efforts some of the amazing Prefect Team at West Exe School recently had the honour of presenting a cheque for £1,475.75 to Exeter Food Action.
The funds were raised through events held at the school last year and the school community couldn’t be prouder of the incredible support shown by students, families, and staff in raising this money.
West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to supporting local causes and making a positive impact on the community. Exeter Food Action works tirelessly to provide emergency food relief to individuals and families in need, and this contribution will go a long way in helping them continue their important work.
Exeter Food Action started operation in 2011 as a joint community project planned by a small group, Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA Exeter). In 2017 they became Exeter Food Action and now employ one full-time and two part-time members of staff, and have a team of over 50 dedicated volunteers.
They work in partnership with FareShare South West to supply food for their Community Food Members in Exeter, East Devon and Torbay. Their service is free and we are financed entirely by grants and donations. Together they distribute food to 67 food banks and community groups in Exeter and across Devon.
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:
"I am incredibly proud of our students and families for their hard work and generosity. This donation is a testament to one of our core values at West Exe: community. As a school, we are committed helping our young people make positive contributions to the world around them, and to strengthening our community.“
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
"Everyone at the trust is thrilled to see the initiative and compassion shown by West Exe students in supporting Exeter Food Action. This is just one example of the positive impact our schools are having on the community, and we look forward to supporting even more charitable projects in the future."
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Year 7 and 8 students at West Exe School took part in an exciting and hands-on physics enrichment activity this term, thanks to the National Space Academy.
The young scientists designed and launched rockets, testing their flight ability and timing how far they travelled before landing. The day was an inspiring opportunity for students to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and experience the thrill of real-world science. The event was a resounding success, inspiring a new generation of future scientists and space enthusiasts!
The National Space Academy was created with the ambition to integrate space science—encompassing exploration, astronomy, and satellite applications—into school science curriculums. Its aim is to boost student attainment, support teachers with additional resources, and guide young people towards careers in science and engineering.
Since its inception in 2008, the academy has grown from a regional programme in the East Midlands to a national initiative, now working with over 30 team members across the UK and internationally, including the European Space Agency. Founded by Prof Anu Ojha, OBE, the academy continues to promote the belief that science education transcends boundaries, with space science offering global solutions to global challenges.
At West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the science curriculum is carefully sequenced to help students develop a deep understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with a focus on revisiting key concepts and building upon prior knowledge.
The curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while encouraging students to see the value of science in their everyday lives. With a passionate and experienced team, West Exe offers practical experiments, STEM enrichment activities, and bespoke learning materials to support students' learning. The school’s commitment to science education is reflected in the success of its graduates, many of whom go on to study at prestigious institutions or pursue careers in fields like medicine.
Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:
“It was fantastic to see our students diving into the world of physics in such an exciting and practical way. These kinds of activities not only bring learning to life but also inspire our students to pursue future careers in STEM, possibly as future scientists, engineers, or even astronauts!"
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
“This enriching experience is exactly what we aim to provide across our trust – opportunities for our students to engage with learning in a hands-on, interactive way. STEM education is vital for shaping the innovators of tomorrow, and this rocket science activity was a perfect example of how to make learning memorable."
