St Luke's Church of England School, part of our Trust, has been rated "Good" by Ofsted following an inspection in May. The secondary school received "Good" ratings in all areas evaluated by the school watchdog, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

This accolade is a wonderful conclusion to the academic year for the school, which began the year celebrating an above-average Progress 8 score, placing it among the top five schools in Devon last year. Progress 8 measures the academic progress that pupils make from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school. 

The Exeter school has been on an exciting improvement journey and has made significant progress since Ofsted last inspected it as Inadequate in June 2019.  Ofsted inspectors noted in their new report that “the school has high expectations of the pupils and that pupils know staff are ambitious for them”.  Inspectors highlighted that “pupils follow the school routines and are ready for their learning and that as a result, the school is calm.”   

The strong support provided to students with additional needs was also acknowledged in the report, with inspectors noting “Pupils with SEND are well supported in their learning; staff make sure learning is appropriately adapted.” 

Ofsted inspectors further commented on the school's "robust and ambitious curriculum." The school’s ‘Life to the Full’ curriculum, which helps prepare young people for life in modern Britain, was particularly praised. Ofsted concluded that "It has been thoughtfully sequenced to ensure pupils learn the skills and knowledge they need to support their future learning." The high-quality training staff receive to hone their expertise was also commended by the inspectors. 

The school’s careers program was also acknowledged, including the 'Futures Friday' initiative, which gives students a weekly career-focused session to develop valuable workplace skills. St Luke’s also collaborates closely with local providers, such as the city’s college and university, to support students in planning their next steps. Ofsted concluded that staff help pupils to make appropriate and aspirational choices. 

Other comments from Ofsted included: 

• Pupils make strong progress with their reading. 
• Bullying is not tolerated… When pupils report bullying to the school, the school acts on it. 
• The school seeks ways to work with parents and the community and invite them to the school.  
• Pupils learn to look after their physical and mental health, such as mindfulness time in tutor periods.  
• The school plans a range of clubs and enrichment for pupils.

To read the full Ofsted report click here. 

Harrison Littler, Headteacher at St Luke’s Church of England School said: 

“This Good Ofsted rating is a whole school achievement, and I am immensely proud of the staff and students at St Luke’s. We are of course committed to continuous improvement in all areas, in our efforts to maintain our place as one of the highest performing schools in the region and help our students achieve their best.”    

“We will be looking to continue to build a sense of pride and belonging amongst our student community to ensure they love coming to school every day. I am also eager to continue strengthening our relationships with families and the local community.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said: 

“It’s so lovely that Ofsted have recognised what we have known for some time, that St Luke’s is a Good school.  The commitment of Harrison and his team shines through in this Ofsted report and I am delighted for the whole school community. 

“I am glad the inspectors recognised that the school has been through a period of rapid and positive change with staff focusing on providing an ambitious education.  Everyone at the trust is so proud of what the St Luke’s community have achieved and look forward to it going from strength to strength.”