PrepCo-educationalISI · Excellent

St Peter's Preparatory School

· EX8 5AU

Pupils

305

Day fees

£13k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

St Peter's Preparatory School in Exmouth, Devon, is a well-established co-educational day prep school serving pupils from age 3 to 13, with a strong reputation on the Devon coast. The school prides itself on a nurturing, family-oriented ethos that balances academic ambition with a rich programme of sport, arts, and outdoor education in a coastal setting. With 305 pupils, it maintains an intimate community feel typical of independent preps in the South West, preparing children effectively for entry to senior independent schools across the region.

  • Small, community-focused school with strong pastoral care and individual attention
  • Excellent preparation for competitive senior schools including Exeter and Blundell's
  • Coastal Devon location offering outstanding outdoor and sporting opportunities
  • Broad curriculum with music, drama, and sport woven into daily school life
  • Accessible to families across the Exmouth and Exeter commuter corridor

Who thrives here

Pupils who thrive in a warm, close-knit environment where they are known as individuals and can develop confidence across academics, sport, and the arts. Children who benefit from structured pastoral support and a broad prep school experience will do particularly well here.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Founded1882
Number of pupils305
Day pupils288
Boarders77
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£12.6k/yr
AssociationsIAPS, ISC
Settingsuburban
LocationThe school is accessible from Exeter and the wider East Devon area; Exmouth station is served by the Avocet Line from Exeter St Davids, making the school reachable by rail for families along that corridor.
EthosChristian (broadly non-denominational)

Contact & visit

Harefield, Lympstone, Devon

EX8 5AU

www.stpetersprep.co.uk
01395272148
Mrs Charlotte Johnston, Head

Nearest stations

Exmouth10 min
Exeter Central25 min

Recent investment

Ongoing improvements to outdoor learning and sports facilities

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at St Peter's Preparatory School?

Day fees at St Peter's Preparatory School are approximately £12,600 per year (2024/25).

How do you get into St Peter's Preparatory School?

St Peter's Preparatory School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is St Peter's Preparatory School a boarding school?

St Peter's Preparatory School is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.

What is St Peter's Preparatory School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated St Peter's Preparatory School “Excellent” (2020).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Warm and caring staff who know every child individually

Strong sense of community and belonging among families

Good breadth of activities beyond the classroom including sport and arts

Effective preparation for entry to Devon senior independent schools

Common concerns

!Smaller school size may limit specialist facilities compared to larger independent preps

!Limited information on SEND provision depth for more complex needs