Schools across Exeter celebrate their 2025 inspiring achievements

Schools across Exeter have marked the end of term with a series of initiatives highlighting pupils’ growing involvement in environmental projects, outdoor learning and community service.

Thomas Hall School: pupils drive sustainability work

Thomas Hall School has reported significant progress in its efforts to strengthen environmental education. 

At the start of the academic year, the school’s primary phase began working towards the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, forming a pupil-led Eco-Committee elected by classmates.

The committee meets regularly to review school practices and develop projects, supported by staff and the site team. 

Current initiatives include reviving the school garden, building bug hotels, creating a wildlife pond and launching campaigns to reduce energy use. The school has also held discussions with South West Norse about reducing food waste.

Earlier this month, Thomas Hall was informed it had been selected by the British Council to take part in Schools Across the Ocean 2026, a programme linking pupils with a partner school in Brazil. 

The scheme will see students work with artists, scientists and writers to explore ocean literacy and global sustainability challenges.

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In addition, Thomas Hall has expanded its Forest School provision. From this term, all pupils from Reception to Year 11 now take part in weekly outdoor education sessions. Activities include plant identification, shelter building and campfire cooking, with staff reporting improvements in teamwork, confidence and resilience.

The school, located on a six-and-a-half-acre site on the edge of Exeter, has placed environmental science and nature at the core of its curriculum. 

A Stay & Play open event for families considering Reception entry in 2026 will take place on Wednesday 22 October.

West Exe School: students prepare for Ten Tors

At West Exe School, students have been training on Dartmoor ahead of the annual Ten Tors challenge. Teams in both the 35-mile and 45-mile categories have been practising navigation, pacing and endurance. 

Staff said pupils showed strong commitment during the training walks, which are designed to prepare them for the demanding long-distance event in the spring.

Whipton Barton Federation: civic award projects underway

Year 6 pupils at Whipton Barton Federation have completed a series of community-focused activities as part of their Civic Award. 

Recent projects included visiting Cumberland Grange Care Home to sing carols, assembling shoebox donations for the Samaritan’s Purse appeal and reading to younger pupils. Pupils also raised money by selling sweets at the school Christmas Fayre.

Staff said the programme helped pupils deepen their understanding of the impact of community work within and beyond the school.