Exeter Cathedral School to close Prep years amid financial pressures, prompting strong local reaction

Exeter Cathedral School has confirmed that it will close its Prep provision, covering Years 3 to 8, from September 2026, following a decision by its governors announced on 8 January 2026.

In a statement, the school said the move was the result of “unavoidable financial pressures” affecting many small independent schools. 

Exeter Cathedral School will continue to operate in its current form until the end of the summer term in July 2026.

Under the plans, and subject to contract, the Inspired Learning Group (ILG) will take over the running of the school’s Nursery and Pre-Prep provision, up to Year 2, from September 2026. 

As part of the arrangement, Hall House will work in collaboration with Shebbear College, an ILG through-school near Okehampton.

The school said the decision had been “extremely difficult” and was being announced now “to give families and colleagues the time they need to plan for alternative school placements”. 

It added that it would work closely with pupils, parents and staff to provide guidance and support during the transition.

The closure of Years 3 to 8 includes the school’s choristers. 

READ NEXT: Exeter charity highlighted in Parliament for tackling AI-generated image abuse

Exeter Cathedral has confirmed that, from September 2026, choristers will move into a new partnership with Exeter School, allowing them to continue their education together locally in a co-educational setting while maintaining their musical commitments.

The announcement has prompted responses from parents, former pupils and residents across Exeter.

Barbara Janssen, whose son previously attended the school and whose grandchildren are current choristers, said: “My son was there in the three years before this and it saved him. He came from a state primary where he was bullied and humiliated.”

“He flourished at ECS, was able to develop his musical skills, and gain confidence. It got him back on the rails.”

She added that the school had referred her son to an educational psychologist, leading to a diagnosis of dyslexia. 

“I now have two grandchildren there who transferred from state primaries. Both are choristers and to say that we are devastated by this news is an understatement for so many reasons beyond their personal loss.”

Ms Janssen also highlighted the wider role of the school and choir in the city, saying: “ECS and the choir are probably undervalued gems for the city as well as the cathedral.” 

She said: “I know change is inevitable but I am sure much more could have been done to prevent this loss by a whole bunch of willing people if only they had been given the power and information they needed at an earlier stage.”

“My thoughts are with all the school staff, parents and the current pupils at this sad time.”

Speaking to Exeter Today, Neil Stevens described the announcement as “genuinely heartbreaking”. 

He said: “This wasn’t just a school, it was a living part of our city’s soul. When institutions like this disappear, they don’t come back. You can’t ‘re-home’ 850 years of history.”

He added: “My son won a scholarship to attend the school for his singing. He became a chorister, sang in the Cathedral, and sang in front of the Queen.”

“He was part of a tradition that linked generations of children to something bigger than themselves, service, discipline, music and heritage.”

Not all responses were critical of the decision. Paul Pettinger, an alumnus who attended Exeter Cathedral School as a day pupil between 1987 and 1990, said the closure reinforced his view that “the best-performing education systems in the world are comprehensive”.

Another parent, Steven Pearson, said: “This is such a shame. Our kids got the best ever start in life through their time, from three to 11 years, at Cathedral School.”

Exeter Cathedral School said it will continue to provide high-quality education and pastoral care until the planned changes take effect in 2026. 

The announcement comes amid wider financial and structural pressures facing independent schools across the UK.