Exeter primary schools ranked among best in England for disadvantaged pupil support

Two Exeter primary schools have been singled out by the Education Secretary as being among the best in the country for supporting disadvantaged pupils, with the city’s MP describing the recognition as “well-deserved”.

St Gabriel’s Church of England Primary School and Whipton Barton Junior School have both been identified as ranking in the top national quartile for outcomes for disadvantaged children in the 2024/25 academic year.

The acknowledgement came in a letter from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to headteachers Adam Claridge and Louise Moretta, congratulating staff and pupils on what she described as a significant achievement.

Exeter MP Steve Race also praised the schools, saying their performance demonstrates what can be achieved through high expectations and sustained support for pupils who face additional challenges.

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“I want to congratulate St Gabriel’s and Whipton Barton on this well-deserved recognition for all their hard work,” he said.

Mr Race recently visited St Gabriel’s, where he met staff and pupils and was interviewed by Year 6 students for their podcast. 

He said he saw “first-hand the brilliant work the team is doing to help pupils get the best start in life”.

Both schools serve communities with higher-than-average levels of disadvantage, making their results particularly notable. 

Nationally, narrowing the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers remains a central focus for the government, with funding and reform programmes aimed at improving outcomes and attendance.

The recognition comes as the Government looks to strengthen its Universal RISE programme, designed to provide schools with high-quality resources, promote effective practice and encourage collaboration between schools. 

The Education Secretary has encouraged the two Exeter schools to share their approaches through the city’s RISE networks, supporting other schools locally while maintaining their focus on disadvantaged pupils.

In her letter, Ms Phillipson said the schools’ performances placed them “among the very best nationally”.

“This success reflects the dedication of staff and the hard work of pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together,” she said. 

“Their achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I look forward to working with the teams as we strive together to raise standards for all.”

The announcement comes ahead of a forthcoming Schools White Paper, which is expected to outline further reforms aimed at raising standards and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Mr Race said he is keen to work with both schools to ensure their methods benefit children across the city. 

“Labour is going further to break down barriers to opportunity, so every child can achieve and thrive,” he said. 

“I look forward to working with both schools to spread best practice across Exeter, as well as those schools that need extra support, so that together we can give local children the best start in life.”

For parents and staff in Exeter, the national recognition places two city schools firmly in the spotlight - and adds to the conversation about how collaboration across schools could help raise standards further in the years ahead.