Exeter school shines with exceptional reading and maths results

Staff and pupils at Whipton Barton Federation are celebrating exceptional academic achievements after newly released Department for Education data revealed that pupils at the school are outperforming national and regional averages in key areas of learning.

 In 2024, pupils at Whipton Barton Federation outshone the national average of 61% and the Devon average of 57% meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths.  Even more impressive, the school’s pupils are excelling at a higher standard in core subjects at three times the rate of the Devon average.  18% of Whipton students are achieving at a higher standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to just 6% across Devon and 8% across England. The Exeter school also received above average scores for reading and maths and came out higher than both the Devon and England averages for these metrics.  

The school is also ranked 10th in Devon out of 393 schools for the overall performance of disadvantaged pupils at end of key stage 2 in 2024.  National evidence shows that, overall, performance of disadvantaged pupils is lower than that of other pupils, so this data indicates how well a school does at tackling this difference.  Disadvantaged pupils are those who were eligible for free school meals at any time during the last 6 years and children looked after (in the care of the local authority for a day or more or who have been adopted from care).

The infant and junior schools which make up the federation are both part of the Ted Wragg Trust and they received glowing praise from Ofsted inspectors, who noted that children flourish in the school’s early years provision. 

Inspectors also noted that leaders and staff have high expectations for all pupils to be successful, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and that leaders have created a broad and ambitious curriculum that is carefully sequenced, this starts in the early years where children get off to a flying start.

Louise Moretta. Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said: “I am delighted that the data released by the Department for Education has shown that Whipton Barton Federation is outperforming both the Devon and national average. We are especially proud of the outstanding achievements of disadvantaged pupils. Their success highlights their resilience and determination, ensuring they are well-prepared for an excellent start to their secondary education.  I would encourage any families who would like their child to be a part of our thriving school community to contact us for a tour and apply for a place before the January 15th deadline.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “I would like to congratulate all the staff and pupils at Whipton Barton on these brilliant results.  Whipton Barton Federation stands out as a beacon of success in the county, offering children a bright future and a place in a school where curiosity and achievement are at the heart of everything they do.”