A merger has been announced of two Devonshire schools, Exeter School and The New School. They joined forces last Friday (19 March), creating an independent, coeducational pre-prep, junior and senior school.
The two institutions already enjoy well-established links. As an independent pre-preparatory for boys and girls aged from three to seven years, The New School – based in Exminster, a village just south of the city – has seen a steady stream of pupils go on to enrol at Exeter Junior School.
Now, the school will be able to offer a full 3-18 experience as part of the Exeter School family.
“Our aim is to provide a truly exceptional educational offering from the early years right through to the sixth form, enabling our young people to grow into independent, confident and versatile Exonians,” said the head of Exeter School, Louise Simpson.
Our aim is to provide a truly exceptional educational offering from the early years right through to the sixth form, enabling our young people to grow into independent, confident and versatile Exonians – Louise Simpson, Exeter School
It is reported that, in the first instance, there will be little evidence of change in the day-to-day running of the school. Later, as-yet-unspecified changes will be introduced gradually.
The merger marks the end of Michelle Taylor’s tenure as proprietor of The New School.
“The New School has flourished under Michelle’s proprietorship,” said Simpson, “and we are looking forward to welcoming pupils and their families into the Exeter School community.”
Taylor said: “It has been my privilege to work with so many talented and delightful children during my 15 years at the New School and I shall miss them enormously. I take great comfort in knowing their future will be secure and I shall continue to observe their progress from afar.”
News of the two schools joining forces echoes the announcement earlier this month of Charterhouse merging with a long-time feeder, Edgeborough School.
