West Exe Celebrates National Recognition for Classics Excellence

West Exe School is delighted to share that it has been recognised for its outstanding achievement in introducing Classics. The Exeter school was awarded a ‘Secondary School of the Year - Highly Commended’ certificate by Classics for All in their 2025 Impact Awards.

At West Exe, the Classical Civilisation GCSE is a course that continues to grow with currently 84 students enrolled across Years 9 to 11. Since its induction, Classics has only grown in popularity amongst both staff and students. This year, students participated in a visit to the University of Exeter, where they attended lectures from leading experts in the field and explored new areas of study, including a fascinating analysis of the graffiti left behind in the ruins of Pompeii’s.

The school has further supported this growing enthusiasm for Classics across the school by introducing the Latin and Roman Empire elective, giving more students the opportunity to engage with Classical studies. Increasing evidence shows that learning classical subjects can raise students’ aspirations and achievement, while strengthening their language skills, through a structured approach to grammar and a strong foundation for literacy and modern foreign languages.

A Year 10 Classics student said: "I love learning about Classics as I have always been passionate about Greek mythology and Roman history, and Classics includes all of that and more. It is very interesting learning about the tales of ancient historical figures and myths of heroes and gods and overall is a really fun subject!"

Classics for All supports state schools across the UK to introduce or develop the teaching of classical subjects sustainably on the curriculum or as an after-school activity. Their fifth annual teaching awards, the 'Impact Awards', this year took place at a special ceremony in Leeds Royal Armouries. Teachers, network coordinators and special guests came together to recognise the transformative work of some of the best and brightest teachers from across the country.

At West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, staff have the highest of expectations of students and expect them to achieve truly great things, and they do. This summer, three quarters of students successfully passed both GCSE English and Maths, a notable increase when compared to last year, placing the school considerably above the national average yet again. 

A Year 11 Classics student said: "I used to have a great interest in the ancient Romans and Greeks, and Classics has re-ignited my passion for it, helping me to learn more about them. It has also helped me to appreciate their wider society, which I had not appreciated before, and I now have an interest in ancient Roman literature."

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

"We are thrilled that our commitment to introducing Classics at West Exe has been recognised on a national stage. Studying classical subjects not only connects students to ancient cultures, but also strengthens their literacy, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which underpin success across the curriculum. I am incredibly proud of the staff who have championed this programme and of our students, whose enthusiasm for learning continues to impress and inspire us every day."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are passionate about creating opportunities that expand horizons and raise aspirations for all young people. West Exe’s recognition by Classics for All is a wonderful example of how schools can innovate to enrich learning and inspire ambition. This award is a testament to the dedication of staff and students, and we are delighted to see their hard work celebrated nationally."