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Character Education

A School of Great Character

At Exeter School our commitment to developing the character of our pupils underpins all that we do. Drawing on the ideas of Aristotle, our school ethos is rooted in virtue ethics and promotes aspiration and flourishing in all. Our aim is to equip pupils with the practical wisdom they will require to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our fast-paced and ever-changing world, whilst celebrating their unique talents and individuality. Our expectation is for pupils to embody the school virtues through their time at Exeter School, embracing the rich and varied opportunities on offer.

Inspire and challenge

Kindness and integrity

Welcome and serve

Endeavour and collaborate

Character education is both an implicit and explicit part of school life, influencing our approach to learning and teaching, our pastoral care, and our co-curricular programme. Pupils are taught about character through allocated time in the curriculum, exploring the origins of virtue ethics and using role models and moral dilemmas to enhance their understanding of our school virtues.

Each half term sees a focus on a different school virtue, with assemblies, form time and house meetings considering this theme with pupils. We also take time to celebrate the character development of pupils regularly, both within house meetings and assemblies. As a school of great character, it is our hope for every pupil that they will aspire and flourish, both in their time at Exeter School and throughout their life.