Save Exeter Cathedral School
Parent-led response to the closure announcement
The Board announced on 8th January 2026 that ECS Prep (Years 3-8) will close in July 2026.
Parents are working together to explore every option for our children and our school.
How We Can Help
What We're Doing
1. Supporting Families Now
Providing clear information, answering questions, and connecting families who need support during this uncertain time.
2. Investigating School Viability
Conducting a rigorous assessment of whether genuine rescue capacity exists within the parent community - skills, funding, governance capability.
3. Demanding Board Accountability
The Board claims "exhaustive efforts" found no alternatives. We're requesting evidence and transparency about what was actually explored.
4. Protecting Chorister Transitions
Advocating for safeguarding protections and transitional arrangements, especially for Year 6-7 choristers whose secondary education is immediately impacted.
Latest Updates
Key Questions We're Asking
To The Board
- What specific rescue options were explored?
- What financial analysis supports the closure decision?
- Will you meet with parents before the deadline?
- What transitional protections will be provided?
To Exeter School
- How will safeguarding responsibilities be managed when the Cathedral's needs conflict with pupil welfare?
- What specific provisions will protect choristers during transition?
- What happens if a chorister needs to leave the choir?
- How will chorister cohesion be maintained in a school of 1,000 pupils?
To Our Community
- Do we have the skills, resources and commitment to mount a credible rescue?
- What would a viable alternative structure look like?
- Are we being realistic or grasping at straws?
- What's best for our children in this situation?
How You Can Help
Complete the Skills Survey
Help us understand what expertise and resources exist within our community. Takes 5 minutes.
Take SurveyJoin a Working Group
We need parents to work on transition planning, financial analysis, governance, and communications.
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If you have insights into the school's finances, the Board's process, or relevant expertise, get in touch.
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Important Context
About ECS
Exeter Cathedral School is a 900-year-old institution educating choristers for Exeter Cathedral alongside other pupils. Current enrollment is approximately 50% of capacity.
What Was Announced
On 8th January 2026, the Board announced ECS Prep (Years 3-8) will close in July 2026, citing financial difficulties. ECS Pre-Prep (Reception-Year 2) will continue.
Why Parents Are Responding
Many families question whether genuine alternatives were explored, what the closure timeline means for our children, and whether the parent community has capacity to mount a credible rescue.
This Is Not Over
We are exploring every avenue while being rigorously honest about what's realistic. The school is still open. Our children are still here.