Exeter school leads attendance push

St James School in Exeter has been appointed as a Lead for the Department for Education’s new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme, one of just 21 schools chosen nationally for this prestigious role.

The programme is designed to help schools improve attendance, strengthen behaviour cultures and create supportive environments where every child can thrive. As a Lead, St James will deliver intensive, one-to-one support to schools each year, host best-practice events and regional open days, and share evidence-informed strategies to help drive lasting improvement.

The designation builds on previous success: between 2022 and 2024, St James served as a Behaviour Hub Lead, working with a group of local schools to develop positive routines and structures that improved pupil engagement, mental health and wellbeing.

The Department for Education has said that over time, 500 schools in most need will receive intensive support, while up to 5,000 will benefit from the hub network once it is fully established.

Headteacher Emily Harper said:
“We’re thrilled to be selected as a Behaviour and Attendance Hub, and to continue our work supporting schools across the region to develop strong and consistent approaches in line with our values of community and equity for all. A calm, safe and supportive environment is the foundation for students’ success, and we look forward to contributing to this important work across the South West.”

Rated Ofsted ‘Good’, St James is a thriving secondary in Exeter with a diverse community and strong educational outcomes. Through its ambitious curriculum, it empowers young people to use their education to become their best selves, thrive in fulfilling careers and lead happy, healthy lives.