Sacred Heart Exeter
Latest News
We have struggled in the heat this week and had to be very creative to keep the children cool. Some children have had footbaths, some have had water play and we have utilised the cooler areas of the site as much as possible to give them shade amongst the trees. Parents have kindly brought in ice lollies to cool the children down and we have drunk gallons of water! Our yr 6 children will have fantastic weather for their residential to Kilve Court next week - we just hope it is a little cooler than this week.
For information about joining our school community please email admissions@stncs.plymouthcast.com
Back to School
We are back ready to start the final term before Summer which will include the Yr 6 residential to Kilve, Sports Day, Yr 6 Leavers Events, transition events for new Reception children and hopefully lots of sunshine! We have recovered from the fire in one of our classrooms last month and much work will take place to reinstate the room ready for September. We are still so impressed with the actions of our staff on that day to keep the children calm and safe.
We are happy to give tours and information to parents wishing to find out about our school, from Nursery to Yr 6 - please email admissions@stncs.plymouthcast.com
May news
Our Yr 3/4 children have had a fantastic week at Pixies Holt on Dartmoor, scrambling over rocks, learning about the environment and going on night time walks. They have loved it and the weather has been kind.
You may have seen that on Tuesday we had an electrical fire in a classroom in school. All our practice fire drills kicked in and we had an orderly, calm exit before the fire crews arrived to put out the fire. One classroom has been badly damaged but we are just so happy that all in school are safe.
For information about admissions, including into our school Nursery please contact admissions@stncs.plymouthcast.com
Return to School after Easter Break
We have returned to sunshine and much more outdoor play. Over the holidays we were lucky enough to have a team of volunteers for a day from National Grid to clear our orchard area of overgrown branches and bushes. This means we can now develop the area to be a quiet, reflective space, away from the hustle and bustle of the main playground.
For information about joining our school community, from Nursery to Yr 6, please email a.brocksom@plymouthcast.com.
ADMISSIONS AVAILABLE FOR NURSERY
St Nicholas is a welcoming Catholic primary school with a strong sense of community and care at our heart. Our pupils enjoy a rich curriculum enhanced by exciting trips, a wide range of clubs, and a developing outdoor environment with brand-new play equipment.
We currently have spaces available in our Nursery, and we offer convenient Breakfast and After School Club provision to support busy families.
Come and be part of our vibrant school family—get in touch to find out more or arrange a visit! Email admissions@stncs.uk
FEBRUARY 2026 ROUND-UP
Our Yr 5 children had a fantastic time in London last week. They went on a tour of Parliament and observed the House of Lords in session, they saw a wonderful production of Matilda and learned so much at the Science Museum the next day. They came back full of the new experiences they had enjoyed.
We are continuing the development of our outdoor spaces. We have had some children's exercise equipment installed on the playground. We are also developing reflective spaces in our more wooded areas for children who wish to have some quieter time during breaks. We are lucky to have such fantastic grounds and now that the weather is improving the children are loving being outside more.
If you would like to find out about admission to St Nicholas from age 3 - 11 please contact admissions@stncs.uk for more information and to arrange a tour. We do have Nursery spaces available from Easter and September.
Our Yr 5 children are off to London by coach next week to visit the Houses of Parliament and the Science Museum Wonderlab as well as watch the fantastic Matilda musical. The children are all very excited (as are the staff!). Once that is over we will be looking forward to the Yr 3/4 trip to Pixies Holt on Dartmoor.
Now that the weather is improving outdoor play becomes more important and we are looking forward to phase 2 of our playground equipment installation very soon. We are having children's exercise equipment installed and dens built to enhance our wonderful space.
We have spaces in our Nursery from April. Please contact admissions@stncs.uk for a tour and more information. We are also always happy to give tours to parents of children up to Yr 6 who wish to come to St Nicholas.
Happy new year from St Nicholas School!
After the excitement of Christmas we have settled back into school well. We have just celebrated a member of staff, Mrs Burgoyne, who has been working at St Nicholas for 30 years(!) this January and really is at the heart of the school.
If you would like to find out about vacancies in Nursery to Yr 6 or wish to come and see the school please contact admissions@stncs.uk. We have some Nursery spaces left in Summer term and can offer 15 and 30 hours funding plus wrap around care.
We are now in the midst of Christmas festivities here at St Nicholas. Our nativities are underway and it is a joy to see the tiny angels with tinsel halos, shepherds with tea towel headdresses and Mary and Joseph asking for room at the inn. We held an Advent liturgy and also a traditional carol concert and Christmas fayre to help our families get into the festive spirit. On the 17th we have Christmas jumper day when we will also have our Christmas lunch and will carry out a Reindeer Run to raise money for Hospiscare with all children wearing antlers. A very exciting day!
If you would like to find out more about your child joining St Nicholas please contact admissions@stncs.uk. Children entering Reception Class in 2026 need to apply to Devon County Council by the 15th January and also complete a supplementary form (obtainable from the school and to be submitted to the school) if you are applying under faith based criteria. If you have any questions please contact the school using the email above.
Back to School
It’s been a fantastic return to school! The children have come in and settled well with their new teachers and we are concentrating on the development of our new curriculum. We are currently in the process of interviewing and appointing our School Chaplains from children in Yr 6 - they contribute so much to the faith life of the school. We will hold a special mass to commission them later this month.
We have new play equipment with more on the way and the children are enjoying hanging, climbing and balancing at play time! We are fundraising with our wonderful PTA team to buy even more equipment and to keep developing our play opportunities .
If you would like to find out about joining our Nursery or school, or are interested in becoming a Governor please contact the Senior Administrator, Mrs Brocksom by emailing admissions@stncs.uk.
Pantastic
Well done to our Yr 6 children who performed their end of year play based on Peter Pan, "Pantastic", for parents and the whole school this week. It was a triumph and we are incredibly proud of them all. (Photo attached)
In the final week we have Young Enterprise and a pizza party for yr 6.
We have sessions available from September in our Nursery for 3-4 year olds. We offer 15 and 30 hours (extended) funding and additional hours are only £5.50 per hour. You can choose all day or half day sessions (dependent on availability), with or without lunch. We can also offer wraparound care in our Breakfast and After School Club up to 6pm. Please contact the school by emailing admissions@stncs.uk (more details on our website http://www.st-nicholas-exeter.devon.sch.uk/website) to find out more about our Nursery provision and to book a tour! Come and see us in action and find out more about joining our school family.
We wish all parishioners a sunny, restful Summer filled with fun.
We are loving the hot weather and the many chances to play and learn outside. Yr 6 loved their residential at Kilve last week and are now in the final rehearsals for their performance of Peter Pan next week.
We still have sessions available in our Nursery from September and can offer wrap around care - please contact the school by emailing admissions@stncs.uk for more information.
Older News
Exciting Developments at St Nick's!
We have had Electric Vehicle charging points put in this week! This is from our participation in the NZ Pathfinder project for climate action. This is one of the actions towards meeting our responsibility to have a positive effect on our community and the world!!
Linked into this project is our desire to develop the outside of the school aligned to the commitment of the PTA. We are working on some great new developments including playground equipment, playground markings and a sensory / prayer area.
If any parishioners are interested in being a Foundation Governor at St Nicholas please contact the Clerk to Governors - Mrs Brocksom by emailing clerk@stncs.uk.
We need committed Catholics to become foundation governors in our schools.
• We want the Diocese to have a community of outstanding schools in which our pupils flourish in safe, happy and stimulating environments, so they leave us with the knowledge and skills, personal qualities and aspirations, to make the world a better place, inspired by the Gospel.
• You could make a huge difference in our Diocese. Your faith and encouragement could help the school community to develop their Catholic identity, keep our children and staff safe and help them in their commitment to the vision of Pope Francis who said, ‘Only by changing education can we change the world.’
• A background in education or safeguarding would be desirable but no experience is totally necessary – your passion, faith and commitment is what is really needed as lots of friendly advice and training will be given.
• Inspired by our teacher, Jesus Christ, and his good news to the poor, we have a commitment especially to those who are disadvantaged. We are determined that a child’s start in life need not determine their future. We are committed to the well-being of the earth, our common home, inspired by the example of Pope Francis: to live wisely, think deeply and love generously
• I would ask you to truly consider if you can take on this vital role. If you feel you can help, please speak to your parish priest about the next steps on the journey.
• May the Lord reward your service and may you be blessed in the generosity of sharing your gifts.
If any parishioner would be interested in becoming a Foundation Governor at the school please contact Mrs Brocksom (clark@stncs.uk).