A new era is taking shape at Tiverton High School as its recently appointed headteacher sets out an ambitious plan to transform standards, culture and opportunity for pupils.
Nicky Lewis, who took up the role in September 2025, said the school is on a “journey” to improve outcomes, with a focus on attendance, teaching quality and a stronger sense of belonging among students.
Nicky said she had previously worked at West Exe School in Exeter, where she progressed from a PE teacher through pastoral roles to senior leadership.
She said: “What actually attracted me to Tiverton High School was partly to do with my background and where my main career has been.”
Nicky added that the school reminded her of West Exe in 2016, before its improvement journey.
She said: “That is what attracted me because I could really see the potential at Tiverton.”
Since her appointment, the school has undergone a monitoring inspection by Ofsted to assess leadership capacity. Nicky said the inspection confirmed the school has the ability to move forward.
She said: “We have got a school improvement plan we are working towards as part of our school improvement journey.”
The school’s three main priorities are improving attendance, strengthening character and culture, and ensuring high-quality teaching in every classroom.
Nicky said: “All of that together will ultimately improve the progress and outcomes for our young people.”
She added that the goal is for pupils to leave as “well rounded young people” able to pursue their chosen paths.
The school has also recently joined the Blackdown Education Partnership, a trust of 13 schools. Nicky said this would allow greater collaboration and access to expertise.
She said: “It is a really exciting time for Tiverton High School.”
Nicky confirmed she is working with Exeter College to address transport barriers for students accessing post-16 education, but said she could not comment on whether there are plans for a sixth form provision locally.
She said: “Students tend to either go into the city or go to Exeter or Richard Huish.”
On facilities, Nicky said investment is already being made to improve the school environment, including upgrades to fire safety systems, new fire doors and lockdown bells. Plans are also in place to resurface the car park.
While there has been long-standing discussion about a potential new school building, Nicky said there are no confirmed updates.
She said: “What we need to be doing is our core business for our young people at the High School and we need to work with what we have got at the moment as best we can.”
She added that collaboration with local primary schools is a key priority, with a shared aim of ensuring families actively choose Tiverton High School.
She said: “We are all serving the same community and therefore it is important we all work together.”
