About us
Who we are
Co Adventurers St Thomas is being developed as an independent special school in Exeter for children aged 5 to 14 with special educational needs and disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs.
Our vision and ethos
Our vision is that every student feels safe, belongs and thrives, leaving us ready for life, learning and community.
Curiosity. Courage. Connection.
We believe trusted relationships are the foundation for learning. Our teachers and mentors take an attachment-aware, trauma-informed and restorative approach. This means recognising how previous experiences can affect a young person’s trust and readiness to learn, responding with consistency and helping them work through difficulties.
We maintain ambition for each student while recognising their individual starting point. Their interests and EHCP outcomes help shape the support they receive, with opportunities to contribute to decisions about their learning.
Partnership with families and professionals is central to our work. Together, we aim to create stable, meaningful pathways towards each student’s next stage of education and life.
Our wider organisation
Co Adventurers provides educational and pastoral support for children, young people, families and schools across Exeter and East Devon. Its work includes teaching and mentoring, alongside outdoor learning and Forest School training.
The St Thomas Campus draws on that experience, bringing together specialist teaching and pastoral support while developing its own school-specific curriculum and arrangements.
Our leadership
Dave Slater
CEO and proprietor
Dave leads Co Adventurers and, as proprietor, is responsible for the school’s management and accountability. His background in education includes extensive experience working with vulnerable children and young people.
Vanessa Briggs
Headteacher-designate and designated safeguarding lead
Vanessa brings more than 30 years of experience in education, with a particular passion for supporting children with diverse learning needs. She holds BA(QTS) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Vanessa leads the development of the school’s curriculum and safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that educational planning and children’s welfare are considered together.
School and proprietor details
Co Adventurers is the public-facing name of Co Adventurers Limited.
School address
11A Wardrew Road
St Thomas
Exeter
EX4 1HB
Proprietor
Mr David Slater
Email: d.slater@coadventurers.org
Get in touch
For enquiries about Co Adventurers St Thomas, please email office@coadventurersstthomas.co.uk.