Senior Reflections Week 8 November 2025
Dear parents,
Another busy and memorable week at school. Tuesday’s Remembrance Service was, as always, a powerful and poignant occasion. It was wonderful to have the whole school community gathered together, and it felt that everyone gave the service the respect and reflection it so clearly deserves. Even the weather (mostly) played its part!
Our pupils did us proud once again, with outstanding, moving, and beautifully delivered musical performances and readings. The addition of the CCF Colour Party, complete with the school standard, was a particularly striking and dignified presence, and our cadets carried out their roles with great professionalism. Personally, having heard it so often over the years, I found it a humbling experience to read the exhortation myself this year.
Last weekend saw some fantastic GCSE drama performances from our Upper Fifth (Year 11) pupils. The range of talent on display, both on stage and behind the scenes, was remarkable with challenging and thought-provoking pieces performed with maturity and creativity.
Last Saturday brought glorious weather for another busy round of fixtures home and away. We have also enjoyed further sporting success this week at the Exeter Schools’ Cross Country Championships, the National Schools County Netball competition, and in swimming and football. Weather permitting, this weekend sees block fixtures for hockey against Blundell’s and rugby against Wellington.
It was wonderful to see so many of our younger pupils, junior and pre-prep alike, wearing brilliantly crazy colourful combinations of odd socks on Tuesday in support of anti-bullying week.
I was also delighted to speak with many parents at two important events this week. On Tuesday evening, we held our Third Form (Year 7) parents’ evening. As I said in my welcome, we have already glimpsed the character, potential, and enthusiasm of this year group, and I am very excited about what lies ahead. Thank you to parents for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can ensure that this first year in the senior school sets the tone for many happy and successful years to come. Next Thursday we look forward to the online Middle Fifth (Year 10) parents’ evening.
On Wednesday of this week, we hosted a parent forum focused on pastoral care. We know we have an exceptionally caring and effective pastoral system, one that places each pupil at the heart of our decisions, ensuring they feel known, valued, and supported. Nonetheless, it is always valuable to discuss this vital aspect of school life with parents, to share ideas and to explore how we might continue to strengthen the support we provide as part of our shared commitment to the wellbeing of every pupil. My thanks go to Miss Dunning and the team for facilitating the event.
Very early this morning a group of our senior pupils departed for a three-day trip to Poland, visiting the beautiful city of Kraków and the Auschwitz concentration camp. I was lucky enough to go on this trip last time, so I am confident that it will be a deeply moving and powerful experience; I am grateful to Miss Rose and the team for accompanying the pupils.
At lunchtime today we also have our annual Crossing Club quiz in aid of Children in Need; always a fun and friendly competition for a wonderful cause. My quizzing hat is ready. Looking ahead to the production of Grease, tickets are selling fast so please make sure to buy yours soon to avoid disappointment.
Also this week, please click the link here to read our latest safeguarding bulletin from Miss Dunning and the team, which includes important updates, useful tips, and practical guidance to help you support your child’s safety and wellbeing.
You may be aware that, following the recent roadworks on Heavitree Road, we introduced cones along Victoria Park Road between the bursary and Lower Drive entrances. Although parking restrictions already apply in this area, these have not always been observed. The cones have helped to improve traffic flow during busy times and, importantly, enhance safety for both parents and pupils. We will therefore be keeping the cones in place for the foreseeable future and kindly ask that you adhere to the restrictions they indicate.
Finally, I would like to wish the very best of luck to all those taking part in the first Ten Tors training walk of the season on Dartmoor this Sunday, as always led expertly by Mr Hall.
