Senior Reflections Week 11 December 2025
Dear parents,
I couldn’t possibly begin this week’s letter with anything other than our amazing senior school production of Grease.
What. A. Show!
At the time of writing, with one more each to go, both casts have completed one performance, including a special matinee for pupils from local primary schools (some of whom brought popcorn). It’s fair to say they absolutely loved it!
The talent on display was extraordinary: wonderful singing including scintillating solos and entertaining ensembles; vibrant choreography; impressive lighting and sound; and some fantastic comic timing. Productions like this remind us just how valuable drama and music is in the life of a school, building confidence, teamwork, lasting friendships and the kind of memories that stay with pupils for years to come. It was also fantastic to see the efficient and well-rehearsed stage crew effortlessly shift scenes and members of staff from across the school in the orchestra too. The performances from pupils were simply outstanding, far too many to mention individually right now. Whether in a lead or supporting role, on or off stage, they were all outstanding.
We have chosen not to include photos from the production in this week’s newsletter so as not to spoil it for those attending tonight and tomorrow’s performances, but rest assured that photos will be shared in due course.
Huge congratulations to every pupil, former pupil, member of staff and former member of staff involved. In particular I would like to thank Mrs Pettet and Sophie Robb for their invaluable contributions, and of course, Mr Brough, Mr Harknett, Ms Smith and Mr Tamblyn for their remarkable leadership and creativity.
Last week, I promised to update you on our U11 girls’ hockey team’s progress in Haileybury at the IAPS National Final. The girls performed brilliantly throughout the day, winning their pool (without conceding a goal!) to progress to the knockout stages. They finished 3rd overall in a national competition that saw 168 schools take part. They represented the school superbly, and we are all incredibly proud of their efforts.
On Wednesday, junior and senior school pupils shone brightly as we were delighted to take part in the annual Light Up a Life service in the Cathedral, held in aid of Hospiscare, a truly meaningful and reflective occasion. Well done to all involved.
Looking ahead, we have a special opportunity next week for our GCSE and A Level historians, and indeed for anyone with an interest in history. On Monday, we will be hosting a Historical Association lecture by Professor Katharine Hodgson from the University of Exeter, in partnership with the local branch of the association. The lecture will explore Russian history from 1924 to 1953, with a particular focus on the USSR’s role in the Second World War and the wider global impact of this period. Our thanks to Miss Harris for arranging such a valuable event.
Very best wishes also to our GCSE artists, who complete their trial exams next week, and to our GCSE linguists undertaking their mock speaking exams. Both are important milestones on the journey towards the final examinations in the summer.
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the school! On Tuesday, Third Form (Year 7) will enjoy a festive film night, expect a classic: Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone… perhaps even a lively debate about which is best. And the following week, sixth form get their own film night, my vote goes for Die Hard, of course, which is most definitely a Christmas movie.
Wednesday brings our senior school Christmas house day, masterminded by Miss Rose and our heads of house. Activities will include games in the sports hall, competitive singing, quizzes and, after last year’s great success, the return of door decorating. It is also Christmas jumper day, a joyous celebration of questionable taste, itchy knitwear, and the annual challenge of finding the tiny battery for those jumpers which light up without requiring an instruction manual. On the same day we have our much-loved Christmas lunch; pupils should keep an eye out for some extra “elves” helping out in the kitchen…
On Thursday and Friday, our pre-prep pupils take to the stage with their nativity in Exminster. I was fortunate enough to see some rehearsals this week, it’s looking wonderful. And next week will be rounded off beautifully with our school Christmas Service in the Cathedral. It is always a special moment to gather as a whole school community at this time of year. Due to limited space at the Cathedral, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate parents at the service, but we look forward to sharing photos so everyone can be part of the celebration.
Finally, I would like to share an extract from an unsolicited email (of the positive kind) I received this week from a member of the public:
“…Last Thursday late afternoon, having attended clinic, I was standing outside the RD&E awaiting my lift. It was cold and windy, and I was in pain. Huddling a take-away coffee for warmth and watching the on-coming headlights, my concentration was broken with:
‘Excuse me, Sir, are you ok?’
I assured the young man that I was and thanked him for his kindness. Such public-spirited behaviour is a credit to him and to the ethos of your school…”
I don’t know who this good Samaritan was, and in some ways, I don’t want to. It is wonderful to think it could have been any one of our amazing boys who, along with our super girls, make Exeter School such a special place with kindness at its core.
