eNewsletter – February 2026

The power of a bursary

Lilymay Wagstaff (2010–2021), a former bursary award holder, reflects on how Exeter School shaped her future. “Due to the endless opportunities at Exeter School, I achieved many things. While at school, I was playing for both the 2002 England and Great Britain water polo teams… after Exeter School, I received a sports scholarship for water polo at Durham University. Without the continued support of the school, or most importantly, my housemaster, I don’t think I would have even considered applying to Durham. I am so grateful for this as I had an exceptional time during university.”

She explains how vital her bursary was to her family, “A bursary can be life-changing for both pupils and their families, the 11 years I spent at Exeter School were nothing short of phenomenal. Without a bursary, I would not have been able to attend and would not be the person I have grown into today. I hope others are enabled, like I was, to experience this.”

Her mother, Francette Mimpriss, adds, “Exeter School was like being part of a big family. Ultimately, Exeter School facilitates circumstances for the children to become the best young adults that they can be.”

Stories like Lilymay’s are only possible through the generosity of bursary fund supporters. Exeter School is a registered charity, and even a small gift can make a big difference – leaving £1,000 in your Will could save £400 in inheritance tax, and a 1% gift still leaves 99% or more for your loved ones. Please consider supporting the bursary fund and helping to change a child’s future.

Further information

Sports round up

Despite very wet conditions at West Buckland School, Exeter School enjoyed excellent success at the Devon Cross Country Championships. Rory (lower sixth), Penelope (upper fifth) and Evie (third form) were all crowned county champions, with George (fourth form) finishing an impressive sixth a year young. All four will represent Devon at the South West Championships at the Exeter Arena this weekend.

The U16 netball squad competed superbly at the regional finals, winning four of their six matches and narrowly missing out on the knockout stages. They should be extremely proud of their performance and now look ahead to a Sisters in Sport national plate knockout match against Croydon High School for Girls, with a potential finals day at Loughborough University next half term.

Hockey fixtures are also coming thick and fast, with the U18 boys playing King’s School Taunton in the national cup and the under 16s facing Clayesmore in the national plate and in rugby. Congratulations to Max, who plays for U17s Exeter Chiefs U17s, and George, who is with Lambs Rugby, on their representative selections, with both featuring in fixtures this half term.

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Exonian Lecture WRITE UP

Tickets are now available for next year’s Exonian Lecture, to be held at Exeter School on Friday 6 February 2026 from 6-8.30pm. We are delighted to welcome Alex Leger (1958-1966), long-serving Blue Peter producer, director and cameraman, as our speaker. The lecture will take place in the Main Hall at 6pm, followed by a short Q&A session and a drinks reception. Tickets are priced at £5, with all proceeds supporting the School’s bursary appeal. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a fascinating evening.

Book your tickets

A small treasure

We were delighted to receive this beautifully engraved silver matchbox, generously sent to us by a collector who felt it would make a valuable addition to our archive. Dating from 1904, the inscription shows it was awarded to S. W. Toms as the prize for Exeter School’s under 16 high jump.

Small items like this provide a fascinating insight into the school’s sporting past and highlight the long tradition of celebrating pupil achievement. If you recognise the name, own a similar prize, or have memories of school sport from years gone by, we would love to hear from you.

Email us here

Identifying alumni

This feature was popular in our last eNewsletter, so we’re planning to make it a regular one. We’re asking for your help with this photo, we know it’s the U15 rugby XV team from 1990, but we can’t identify everyone. If you recognise anyone and remember their full name, we’d love to hear from you – please let us know who you spot!

Thank you to those who sent in names following our last request – Richard Fryer (staff, 1974-2024), who now helps with digitising the archive, was delighted with the response.

I know who that is

Don’t miss out

We’re currently preparing the next issue of The 1633 and want to make sure you don’t miss out, whether you receive your copy by post or by email. Should you need to update your details or change anything about your current contact preferences, please email alumni@exeterschool.org.uk  and we can always be reached on 01392 307080. You can also use the button below.

Click here to update your details

Alumni seeking alumni

The Alumni and Development office is here to help OEs stay in touch, and sometimes we’re asked to seek out a particular member of the alumni community. Please don’t hesitate to email us if you’re trying to find someone you once knew.

Finding alumni

The 1633 needs you!

In the past, the Old Exonian magazine featured short updates from alumni about where life had taken them since their school days. We would love to continue this format in The 1633, but we need your help! So whether it’s a big achievement or a small milestone, please share your news with us. Send your updates to communications and alumni officer, Ali McGeown.

Get in touch with Ali

Stay in the loop!

Follow Exeter School’s alumni Instagram to catch all the latest updates, stories and celebrations from the alumni community.

Click to follow @exeterschool_alumni