Junior Reflections 20 March 2026
Dear parents,
It feels like Spring is finally here, and with that the sun has certainly made a big appearance. My Monday assembly, I have to say, was a highlight. We had “guess that tune”, with our very own Seb playing the bassoon, and then Jack from Form One demonstrated how to not only complete the Rubik’s cube but he managed to complete it blindfolded to rapturous applause from the whole school. I have to admit I can only manage one side so I was in awe! We touched upon what it means to be neurodiverse and the pupils were very articulate in sharing that people are different and that sometimes our brains are different as well. The form tutors shared with their classes what it is like to be neurodiverse, whether it is ADHD, Dyslexia or Tourette’s, but that at Exeter School it is important that we are understanding to our peers and recognise that we are not all the same… it is good to be different and we must celebrate everyone.
The Upper Twos rounded off their hugely successful Virgin Money with a Dragons’ Den session on Wednesday, I was so proud of all the pupils who stood up and spoke, the quiet confidence that each pupil showed was brilliant and they answered the questions brilliantly posed to them by our three dragons, namely Mr Wood, Mr Evans and Mrs Bates. It was a very difficult decision but the two winning teams this year were: Nature.com – Agnes, Abigail and Sisi who were overall winners, with Lucky Charms – Emily, Emilia, Ruby and Stella winning the team who raised the most profit – £168.68, which is amazing
The school has been having great success out on the sports pitches with continuing success for our U11 girls’ hockey team who travelled to Millfield for the West of England finals. Sadly, I was unable to attend but the girls have had great delight in giving me a minute-by-minute account. It sounds like it was a thrilling day, with the team coming out as runners-up, narrowly missing out on winning the final by one goal. Well done to you all, what a way to end the season. Thank you to Ms Wormington and Mr Jones for excellent coaching. Last Friday, the U11 cross country team took part in the Larkman Cup at Blundell’s. Despite the wet and muddy conditions, it was an enjoyable afternoon of running. The team performed brilliantly throughout, with a special mention to Charlie in U2 for winning the U11 boys’ race—an outstanding achievement. Wednesday saw all the Upper School out at Blundells’ for hockey and netball, and the Lower School enjoyed a series of football matches for boys and girls on Thursday; what a busy week of sport!
On Thursday morning, I was over at pre-prep for interviews, I had the pleasure of being out on playground duty which involved looking for worms, (I was pleased we didn’t find any), a game of hide and seek, (I didn’t lose anyone), and a 100m sprint, (which I lost). When I asked a nursery pupil if they had enjoyed their playtime the response was… it was boring! I clearly need to up my playing skills.
The House Esports competition wrapped up today after 23 matches played over three weeks, with the semi-finals and finals streamed live to House Assemblies. A total of 30 teams—150 pupils, including 56 girls—took part. It was so exciting with our very own Mrs Morgan commentating, whilst the house cheered their peers on. It was a tense final but the overall winners were Blake… a huge thank you to Mrs Morgan for masterminding this event, it really was a highlight.
A brief reminder, too, about the upcoming Parental Forum session on Tuesday 24 March, which will be led by Lisa McCullagh from Southwest Autism. If this is of interest to you, please complete the form on MSP to indicate your attendance.
Many of you may also have seen the very sad news of the meningococcal disease outbreak linked to Kent and might have some questions about the meningitis and the MenB vaccination for your child. For more information, the UKHSA is regularly updating this link. We have also provided some additional information and links available in the section below this letter.
The Spring Concert rehearsals are in full swing, and I hope to see many of you on Tuesday afternoon to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of singing. Enjoy the sunshine this weekend.
