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Alumni and Development office - February 2026

eNewsletter – Winter half term

We hope the new year has started well, despite a very wet January. It has already been a busy and successful start to the year for Exeter School sports teams, alongside a wonderful Exonian Lecture, which raised money for the bursary fund – you can read more about this below. We are very much looking forward to seeing many of you at the House of Commons dinner in March and are delighted that this event is now fully booked.

We have a range of volunteering opportunities planned throughout the year, offering alumni the chance to share their expertise with current pupils. We will be in touch with further information or should you wish to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The 1633 is due for publication in June and will feature lots of exciting alumni news and interviews – please make sure your contact details are up-to-date to ensure you receive your copy.

We wish you all the very best for the year ahead and hope to see many alumni soon. Visits to the school and our archive are always very welcome.

The power of a bursary

Lilymay Wagstaff (Girvin; 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 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 Head of House, 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 made possible through the generosity of bursary fund supporters. Exeter School is a registered charity, and any gift we receive makes a big difference. You can make a gift online here, or remember the school in your Will. Any gift in a Will, even a small percentage once you have taken care of those closest to you, can have a profound impact on future generations of Exonians. If you have any questions please do get in touch with Alice Holohan – asah@exeterschool.org.uk.

Further information

We'd love to hear from you...

if you were awarded a direct grant, scholarship, assisted place, or bursary and would be willing to share how it impacted your life. We’re dedicated to capturing the stories of our past pupils and respecting your privacy – if you’d prefer, we can keep your details anonymous. Please get in touch with Alice Holohan, to share your story.

Call for testimonials

Senior School netball champions

It was a memorable day for Exeter School’s U16 netball squad, who were crowned Sisters n Sport National Bowl champions at Finals Day, held at Loughborough University. The team delivered a string of impressive performances across the day, demonstrating resilience, unity and calmness under pressure. Their semi-final clash with Manchester High School for Girls proved to be a nail-biter, with Exeter edging a thrilling contest 24–23 to secure their place in the final.

Facing Surbiton High School in the final, the squad rose to the challenge with confidence and control. A dominant display saw them claim a 25–19 victory, sealing the National Bowl title in style.

Follow @exschsports on Instagram

Futures Conference

The Lower Sixth Futures Conference, held on Tuesday 3 March 2026, was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to hear from a range of Exeter School alumni who returned to share their experiences and career journeys. We were delighted to welcome back former pupils including Stephen Earle (1992-1998), Patricia Emery (1987-1989), James Gibbs (1989-1991), Jonathan Githens-Mazer (1989-1990), Christopher Green, XXX Hopkins, David House (1980-1985), Halla Ragi (1997-1999), Jane Trollope, Russ Wakeham (1990-2001) and Stephen Wickers (1984-1988).

Their careers span an impressive range of fields, from policing and media to aviation and entrepreneurship, giving pupils a broad and inspiring insight into the many paths available after school.

We are extremely grateful to all of our alumni for giving their time so generously and for sharing their knowledge and experiences.

For further images, please visit here.

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Impact report

In case you missed it previously, we’re sharing our Impact Report once more. Featuring contributions from OEs, donors, and a message from Acting Head Graham Bone, the report showcases the impact of our community when it comes together. Thank you to everyone who has donated – your generosity truly makes a difference.

Money making juniors

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 team hockey photo, as 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 generously volunteers his time to undertake the important project of digitising the archive, will be delighted to hear from you.

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

Ali McGeown, Communications and alumni officer

Sharing your stories and tracking down alumni

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.

The Alumni and Development Office helps OEs stay connected, and we’re often happy to assist in tracking down members of our alumni community. If there’s a former classmate or teacher you’d like to contact, please use the button below.

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

From the archive

A snapshot of Exeter School sports teams across the years.

Alumni news

The Joy of Ten Tors on Dartmoor

Wed 4th February 2026

In this article, former physics teacher John Spivey (staff, 1981-2001) shares his experiences of Ten Tors at Exeter School, as one of our dedicated teachers who kindly gave up his...

Interviewing Nick Jane (1998-2003)

Mon 24th November 2025

Last year, Nick Jane and communications & alumni officer Ali sat down after Nick kindly asked how Savills might support a current school project. Ali quickly took the opportunity to...

Memories from School in the 1950s

Wed 19th November 2025

Jon Lewis (1954-1962) When with fifty-nine other eleven-year olds, I started at Exeter School in September 1954 the War had been over for less than ten years. Food rationing was...

Visit from alumnus Steve Dukes, CEO of Confused.com

Fri 10th October 2025

Alumnus Steve Dukes (1992-1997) was back in school this week giving an assembly about what he’s been doing since leaving school. Steve is now the CEO of Confused.com – a...

Exonian Quiz 2025

Wed 8th October 2025

On Friday 3 October, we had the pleasure of welcoming our alumni, parents, teachers, and sixth form students to challenge themselves at our much-loved Exonian Quiz. Once again, the quiz...

Captain Elizabeth Godwin (Drake, 2004-2013) 1997-2025

Thu 11th September 2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Captain Elizabeth (Lizzie) Godwin, who attended Exeter School from 2004 to 2013. Lizzie joined the school at the age of...

Do you have a story or pupil achievement to share with our community?

If you have a couple of lines of information and a photograph that you and your child are happy to be shared we will try to post these at relevant times through the year.

Email our communications team

Upcoming alumni events

Donors' lunch - Saturday 25 April

We are looking forward to welcoming our donors back to school in order to thank them for their support. Invitations to come.

OE Golf Day - Thursday 21 May

You are invited to join us for a friendly day of golf with fellow Exeter School alumni on Thursday 21 May at Exeter Golf and Country Club. Further information to follow.

Anniversary Dinner - Saturday 20 June

If you are an OE from the class of ’66, ’76, ’86, ’96, ’06 or ’16. Invitations to come.

OE Cross Country Race - Saturday 26 June

The race begins at 3pm at the Maer car park, Exmouth, finishing at Jubilee Fields, Budleigh Salterton. All are welcome. For more information, or to let us know you’re coming, please email - alumni@exeterschool.org.uk.

Bursaries at Exeter School change lives - find out more here

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After getting his private pilot’s licence while studying his A-Levels at Exeter School, Ben Laatz (2022-2024) continued his flying journey after graduating. He spent late 2024 to early 2025 ‘hour building’, which involves gaining a legal amount of flying experience to start the commercial course.

In April 2025, Ben started a six-month full-time theory course in Gloucester, consisting of 13 subjects with a 75% passing grade each. The course provided Ben with opportunities to get up close and personal with helicopters such as the Navy’s Merlin helicopter (see first photo).

He then took on a 35-hour flying course, as well as passing a six-hour flying and knowledge skills test with an examiner. This allowed Ben to get his commercial licence, which is a fantastic accomplishment and the result of many years of hard work and dedication.

📷: Kindly provided by Ben

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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Our OE dinner was held in the Members’ and Strangers’ dining rooms at the House of Commons on Saturday 7 March – hosted by our Acting Head, Graham Bone.

Nearly 170 OEs and friends of the school gathered together, with one OE even jetting in from the Czech Republic to be there - a very remarkable effort to attend indeed.

There was a great spread of different ages, with years spanning from 1956 leavers right up to 2025. It was also wonderful to have former teachers John Davidson (staff, 1976-2018), Mike Wilcock (staff, 1986-2020), Sue Cloke (staff, 1987-2011), and Giles Trelawny (staff, 1993-present) all present.

Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous three course dinner followed by networking opportunities. We hope to see many more OEs at future events.

📷: Exeter School Alumni

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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“You can stretch so much further if you know you’re safe to fall back”

We were thrilled to welcome back alumna Major Rebecca Glover (2004-2013) to the school as the keynote speaker for our annual EdFest conference. It was a captivating talk, where Rebecca shared lessons in resilience from her historic row as part of the first ever all-female army team to cross the 3000-mile expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

When facing long nights and gruelling conditions, Rebecca emphasised “the power of having a community behind you” and “the bottom line was that you had to be kind to each other”.

You may remember Rebecca also featured in the latest issue of The 1633, discussing her journey since leaving the school, her involvement in the World’s Toughest Row, and what it means to be an Exeter School alumna.

Look out for the next issue of The 1633, coming this June.

📷: Kindly provided by Rebecca. Image source: World’s Toughest Row.

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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We were touched to learn that alumna Ellie Dawson (2005-2013) will be running the London Marathon in memory of her dad, Richard Dawson (staff, 1991-2014).

Many of you may remember Mr Dawson from your time at the school, when he was our Head of Modern Languages, described by his colleagues as “one of the nicest, calmest and wisest men you could possibly meet”.

Ellie will be raising money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, who looked after him in his final weeks. You can find out more about Ellie’s fundraising efforts via the link in our bio.

We wish Ellie the best of luck and would love to hear from other alumni who are taking part in this year’s London Marathon. Please do comment or send us a message so that we can celebrate your journey.

📷: Kindly provided by Ellie

#ExeterSchoolAlumni #LondonMarathon

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“The lessons I learnt at Exeter School and the opportunities I gained as a result of the exceptional facilities and teachers will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Those are the words of Lilymay Wagstaff (Girvin; 2010-2021) who wouldn’t have been able to access the “endless opportunities at Exeter School” without the support of a bursary.

While at Exeter School, sport was a crucial outlet for Lilymay as she benefitted from the “plethora of sports to take part in and the opportunity to play on various teams.” Her talent and dedication were recognised when she represented both the England and Great Britain water polo teams.

Lilymay later went on to receive a sports scholarship for water polo at Durham University. A fantastic achievement, for which she thanks the school and her housemaster for encouraging her to apply.

To find out how you can help make a difference in a young person’s life, please visit the ‘support us’ page on our website (link available in bio) or contact Alice Holohan, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at asah@exeterschool.org.uk for more information.

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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This month saw the release of The Girl From the French Fort, an enchanting narrated orchestral work by Exeter School alumnus and composer Nicholas Smith OBE (1982-1986).

We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Nicholas for a feature in last summer’s The 1633, where he recalled: “I started scribbling music quite young, but it wasn’t until Exeter School that it really went anywhere”.

Nicholas looks back fondly on his time with music teachers Simon Foxall (staff, 1983-2009) and Diana Draisey (staff, 1986-1989) for creating a music department that “allowed students to follow their interests and passions and make mistakes in a forgiving and extraordinarily dynamic environment”.

His latest work, The Girl from the French Fort, tells the magical tale of a curious boy, Sangsang, who forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious girl living inside the old French fort high above the Yangtze River.

You can find out more via the link in our bio.

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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A huge congratulations to alumnus Ian Williams (1990-1995), who recently won his ninth world title at the Match Racing World Championship in Shenzhen, China.

The @worldmatchracingtour is one of sailing’s most prestigious series, bringing together the world’s leading sailors to compete head-to-head in identical boats.

Following the historic victory, Ian heaped praise on his incredible team of Gerard Mitchell, Richard Sydenham and Jon Gundersen, saying “I love sailing with these guys, and of course it’s that much sweeter when we get to hoist the trophy. It’s an incredible feeling to win again”

You can read more about Ian and his team’s remarkable achievement through the article (link in bio) on the @worldsailingofficial website.

Thank you to former physics teacher and Head of CCF Rex Frost (staff, 1979-2007) for sharing this fantastic news.

📷: Ian Roman

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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During this dreary weather, we are dreaming of summer outings like last June’s community service trip to Saltram House.

On a beautiful summer’s day, a group of our sixth formers made the journey down to National Trust’s magical Saltram House, along with the Lens group from St Leonard’s Church.

The idea of the trip was to give people the opportunity to go somewhere they wouldn’t otherwise be able to go, with members of the Lens group commenting on how they “thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore Saltram and the grounds, and to chat with the sixth formers!”

Trips like this one help to capture the school’s long history of welcoming and serving the local community. We would love to hear any stories you may have about the school’s community spirit, please do share in the comments or by sending us a message.

📷: Kindly provided by Mrs Delphine Masters (staff, 2014-present)

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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“Over the years, Ten Tors has grown to be more than just a test of stamina; it has become a rite of passage, instilling a profound sense of accomplishment and respect for Dartmoor’s natural environment.”

Those are the words of former physics teacher John Spivey (staff, 1981-2001), sharing his experiences of Ten Tors at Exeter School. John was one of our dedicated teachers who kindly gave up his weekends to support pupils in developing their resilience, teamwork, leadership and navigation skills.

Ten Tors remains an important part of life here, with current pupils and teachers braving some nasty weather last weekend during their training in Heatree. Follow the link in our bio to read John’s full article.

If you have any fond memories of Ten Tors from your time here, we would love to hear from you. Please do share with us in the comments or by message.

📷: Exeter School Archive

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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After running her first half marathon at age 16 while at Exeter School, alumna Sophie Brook (2005-2016) has now run an impressive ten half marathons and is an ambassador and pacer for one of the largest female only run clubs in London, @runnersandstunners

Sophie is delighted to be running in this year’s @londonmarathon, where she will be raising money for @womens_aid. You can find out more about Sophie’s motivations for supporting Women’s Aid on her fundraising page via the link in our bio.

We wish Sophie the best of luck and would love to hear from other alumni who are taking part in this year’s London Marathon. Please do comment or send us a message so that we can celebrate your journey.

📷: Kindly provided by Sophie (the first photo shows her about to cross the finish line of her first marathon, Barcelona, and the second shows Sophie after collecting her medal post Sydney marathon)

#ExeterSchoolAlumni #LondonMarathon

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Less than one week to go! This year’s Exonian Lecture welcomes back alumnus Alex Leger (1958-1966) as he shares stories from his days here at Exeter School and explains how they set him on a path to an adventure-filled career.

We always love hearing from our alumni community about the moments, influences and opportunities at Exeter School that stayed with you and helped guide your next steps. Please do share your memories or reflections in the comments or by message, we would love to hear them.

Alex has also generously donated copies of his book, Blue Peter: Behind the Badge, to sell on the night in support of our bursary appeal. With less than a week to go, we hope you can join us for what promises to be a fun and enjoyable evening.

⏰ Friday 6 February at 6pm – 8.30pm

🎟 Book your place now via the link in our bio.

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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“I am now studying for a degree in Music Performance at BIMM University Bristol, which I never thought I would be able to do, and probably would not have been possible for me without my many valuable experiences at Exeter School.” - Rafferty Piggott Gill (2011-2021)

We are grateful for all the support we receive from our wonderful alumni community to support our Bursary Fund. Your generous donations help to change the lives of bright and talented young people such as Rafferty, regardless of their financial background.

If you can help change a child’s future by supporting the Bursary Fund, please get in touch with Alice Holohan, Director of Development and Alumni Relations – asah@exeterschool.org.uk or find out more via the link in our bio.

#ExeterSchoolAlumni

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Alumni and Development office - March 2026