What a start to the new academic year it has been
What a start to the new academic year it has been
We’re delighted to share a video message from our new Head, Dr Adrian Rainbow, as he settles into his new role. In this message to our alumni community, Dr Rainbow shares a warm welcome and offers a glimpse into his thoughts and aspirations for the school’s future.
It was a pleasure to welcome former pupils and staff back to Exeter School on Saturday 3 October for our inaugural OE Rugby Reunion, bringing the school community together for an afternoon of rugby.
Alongside the senior rugby fixtures against Bryanston, the afternoon provided a great opportunity for alumni to catch up over drinks and nibbles in The Butterfield Hall. Former teachers Giles Trelawny (staff, 1993-2024), Andy Mason (staff, 2004-2023), Guy Willson (staff, 1990-2022), Mike Porter (staff, 1986-2020), and John Jago (staff, 1966-1996), particularly enjoyed meeting former pupils, hearing their news and swapping rugby stories.
Our new Head, Dr Adrian Rainbow, also enjoyed meeting alumni and getting to know more members of the Exeter School community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this first reunion and helped make it such an enjoyable occasion.
Look out for next year’s event! Following the success of our inaugural OE Rugby Reunion, we look forward to welcoming alumni back to Exeter School again next year. More details will be shared in due course.
Image below, from L – R – Peter German (1964-1972), Nigel Hook (1963-1971), John Jago (1949-1956) and Dr Adrian Rainbow.
Earlier this term it was wonderful to watch the pupils embark on an array of activities and expeditions on a day familiar, I’m sure, to many OEs – Field Day. The Army, RAF and Navy CCF sections were all out of school on excursions; pupils involved in community service visited other schools; and the Third Form were treated to a creative writing tour of Exeter with a very special guide – John Davidson (staff, 1976-2018).
We remember George Ayres (staff, 1961–1993), much-loved and highly respected History teacher, who passed away in June. George made a lasting impression on generations of pupils and colleagues, and we are honoured to share the words of his colleague and lifelong friend, Dennis Dyson.
You can read Dennis’s tribute and find out more about George’s life and legacy here.
At Exeter School, we recognise the lasting impact that former staff and pupils have on our community.
Image below – George and Dennis on one of their many adventures abroad, this time to Bryce Canyon, Utah – kindly shared by Dennis.
Next year, it will be the turn of those who left in 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017, so do keep an eye out for your invitation!
Junior school pupils in Upper Two have been delighting family members and friends with stellar performances in Sherlock and Cinders, a crime ridden take on the Cinderella story. Stretching across three days, each class in the year and an ensemble cast captivated audiences with a witty script, memorable songs and wonderfully engaging performances, bringing a host of colourful characters to life on stage. Well done Upper Two!
“I joined Exeter School in Lower Two, and looking back, my time here has been a period of real growth and change for me. My mum was over the moon when I was awarded a bursary; I’ve been able to spend nine years at the school, making the most of so many opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had access to. My expectations have not just been matched, but exceeded. One of the biggest things for me has been discovering a love of Classics. It wasn’t something I had considered before, but the way it was taught here really inspired me, and it’s now something I hope to continue at Durham University.
“The bursary has made a huge difference to my life. My family made a lot of sacrifices to send me here, and having financial support made it possible for me to have these experiences. I really believe that any level of support can be life-changing and can open doors that might otherwise stay closed.” – Ella Fowler (2017-2026)
This reflection is a powerful reminder of how transformative a bursary can be – opening doors to opportunity, nurturing confidence and changing the direction of a young person’s life in ways that last far beyond their time at school.
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.
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A wonderful evening was had testing people’s grey matter at the recent Exonian Quiz. Former Geography teacher, John Davidson (staff, 1976-2018) and fellow quiz writer, Steve Perring (1971-1981) came up with another great set of rounds for parents, staff, alumni and sixth formers taking part in this year’s quiz.
Quiz-goers were treated to some exceptional piano playing by John Tregellas (1974–1981), Director of the Prague Concert Company. His performance prompted plenty of lively discussion as teams tried to identify which musicals the pieces came from, with many enjoying the challenge of recognising familiar tunes.
Giles Trelawny (staff, 1993-2024) and Bethan Rose (Deputy Head – Enrichment, Character and Community) kept things running as quizmasters. We’re also extremely grateful to Peter (1964-1972) and Ann German for joining us once again and doing a brilliant job selling drinks.
Proceeds from the evening go to the bursary fund, which certainly make the efforts of everyone helping and those taking part, worthwhile.
Look out for next year’s quiz date and we hope to see you there!
Thank you to Harrison Thorne (2002-2010) for a splendid account of this year’s OE Golf Day…
“Late spring sunshine, little wind and a beautifully manicured course at Exeter Golf and Country Club were all on offer for the 20 OEs who gathered for the 2026 Golf Day, following a two-year break.
“Alongside competing for the coveted silverware, it was another chance to see who still had the biggest drive, who was struggling on those tricky three-foot putts and, most importantly, to catch up over a couple of drinks and dinner. The early leaders were Paul Scoble (1993-1997) with an excellent 38 points and Steve Dukes (1993-1997) on 36 points. As the groups filtered in, Harrison Thorne (2002-2010) matched Dukes’ score but lost out on the back-nine countback.
“In the Over-55s competition for the Jago Trophy, Mike Kay (1975-1982) edged out Rupert Pratt (1977-1984), both finishing on 32 points. The nearest-the-pin prizes went to Tom Sowman (1992-1996) on the 4th hole and Steve Dukes on the 11th.”
Keep an eye out for details of the 2027 OE Golf Day – we’d love to see even more OEs hitting the green next year!
The Exeter School fair returns later this year, bringing a fantastic day of stalls, delicious food, games and family fun for the Exeter School community to enjoy. Ahead of the fair, join us for our Meet the Head drinks reception, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from our new Head, Dr Adrian Rainbow, as he shares his vision for Exeter School.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to both events. And while we’re hoping for sunshine, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll simply move the celebrations into the Butterfield Hall.
We have a number of pupils who are keen to secure work experience in the following areas:
If you might be able to help by sharing your own experience, providing some advice or guidance, or helping secure a work experience placement please contact alumni@exeterschool.org.uk – the pupils would be very grateful indeed!
Thank you to all those friends and OEs who have supported pupils as they explore different career options.
We were delighted to receive this wonderful reflection from Richard Jowett (1948-1959), inspired by the last alumni eNewsletter and the mention of Ten Tors.
“Back in 1958, before Ten Tors or DofE, we had to make our own ‘adventure’. So it was that 68 years ago I was sleeping in a field in Shropshire.
Six of us from School House decided that over the Whit Weekend we would attempt to hitchhike in pairs to the summit of Snowdon getting back before school resumed the following Tuesday. Armed with an army kitbag, a groundsheet, sleeping bag, small cooker and some provisions we set off after Saturday school. We also each had a letter from the Headmaster, Francis Kinnear “Fred” Paul (staff, 1960-1965), to the effect ‘to whom it may concern, please afford all help and assistance as is deemed necessary….’ And one other condition – we were to spend no more than 5 shillings (25p) in getting to the top.
“My partner, Eddie Hodge (1954-1959), and I made our way up the old A38 and by evening had reached Prees Heath, just beyond Shrewsbury where we camped in a field. Next morning we got lifts which took us through Chester and along the North Wales coast to Caernavon before cutting south to Llanberis and the start of the ascent. We reached the top about noon, completely knackered. We took the train down (allowed as we had completed the challenge) and made our way south via Capel Curig, Llangollen and on to Oswestry which is where we were in a field 68 years ago today. The final leg home on the Monday took us to Gloucester where we had a stroke of luck. We were fortuitously picked up by the parents of a good school friend of ours, Andy Edwards (1948-1959), who took us all the way back to the school.
“Incidentally Andy became the father of Jonathan Edwards, who in 1985 became World Champion (and Olympic, Commonwealth and European) triple jumper at 18.29 metres, a record which stands to today. What a trip, I cannot imagine many Headmasters these days encouraging such a venture!”
Look closely at the photo and you’ll spot Richard, and behind him a young Andy Edwards.
Twenty Lower Fifth pupils recently enjoyed a three-day canoeing expedition along the River Wye, paddling more than 75km through the beautiful Wye Valley. Camping along the route, pupils developed their canoeing skills, teamwork and resilience while navigating rapids, spotting wildlife and embracing life outdoors.
Memories are often made far beyond the classroom… please get in touch with Ali – amcg@exeterschool.org.uk to share stories from the school trips you remember.
We were recently treated to the Lower School putting on their production of The Wind in the Willows. As always with Exeter School productions, a great deal of work went into the staging and costumes, helping to bring this much-loved tale to life. To see some fantastic photos from the production, please click on the link below.
Aquila Youth Theatre is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe this August with its tenth Fringe production, ‘Night of the Fox’, performed by 19 Exeter School pupils. This new play tells the story of Attie a boy who can’t stop dreaming of a fox-masked truth-teller who lives deep in the woods, a mysterious figure said to reveal who you really are. When Attie dares to summon him, he is pulled into the Fox’s secret realm. As his friends struggle with a sudden social media ban, they must venture into the forest if they are to bring him home safely. In a place where every truth must be spoken aloud, saving Attie may come at a cost. Compelling theatre performed by this talented young company.
The show runs at theSpace @ Niddry Street from 10–15 August at 2.05pm. If you’re in Edinburgh during the Festival, we’d love to welcome alumni to the audience.
A pre-Fringe performance will take place at The Front Room Theatre, Weston-super-Mare, on Friday 7 August at 7.30pm.
Book tickets:
Follow Aquila Youth Theatre on Instagram (@aquilayouththeatre) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aquilayoungtheatre) for updates.
We’d love to collate videos of our alumni at all stages in their careers, giving pupils an insight into what they do each day!
Can you help by creating some short videos on your phone?
Once you’ve created, please contact careers@exeterschool.org.uk to transfer this to us!
We are also in the process of launching a careers podcast within school, to raise awareness of the many roles and how they are evolving. If you’d be happy to be interviewed for this internal podcast, please email us.
We love keeping in touch with our alumni community, but also like to be sure that you’re only receiving what you wish to receive from us.
Should you wish to change your contact preferences or update them please visit the link below.
Do you know anyone in this early 2000s netball team? We’re hoping to put names to faces… please get in touch if you recognise yourself or perhaps a contemporary of yours.
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.
Follow Exeter School’s alumni Instagram to catch all the latest updates, stories and celebrations from the alumni community.
Sports Day is a long-standing summer term tradition, giving children the opportunity to showcase their sporting prowess and their families the chance to enjoy tea, cake and plenty of cheering!

We are delighted to invite members of the classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026 to a celebration at the school cricket pavilion on Friday 4 September, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Further details to follow.
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It would be wonderful to welcome alumni back to the school for what promises to be a fun filled afternoon with music, games, stalls, food & drink, and a spot of cricket too!
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Join us on Friday 2 October, 7-10pm. The quiz is open to sixth form students, alumni, and parents. Teams of up to six, bring your own food, and a bar will be available on the night. More information to follow.
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The event will begin with welcome drinks and nibbles from 12.00pm, providing an opportunity to reconnect with former teammates, friends and members of the Exeter School community.
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We are delighted to invite alumni and friends of the school to the Exonian Lecture on Friday 5 February. Further details, will be shared in due course, and we very much hope you will be able to join us.
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The London dinner will take place on Saturday 6 March. This annual event brings together members of the Exeter School community for an enjoyable afternoon in London. Further details to follow.
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As we mark the first National Cadets Week, 5 - 11 October, we’re taking a look back at the long history of the CCF at Exeter School - a tradition that continues to be an important part of school life today 🪖
Our archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the CCF over the years. In the 1956 issue of The Exonian, for example, an exercise on Woodbury Common is mentioned – a location that today’s cadets still visit regularly, 70 years later.
In our next issue of The 1633, we’ll be exploring the role of the CCF at Exeter School in more detail, looking back at some of the experiences, traditions and people who have been part of it over the years.
Were you involved in the CCF during your school days? We’d love to hear your memories and stories. Please share them in the comments below or email Ali at amcg@exeterschool.org.uk. We’d be delighted to hear from you 💜
📷: Exeter School archive
#ExeterSchoolAlumni #NationalCadetsWeek #CombinedCadetForce
We’re delighted to see former teacher Lawrence Sail (1982-1991) featured at this year’s Two Moors Festival, taking place on Friday 2 October at The Hall in Exeter, where he will give a poetry reading alongside fellow poet Julia Copus.
Lawrence taught Modern Languages at Exeter School while also developing his career as a highly respected poet, writer and editor. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the author of numerous poetry collections, most recently Double Takes, published this year 📖
Julia Copus is an award-winning poet, biographer and children’s writer. She has published four collections of poetry and has also written the acclaimed biography This Rare Spirit: A Life of Charlotte Mew. She teaches poetry for the Faber Academy and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
To book tickets, please go to - https://tickets.twomoorsfestival.co.uk/.../poetry-reading...
📷: Exeter School archive - Lawrence with former junior school teacher Julie Jago (1968-1996), the late wife of John Jago (1967-1996), teaching a lesson together in 1994.
#ExeterSchoolAlumni
The Alumni and Development office thoroughly enjoy producing The 1633 - we love listening to your memories of school and where life has taken you 🥰
Soon our Communications and Alumni officer, Ali, will be gathering stories and sitting down for interviews. Our alumni are the backbone of this magazine, and whether your story involves climbing mountains, landing your dream job or just the fact that you`ve discovered a new local walk you love, we would be thrilled to hear from you.
If you have a story to share please email Ali - amcg@exeterschool.org.uk. Parents and friends of alumni do get in touch too... we all like to shout about those we know and love! ☺️
📷: https://www.exeterschool.org.uk/.../exeter-alumni/the-1633/ - this year`s copy of The 1633, featuring cover star Matthew Goode (1985-1996)
#ExeterSchoolAlumni
As the summer term draws to a close, we contemplate what a year it has been at Exeter School 💜
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the school. Your stories, memories and experiences help preserve our rich history and inspire future Exonians as they look ahead to life beyond our school gates.
With a smaller team in the office over the summer, we`ll be taking a short break before picking things up again in September.
We look forward to sharing more news with you then and, we hope, perhaps see you in person at one of our alumni events.
Wishing all our alumni a wonderful summer 🌞
📷: Taken by Ali, Communications & Alumni Officer
#ExeterSchoolAlumni #ExeterSchool #schoolsoutforthesummer
Last week we were treated to the Lower School putting on their production of The Wind in the Willows.
As always with Exeter School productions, a great deal of work went into the staging and costumes, helping to bring this much-loved tale to life.
It’s not the first time this play has been brought to the stage here… some of you may have even performed in the 2010 production or remember friends being involved.
Can you spot someone you know as a woodland creature? 🐸 Please do comment below!
📷: Exeter School archive
#ExeterSchoolAlumni
Sports Day is a firm fixture of the summer term, and a chance for pupils to compete in events that are new to them or perhaps where they already hold some sporting prowess. Either way, it’s a great excuse to get out the classroom and for families to come along, watch some sport and of course cheer their children on 👏🌝
We’ve delved into our archive and found photos from sports days throughout the years… do comment below if you recognise yourself or perhaps your fellow competitors! 🤔
📷: Exeter School archive
#ExeterSchoolAlumni
We hope to see our alumni at the Devon County Show this year! 😄👩🌾🥕🚜🐮🐴🌦️🥂💚
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
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
“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
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
“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
Exeter Junior School had a fabulous afternoon in Gardening Club this week! 🥔🪷
Pupils enjoyed harvesting a bountiful crop of potatoes. Our beautiful flower garden is still in full bloom, so we took the opportunity to pick some lovely little bouquets to take home.
We were also very excited to receive a wonderful handmade bird box, created for our Gardening Club by Oliver from the senior school. A huge thank you to Oliver for his fantastic creation! Keep a look out for it being put up near our flower garden. 🐦⬛🌺
#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #JuniorSchool #GardeningClub #Enrichment #Fun #Enjoy #HandsOnLearning #curiousminds
@muddystilettosschools @muddystilettos @talkeducation
Congratulations to Lamorna, who rode for England at the Four Nations Cup at Osberton International Horse Trials!🐎
Over four days, she delivered a solid dressage test, a great show jumping round in a packed arena and a wonderful double clear across a technical cross country course, finishing within the optimum time.
In a competitive field of 40 riders, Lamorna achieved a personal best of individual fifth in international competition and helped England to a team win! 🥇
Next up, she represents Exeter School at the National Schools Championships at Addington on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, we wish you the best of luck Lamorna! 🍀
#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Dressage #England #HorseRiding #NationalSchoolChampionships #Inspiring #EnglandTeam #FourNationsCup
Congratulations to Alex F (Upper Sixth), who has been awarded a Commendation in the @johnlockeinstitute Global Essay Prize in Economics, one of the world`s most prestigious academic essay competitions.
The prize attracts more than 7,000 entries from over 100 countries, with submissions judged by a distinguished panel of senior academics led by the Institute`s Chairman of Examiners. A Commendation places Alex`s work within approximately the top 10% of entries worldwide.
Alex`s essay explored the question: "Should we fear a cashless society?" She undertook extensive independent research, engaging with cutting-edge economic studies on declining cash usage and the growth of digital payment systems. Her essay demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of economic concepts and an impressive ability to evaluate contemporary research and apply it to a highly relevant policy debate.
This international recognition reflects Alex`s intellectual curiosity, academic rigour and commitment to learning beyond the classroom. An outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations, Alex!
#ExeterSchool #JohnLockeInstitute #EssayPrize #Economics #SixthForm #AcademicExcellence #Devon #SupportForLifeBeyondSchool #RealWorldReady
@talkeducation @goodschoolsguide @muddystilettosschools
We are hiring! 🧪✨
Exeter School is looking for an inspirational Teacher of Chemistry to join our thriving department on a part-time, fixed-term basis (Monday, Thursday and Friday until 31 December 2026).
Teaching spans Year 6 at Exeter Junior School through to A Level, where chemistry is a very popular choice, with around 50 pupils across the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth.
Newly qualified or experienced, we’d love to hear from you!
📅 Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 October 2026 (we may close early if an appointment is made, so don’t wait!)
#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #JobAlert #ChemistryTeacher #Science #Education #Career
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