Junior Reflections 18 September 2026
Dear Parents,
It has been another wonderful week in the junior school, with a great deal happening both inside and outside the classroom. As I walk around the school during lessons, it is always a pleasure to see and hear our pupils so deeply engaged in their learning. Curious minds are hard at work, with thoughtful questions being asked, lively discussions taking place between peers, and teachers encouraging children to think critically and creatively. There is always a wonderful buzz of excitement, punctuated by laughter and moments of genuine discovery.
One of my highlights this week came while visiting the Hub. I overheard a pupil telling Mrs Coogan just how amazing they thought the space was and that they wished they could live there! Comments such as these are a lovely reminder of how much our children value the learning environments we create for them and the sense of belonging they feel within our school community.
The School Fete takes place tomorrow, and the weather forecast looks like it could be a bit hit and miss, so do bring a brolly. I hope that many of you will be able to join us for what is always a fantastic community event. There will be plenty to enjoy for families of all ages, and it is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together whilst supporting the school. I will be helping on the sweet stall, so please do come over and say hello if you are attending. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
On Monday, I will be hosting our first coffee morning of the academic year for Lower School parents (Years 3 and 4). This will take place in the Pavilion from 8:30am to 9:15am. As well as being an opportunity to enjoy a coffee and meet other parents, several of the form tutors will also be there to introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have. These informal gatherings are a valuable way for us to strengthen the partnership between home and school, and I hope many of you will be able to attend.
Next week, I will be attending the annual IAPS Heads’ Conference in Birmingham for three days. This important event brings together school leaders from across the country to share best practice, discuss developments in education, and explore ways in which we can continue to enhance the experiences and opportunities available to our pupils. While I am away, Mr Evans, Deputy Head, will be very capably holding the fort, and I know the school will continue to run smoothly in my absence.
I will, however, be back in good time for our Open Morning later in the week. I would like to thank the many Year 6 pupils who have very generously volunteered to act as guides for prospective families. Their enthusiasm, confidence, and willingness to share their experiences of life at our school are always greatly appreciated, and they are wonderful ambassadors for the Junior School. If you have family or friends who are considering Exeter School for their children, do please let them know about the Open Morning and encourage them to come along, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the school in action and to experience for themselves the warmth and character of our community.
I wish you all a lovely weekend and hope to see many of you at the fete tomorrow.
