Junior Reflections Week 17 January 2026

Week 17 - 30 January 2026

Dear parents, 

What a windy and wet week it has been; I have to admit, I am slightly over this weather and am hoping that the sun is going to make an appearance soon… time to book that holiday! Thank you for ensuring that your children have their coats (named) – it really does make it so much easier and also keeps them warm and dry.

Tuesday was a day for ducks and canoes. I was due to visit Hazlegrove Prep School for the termly Head’s meeting but sadly I was unable to make it, so arrived in school later on in the day after navigating the roads and floods. I hope that you were all safe and that you have not experienced any flood damage. Ms Cox led a spooktacular Comets session on Tuesday, where U2 pupils ventured into some of the school’s most frightening corners to craft their own scary verses. Armed with torchlights, they cast eerie shadows and used them as inspiration to create similes and metaphors that transformed familiar objects into something far more mysterious in the dark.

We are having a clamp down on manners and respect this week as well, with quite a few items on the playground sadly being damaged due to misuse. In our assemblies and PSHE sessions, we often talk about manners and how being kind and respectful will get you far in life. They cost nothing, but oh my word, can they have the biggest impact on our school community. I am sure you will join me in reminding your children that being respectful, kind, and listening carefully are qualities that help us all thrive – both in school and beyond. When our pupils show these behaviours, not only does our environment feel happier and safer, but it also allows everyone the chance to learn, play, and enjoy their day without disruption.

Next Friday also sees our Exonian Lecture. We are delighted to welcome Alex Leger, the man behind Blue Peter, who has travelled the world meeting remarkable people, including members of the Kayapo tribe in Brazil. Alex will share stories from his time at Exeter School and explain how these experiences helped set him on a path towards an adventure-filled career. The lecture will take place from 6pm to 8.30pm. If you would like to attend, please complete this form.

Reports will be available on MSP on Monday 2 February at 4pm.

Tomorrow, we are welcoming nearly 100 pupils to school for our assessment day. It is set to be a busy morning, and so fingers crossed the weather holds so the pupils can have some fun out on the playground.

Finally, a reminder that tickets for the Choral Society concert are still on sale here.

Stay dry and warm this weekend.  

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Playground person of the week

Huxley L2C

Henry L2C

Ruby U2E

Amelie U2C

Erin U2T

Parent quiz night

On Friday 27 February, the Family Society will be running a fun quiz night open to parents across the whole Exeter School community. Click the button below for more details on how to sign up.

The Family Society would also like to ask local businesses and individuals to donate gifts/prizes to go towards the raffle, to help make this a really special event. The support is very much appreciated and prizes can be dropped off at the bursary anytime between now and the 26 February.

Register here

Exonian Lecture

Only one week left to get your tickets for our Exonian Lecture. This year, hear from the man behind Blue Peter, Alex Leger, who has travelled the world meeting incredible people – including members of the Kayapo tribe in Brazil. Alex will share stories from his days here at Exeter School and explain how they set him on a path to an adventure-filled career. The lecture will take place on Friday 6 February at 6.00pm – 8.30pm.

Click here for tickets

Choral Society

Rehearsals are well under way, drawing together members from across the broader school community, with pupils, parents, staff and guests all involved.

They will be performing Fauré Requiem, Parry I was Glad and Handel’s Zadok the Priest featuring the Choral Society Chorus and Chamber Choir, supported by a full professional orchestra. The concert also includes our school Symphony Orchestra joining with the professionals for a feature instrumental piece. It promises to be a spectacular event, taking place on Wednesday 11 February.

Click to purchase your tickets

Family Society summer ball

The Family Society will be hosting a summer ball on Friday 5 June at Sandy Park.

“We are offering an early bird discount and tickets are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Hope to see you there!

The Family Society

Book now

EdFest26

Each year, Exeter School hosts an education festival to promote learning and inspiration to all educators. This year’s event will explore the power of inspirational teachers to encourage aspiration in pupils. If you know any education professionals, you may wish to share the link below with them.

Find out more

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
Huge congratulations to Isobel, who has been appointed as an HM Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Devon for 2026–27! 🎉

Dr Adrian Rainbow and Dr Smale were delighted to attend the awards ceremony to see Isobel receive this amazing honour.

Over the coming year, she will attend official ceremonies and accompany the Lord Lieutenant to events around the county.

Isobel was nominated for her outstanding work and mature approach within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and she will be an excellent representative for the CCF across Devon. 🎖️

Achievements like this never go unnoticed at Exeter School. They reflect real hard work and dedication, and we are so proud to celebrate our pupils. 👏

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #CCF #Cadet #Achievement #HMLordLieutenantCadet #Success #Achievement #InspireAndChallenege

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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

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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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We are delighted to congratulate William W, Tom S and Stefan A on their selection to the prestigious @royalyachtingassociation Youth Transition Squads. ⛵

William and Tom have secured places in the 29er Squad, while Stefan has earned his spot in the @ilca_uk Squad. This is a significant achievement. Their selection recognises the dedication, commitment and outstanding performance all three boys have shown in competitive sailing.

This milestone marks an exciting step in each of their sailing journeys. It also reflects the high level at which William, Tom and Stefan are already competing.

Congratulations! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to following your progress on the water. 🌊

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Pupils #SeniorSchool #Yatching  #CompetitiveSailing #Achievemnt

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Dr Adrian Rainbow was delighted to meet with Liz Gregory, Head of The Maynard School, and to visit the school today. 🤝

Exeter is fortunate to have a strong community of independent schools, and it is great to share a sense of purpose around providing an outstanding education for young people in Exeter.

Thank you to Liz and The Maynard School for such a warm welcome. 😊

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #HeadsOfSchool #DevonSchools #SchoolOfExcellence #Connections #Community #Education

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Informal Guitar Concert - 28 Jan 2026

Ireland Trip - Jan 2026

Informal Concert - 14 Jan 2026

Hockey U13A/B vs Blundell's School - 10 Jan 2026

Netball Tournament - Taunton School - Blundell's - 10 Jan 2026

Community Service Christmas Party - 18 Dec 2025

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Huge congratulations to Isobel, who has been appointed as an HM Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Devon for 2026–27! 🎉

Dr Adrian Rainbow and Dr Smale were delighted to attend the awards ceremony to see Isobel receive this amazing honour.

Over the coming year, she will attend official ceremonies and accompany the Lord Lieutenant to events around the county.

Isobel was nominated for her outstanding work and mature approach within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and she will be an excellent representative for the CCF across Devon. 🎖️

Achievements like this never go unnoticed at Exeter School. They reflect real hard work and dedication, and we are so proud to celebrate our pupils. 👏

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #CCF #Cadet #Achievement #HMLordLieutenantCadet #Success #Achievement #InspireAndChallenege
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
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