Junior Reflections Week 2 September 2025

Dear parents,

I can’t believe that we have already got two weeks of the term under our belts, but such is the pace of life in the junior school!

Site security

Having delivered assemblies on keeping ourselves safe at school this week, I was very impressed at the children’s knowledge of the systems that we use to enhance site security. Most of the pupils remembered what the different coloured lanyards that adults wear around the site represented, the purpose of the gates and associated codes, and who they can turn to with any concerns. They also contributed confidently about the use and abuse of IT, in all its guises, which was pleasing, and rest assured we will regularly run refresher sessions about staying safe online throughout the year.

Photographs

On Tuesday, our pupils posed for individual photographs. You will be offered the opportunity to purchase these photographs to commemorate the latest ‘step along the road’ for your child, and we hope to have the whole school photograph taken next Tuesday, after our initial date was rained off last week. Where’s the Indian Summer we’d been promised?

Pupil librarians

Our new team of pupil librarians has been appointed for the academic year—thank you for all the fantastic applications! Mrs Hardy thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Two lovely quotes stood out:

“I’d be happy to spend my time helping others enjoy books as much as I do.” – Oliver, U1R

“I read lots so have lots of suggestions, and being new to the school it would be a good way to meet people.” – Tessa, U2C.

As part of their first duties, a group of librarians presented in Chapel today, explaining how our borrowing system works across the junior school.

Trips

Mr Pidwell and his staff helpers are currently enjoying an action-packed, three-day residential at the PGL site in Torquay. This will be the first time the school has used this particular site, but I know Mr Pidwell has been impressed by the activities on offer, and the standard of accommodation and meals provided. We look forward to hearing of the children’s adventures after their return on Saturday, and hopefully it has been a useful bonding experience for the pupils, many of whom only joined us a few days ago.

Upcoming events

Looking ahead to next week, can I remind parents in Form One and Upper One that there is a coffee morning organised for you on Monday, starting at 08:25, in the Pavilion? Do come along if you can, to chat with other parents and some of the staff.

Finally, parents in Lower Two and Upper Two will have received a letter from me on Monday, asking if they could volunteer their child to assist with Open Morning on 27 September. It would be lovely to have a strong turn-out of pupils, who are always our best ambassadors. The deadline for replies is Monday 22 September.

Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Exonian Quiz

On Friday 3 October, the school is hosting the Exonian Quiz – written by longstanding teacher John Davidson and alumnus Steve Perring, and hosted by Mrs Sail and Mr Trelawny. Parents, alumni, teachers and Sixth Form pupils are all invited.

Further information can be found here. Book your place here. Hope to see you there!

 

Playground person of the week

Emme S L2C

Junior School News

Junior Sport News

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
Well done to our U16 netballers who won the Exeter district round of the national competition yesterday winning five from five! @exeterschooluk @teambathnetball_ #exeterschool #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

...

116 0
We were delighted to hold our Upper Sixth interview scheme at @ashfords_law on Saturday. Ashford’s are a big supporter of the local community, and we are very appreciative for the use of their legal offices to hold this event in such a professional environment.   We were fortunate to have to been joined by professionals from a range of roles within our school community, some of whom had children who have come through the school, some current parents, and some alumni of the school. We thank them for giving their time so generously.  #sixthformlife #aspireandflourish #schoolofgreatcharacter #collegelife #exeterschools #independentschool #interviewscheme

...

51 0
Alumnus Steve Dukes (1992-1997), CEO of @confused_com, returned to school this week to give an assembly. He advised pupils about aspiring to reach their goals, using negatives to fuel your journey. He said, 'when you’re at school, being called names like ‘odd, weird and awkward’ can often mean something completely different in adult life - these words become ‘creative, unusual and innovative’.  His top advice was to become like a sponge, find what learning method works best for you, learn fast and act on it. Great advice Steve - thanks so much for visiting us!  @exeterschool_alumni #visitingspeakers

...

50 0

Lower Fifth inflatables induction fun - 15 September 2025

Rugby boys U13, U12A and 1st XV, Dev XV v Devon Festival - 13 September 2025

Class of '23 '24 and '25 leavers celebration - Sept 2025

Kenya 2025

GCSE results 2025

A Level results day - 14 August 2025

Junior school speech day - 7 July 2025

Senior school speech day - 27 June 2025

Senior school sports day 2025

Jazz Supper - 3 July 2025

Sixth form open evening - Thursday 6 November

Come along to our sixth form open evening where you’ll be able to experience the spaces you’ll thrive in, chat to staff who will be there to support you and see if Exeter School sixth form would suit you.

Click here to register your place