Junior Reflections Week 33 June 2025

Dear parents,

A huge thank you to so many of you for braving the weather on Saturday for the school fete. Despite the deluge, it didn’t stop you from coming out and it really was a very enjoyable afternoon. Enormous thanks to the operations team for all their hard work in making the logistics come together (including some very necessary last minute shelters!) and to all those who ran stalls and helped us to raise money for the school’s charities. Special thanks to the family society committee, who had worked tirelessly on signing up stalls, and making sure that it all ran brilliantly on the day.

Upper Two play

Upper Two pupils are in the final stages of rehearsals for their upcoming play, and the excitement is truly building! With costumes ready, voices warmed up, and (hopefully) all their lines memorised, the stage is set for a fantastic performance. The first show takes place on Tuesday, and we can’t wait to see it come to life. If you’d like to watch any of the performances, you can find the link later on in the newsletter. Lights, camera, action!

Cricket tournament

The U11 boys played in the Devon Finals on Wednesday. After a good win against St Peters, they lost narrowly to Mount Kelly in the second round. The boys showed great resilience and character to pick themselves back up for the final game, putting in an excellent performance against Blundell’s, earning them 2nd place. It was a wonderful day of cricket, and I am so pleased with the strength of character all the pupils showed. It wasn’t meant to be, this year, but there will be plenty more opportunities in the future.

Next year’s class groups

It’s that time of year again when pupils will soon find out their new form teacher and class. On 2 July they will spend time with their new form tutor and classmates, including meeting many new pupils who are joining us. As I share each year, this is a carefully considered reshuffle designed to help pupils build broader friendships and enjoy a well-rounded social experience at Exeter School. The process began over two months ago and is based on detailed input from all junior school staff, who know the pupils well. We understand that friendships evolve as children grow, and meeting new people is an important part of that journey. I’ve reminded all pupils that even if they’re not placed with their closest friends, they will be just fine – and they might even make some new ones!

School uniform – second hand shop

We are aware that some parents are concerned about the availability of current school uniform through the second hand shop. We have listened to the concerns and decided to keep the second hand shop going for the moment. This will, we hope, ensure that current families can source second hand goods as they have done in the past. We continue to ask you to support us with ensuring that your children comply with the school uniform guidelines. New school uniform will be available to purchase very soon and we hope that many of you will decide to buy the new stock which is much better quality and will help pupils to look very smart.

Good luck to all the pupils who are off to Mount Kelly on Sunday for athletics. I look forward to hearing all about it on Monday and I hope to see many of you at one of the three performances next week.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Jazz Supper

On Thursday 3 July at 6.30pm, the main hall will be transformed into an atmospheric jazz club where the audience can enjoy a light meal with wine and the relaxed atmosphere of the end of the school year. The concert will feature Swunk, Jazz Bank 1, Jazz Band 2, Swunkette, and more……

Ticket Prices Adult £12 / Child £8

This price includes a light supper and two drinks – please pre-book your place by Thursday 19 June.

Click here to book your ticket

Chamber Concert

On Tuesday 1 July at 7.30pm, our Summer Chamber Concert, in aid of the Exeter School bursary fund, takes place St. Luke’s Chapel, EX1 2LU.

Ticket prices: Adults £10/ children £5

This includes light refreshments.

Click here to read to book your ticket

Upper Two Production – The Wizard of Oz

Upper Two would like to invite you to Oz: a magical and eccentric world full of music where the characters try to find a brain, a heart, some courage, and the way home.

We will meet at 6.15pm for drinks on the Prefects’ Lawn with the play starting at 7pm sharp in the Drama Studio. Please be aware that the doors enter straight into the performance space, so once the play begins they will be shut.

Ticket Prices: Adult £6.50 / Child £3.50

The performances will take place on the following evenings:

U2E – Tuesday 17 June

U2C – Wednesday 18 June

U2T – Thursday 19 June

Click here to book your tickets

Please contact the Box Office if you have any special access requirements (01392) 458934

Instrumental lessons

We are excited to announce that harpist Katie McClaughry is joining the visiting music teacher team at Exeter School. Katie has extensive experience as a teacher and performer based in the South West, and by means of introduction, played the harp to all our juniors and a number of the senior pupils in sessions last half term.  She says of her instrument: “Folk, classical, jazz and rock – the harp can do anything. It comes in a range of shapes and sizes, with rental options available.”

To apply for lessons on the harp, or any of the many other instruments that can be learned from our visiting music teachers, parents should complete and submit the music/ instrumental lessons form on My School Portal.

Playground people of the week

Beatrice R U2T

Henry D U2E

Leonie McG U2C

Nathaniel L U2C

Camilla S L2E

Lucy N U1R

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
Our U13 girls were crowned county champions yesterday. Well done girls! 🙌🏻🏆  #cricket #girlscricket #champions #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

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Great week for Millie (4F) who was involved in both county finals. Millie took 5 wickets in the U15 final! 🙌🏻 #cricket #girlscricket #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgrestcharacter

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A shout out to our @exeterschooluk swimmers ahead of an exciting summer of action!   James B, Evie H (M5) and Holly J (4F) will be racing at the Aquatic GB Next Gen Championships, an event described as a key end-of-season meet which provides a platform for the next generation of swimming talent to race against the best swimmers in their age group. Harry A (U5) will be competing at the Swim England National summer meet. We wish them the very best of luck.   #swimfast #swimming #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

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The annual Staff XI vs 2nd XI fixture resulted in victory for the staff. Mr G scoring the winning runs in style! Great fun had by all @exeterschooluk #cricket #staffcricket #teamwork #schoolofgreatcharacter

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Well done to Julius (4F) who recently took part in a concert in Birmingham as part of the National Children's Orchestra Projects programme. A great experience to play with other young musicians from across the country. 🎺  (@nco_gb #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #nationalchildrensorchestra #sharingconcert #youngmusician

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Exeter School is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Adrian Rainbow as the next Head of Exeter School, starting in September 2026.  Chair of Governors at Exeter School, Ms Gillian Hodgetts, said: “We are delighted to have recruited someone of Dr Rainbow’s calibre to lead Exeter School. As we look ahead to the school’s 400-year anniversary in 2033, this appointment marks the start of a new era."  Dr Rainbow commented: “It is a great honour to have been appointed the next Head of Exeter School. From my first encounters, I have been struck by the warmth and shared sense of purpose across the community."  Head over to our website and check out our latest news for more details.   #newhead #independentschoolsuk #talkeducation #goodschoolsguide #exeterschools

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L5 canoeing trip on the Wye - June 2025

Summer Fete - 7 June 2025

Alumni anniversary dinner - 7 June 2025

Form One Incredible Edibles tea party - 4 June 2025

Form One Roman Day - 23 May 2025

1st XI and 15A vs Blundell's - 10 May 2025