Junior Reflections Week 33 June 2025

Week 33 - 13 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

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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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

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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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