Pre-Prep Reflections 18 September 2026

18 September 2026

Dear parents, 

The second week of term has flown by! We are hugely impressed with how well all the children are settling in, having a go at everything and building up their stamina. Years 1 and 2 have enjoyed their first swimming lessons of the year at Exeter School, our after-school clubs have restarted, and we have also had photographs and an open morning to add to the excitement. 

Open morning 

Following on from Heritage Open Day last Sunday, our first open morning of the year on Monday was another successful event with several prospective families touring the school. The atmosphere as always was buzzing with positivity, and it was lovely to have Dr Rainbow here with us. The children gave their usual warm welcome and impressed all our visitors with their lovely manners and happy approach to learning.  

Photographs 

Pret-a-Portrait Photography took individual and sibling portraits of all children on Tuesday morning. They should have come home with a card showing a QR code, which will enable you to register for an email alert when the photos are ready.  

Award finalists 

I’m delighted to share that Exeter Pre-Prep School has been announced as a finalist at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. We are up against five other prestigious schools in Edinburgh, London and the South-East; in fact, we are the only school in the South-West in our category of Pre-Prep of the Year. Many congratulations to our amazing team who make the school such a fantastic place to be, and fingers crossed for 14 October when the winner will be announced! 

Sweetie bags 

Thank you for your support with the sweetie bags. They all look amazing on display in the library area and, this year, I’ve even managed to refrain from pinching the odd treat while nobody’s looking. I look forward to seeing you at Exeter School tomorrow for the fête, from 1-4pm. Mrs Van and I will be doing our best to keep some sense of order over the sweetie bag tombola stall, so do come and try your luck! 

 

Have a great weekend. 

Mr Daniel Ayling

Sweetie bags

All pre-prep children were given a plain white paper bag to decorate and fill with wrapped sweets. We had lots of amazing entries with children choosing to show off their creative flair with paint, drawing, collage, stickers, glitter, Lego and even feathers!

As our specialist art teacher, Mrs Goodwill chose the four winning designs alongside nine ‘highly commended’ bags, all of which were shown in assembly and awarded prizes. Congratulations to the winners from each class (shown holding their sweetie bags in the photo).

The bags have since been transported over to Exeter School for the sweetie tombola stall at our school fete this weekend.

Stars of the Week

Nursery

Tobias 

For settling in so well, always having a smile on his face, and being such a kind and polite friend. Well done!  

Mrs Dray 

 

Reception

Percy 

For having such a successful first piano lesson this week. Well done! 

Mrs Rickard & Mrs Smyth 

 

Year 1

Louis 

For settling so nicely into new routines, trying his best and making new friends in Year 1. 

Well done! 

Mrs Lawrence-Jones & Mrs Howe  

 

Year 2

Max 

For his excellent understanding of adjectives and for his beautifully neat handwriting. Well done! 

Mr Lovett & Mrs Goodwill  

 

Head’s Star

Sophie (Year 2) 

For being a helpful heron by tidying up a bin overflowing with paper towels outside the toilets. Well done! 

Mr Ayling 

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
Today we felt the autumnal chill at Forest School so we lit the fire for the first time this half term. 🔥

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We are delighted to be finalists for Pre-Prep of the Year at the Independent School Awards next week! 🥳 @independentschoolparent

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Exeter School MUN Conference - 13 September 2026

Third Form induction social 2026

Meet the Head event

RAF St Mawgan 18-19 08 2026

Classes of '24, '25 and '26 celebration

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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
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
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
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 5 NOVEMBER