Pre-Prep Reflections Week 16 January 2026

Diary Dates

30 January – 7+ assessment morning (Year 2)

13 February – International Day

16-20 February – Half term

23 February – Exeter School EdFest (school closed)

24 February – Staff INSET Day (school closed)

25 February – Open morning for prospective families

27 February – Spring reviews issued

27 February – Quiz Night at Exeter School

27 February – Ms Mulchrone’s last day

2 March – Mrs Wannell returns from maternity leave

4 March 4.00-7.30pm – Parents’ evening

5 March – World Book Day (costumes)

5 March – Ms Richards’ last day before maternity leave

20 March – Red Nose Day (non-uniform)

25 March 3pm – Informal parent drop-in

1 April – Easter assembly (3pm) and end of term

Term dates for 2025-26 and 2026-27 are available to download from the school website.

Spotlight on Reception

This week, the children have been continuing with their topic ‘All Around the World’. Our focus book has been Handa’s Surprise and, in literacy, the children have been writing simple sentences to match some of the beautiful illustrations from the story. They have also been sequencing parts of the story, thinking carefully about the beginning, middle and end. The children have also engaged really well with a range of activities linked to the story, including creating their own fruit bowls, talking about their favourite fruit snacks, learning about the life cycle of plants with fruit, and the difference between ripe and unripe fruit. In mathematics, the children have started a new unit focusing on comparing groups of objects up to 10. They have been practising using key mathematical vocabulary such as ‘more’, ‘fewer’, ‘more than’ and ‘less than’. It has been a busy and enjoyable week of learning, and the children have shown great enthusiasm throughout!

Mrs Rickard, Mrs Smyth and Miss Adams

Uniform

We have had some requests from Nursery parents about purchasing the school bookbag and/or rucksack. We have therefore asked SchoolBlazer, our uniform supplier, to add these items to the Nursery section of our online shop. Please may we remind parents that there is also the option to buy the navy splashsuit for your child. These are currently £31.95 and are ideal for muddy Forest School sessions and rainy playtimes, especially given recent weather! We have a small supply of similar suits in school but it would be helpful for children to have their own one that fits comfortably and can be washed regularly at home.

Forest School

Over the next few weeks at Forest School, the children will have a bird-themed experience to celebrate The Big Schools’ Birdwatch. This is a national event aimed at promoting comments and questions about the plants and animals the children observe in familiar surroundings. On 29 January, the RSPB will be visiting us in the afternoon, and on 12 February, Jeremy Pyne from Exminster Greenspaces will be coming in to talk about the local bird life. While the Big Schools’ Birdwatch is primarily an event held at school in the first week of February, we would love you to engage in birdwatching activities at home. Please click here to read more information if you would like to get involved.

Mrs Smyth

Exonian Lecture

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

The Choral Society first rehearsal took place this week, 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 joing 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

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

Grease coasters

Many of us will remember just how fantastic Grease was as the recent upper school production. Coast to Coast, one of our Young Entrepreneurs teams, marked the occasion by creating Grease-themed coasters as a special piece of memorabilia.

There are Exeter School themed coasters available for £3.50 each, as well as special Grease coasters available for the reduced price of £1.50 each. The Grease coasters feature three designs, all beautifully created by Emma in Upper Sixth (Year 13).

If interested, please visit their Instagram account via the link below and DM your order.

Visit their Instagram

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