Senior Reflections 12 June 2026
Dear parents,
It has been another great week in school, with our usual mix of exciting events and activities, balanced with important reflection times in the classroom as we review end of year examinations.
Last weekend saw our first entry into the CCF tri-service competition at Okehampton Battle Camp, where our cadets competed alongside schools and cadet groups from across the Southwest. Despite some horizontal rain and very gusty winds, they had an excellent experience, taking part in first aid scenarios, navigation challenges, leadership tasks, mock combat operations rooms and even defusing a bomb (thankfully, for the purposes of the risk assessment paperwork, this final challenge was completed in VR!). One of our teams finished as runners-up, which was an outstanding achievement at our first attempt. My thanks go to Mr Jones and Mr Cunningham for accompanying and supporting the cadets throughout.
I would also like to thank Dr Commin and the team once again for leading such a memorable Lower Fifth kayaking trip on the River Wye. While conditions back in Exeter were rather less appealing, the weather gods were shining on the group as they were fortunate to enjoy calm water (mostly) and some beautiful early summer weather. It was a fantastic experience and one that will, I am sure, stay long in the memories of all involved.
In school this week we held a wonderful scholars’ workshop in music. Led expertly by Mr Hicks, pupils explored the use of rubato to enhance the expressive quality of their playing, particularly in romantic music. It was a thoughtful and inspiring session, and a lovely example of pupils engaging deeply with their craft.
Our Lower Sixth pupils have been enjoying Futures Week, developing new skills and thinking carefully about their next steps beyond Exeter School. Sessions have included budgeting, preparation for gap years and making the most of university open days. Tuesday saw the ever-popular Business and Enterprise Day, masterminded by Mr Mackintosh and supported by Mr Bell, who served as a guru to the teams. Pupils completed a mini-Apprentice-style challenge, developing creative ideas for the use of a vacant lot in the city centre. There was tremendous creativity on display and, just as importantly, a great deal of fun. On Wednesday, Mrs Szender led our annual Higher Education Forum, where pupils and parents learnt more about the UCAS process, personal statements and gap year planning.
We have also had a busy week of tennis matches and cricket fixtures, including a county cricket semi-final. Here our U14A team performed exceptionally well against strong competition and have advanced to the finals later this week. Looking ahead to the weekend, we have pupils competing in the Devon Schools Track and Field Championships, as well as home and away cricket fixtures against Plymouth College and Queen’s College. Good luck to all those representing the school. The forecast looks promising, so we hope everyone gets the chance to play.
We also have our overnight Channel Swim event at Topsham Pool. Dr Robb will be leading teams as they collectively swim the length of the English Channel, starting on Friday afternoon, swimming non-stop, and finishing on Saturday morning. It promises to be a terrific challenge and a memorable community event.
Finally, I would like to share some staff news with parents. Last Friday, we welcomed the new teaching staff who will be joining us from September 2026. The continued strength of pupil numbers, together with the forthcoming changes to the shape of the week, has led to a particularly bumper recruitment season this year. We are delighted to have secured such a talented group of colleagues, whose varied experiences will further enrich our school community.
Ross Hasler will take up the role of Head of Upper School in the junior school, joining us from Honiton Primary School, where he is currently Assistant Head Teacher and KS2 Lead. Jack Leech joins as teacher of PE and games and Head of Rugby, having been Director of Rugby at Hayes School, Bromley, while Alex Luscombe comes to us as teacher of maths and economics following the completion of his PGCE at the University of Exeter. We will also welcome Martha Reeve and Natalie Atkinson to the English department; Martha is currently teaching at The Piggott School in Reading, and Natalie at the International School of Milan. Chelsea Butler will strengthen the history and religious studies teams, joining from Hele’s School, Plymouth, where she is a history teacher. Michael Joyce, currently Head of History and Politics at St Benedict’s School, Ealing, will teach history and geography, and Ryan Murphy, Head of Chemistry at Finchley Catholic High School, will join the chemistry department. In art, Deanna Edmonds comes to us having previously taught animation at London Screen Academy, and Tim Reynolds will join the maths department as maternity cover from Bryanston School, where he is currently a mathematics teacher.
As you may have already seen, Dr Rainbow has also written to all parents with a further update on changes coming into effect from September.
Click here to read Dr Rainbow’s letter on MSP
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend.
