Senior Reflections 15 May 2026
Dear parents,
You have probably seen the photos, maybe you were there; the highlight of the past week has to be the outstanding success of Ten Tors event last weekend. The weather gods were kind, and Dartmoor was at its beautiful best: wide skies, open moorland and a real sense of pupils being part of something bigger than themselves. Our teams gave it their all across the 35, 45 and 55-mile challenges, showing resilience, teamwork and determination in abundance. There were, I should add, some questionable costumes at the finish, but they only added to the spirit of the occasion. It was a tremendous achievement for all involved, supported magnificently by parents, volunteers and, of course, our incredible staff team. Particular thanks must go to Mr Hall, whose leadership of Ten Tors is quite exceptional. The appearance of his face on team T-shirts felt like deserved recognition indeed.
Our Fourth Form (Year 8) pupils also enjoyed a highly successful residential on the South Dorset coast. With coastal cliff climbing, high ropes, kayaking, canoeing and more, they had a memorable few days challenging themselves, trying new activities and strengthening friendships. These are the sorts of experiences that stay with pupils for many years to come. My thanks go to all the staff who supported the trip, and especially to Miss Rose for masterminding such a valuable experience.
The weekend also saw our second Lower Fifth (Year 9) Duke of Edinburgh group complete their practice expedition along the Jurassic Coast. Teams honed their navigation and campcraft, and I have no doubt learnt a great deal about how to approach their assessed expedition successfully. Ms Roff and the team were, as ever, marvellous in their support.
On the sports fields, the cricket season continues with some really competitive fixtures for both our boys’ and girls’ teams. This week, our tennis players and athletes also had opportunities to shine, with a number of pupils proudly representing the school.
Tuesday brought another excellent Open Mic Night in the Music Hall, with an eclectic mix of poetry, song, instrumental performance and spoken word on show. Mr Tamblyn, quietly and expertly in the background, ensured the evening ran smoothly while giving the pupils the chance to take centre stage.
Our Lower Sixth psychologists enjoyed a fascinating visit to We The Curious in Bristol, exploring the workings of the mind through workshops and interactive exhibits. It was a rich opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life and to reflect on some of the extraordinary complexities of human behaviour and thought.
This week was also School Council week, where pupils have been reflecting thoughtfully on our approach to online safety. They considered the challenges young people face online, how these are changing, and how we might continue to adapt our programme to support them even more effectively. Their views are invaluable in helping us ensure our guidance remains relevant, practical and grounded in their lived experience.
Of course, the exam season is now very much upon us, with GCSEs and A Levels well under way and the Middle Fifth beginning their internal exams on Friday. Pupils have been working hard, and I wish them every success. Next week also sees internal exams for other year groups, which can be an anxious time, particularly for younger pupils experiencing them for the first time. While preparation matters, so too does balance. Sleep, exercise, good food, time away from screens and a calm routine all make a real difference. Exams are important, but they are only one part of school life, and our aim is for pupils to approach them with confidence, perspective and to know that they are well supported.
We are currently reviewing how we support pupils’ learning both in school and at home. As part of this, we are gathering feedback on our current approach to homework and I would encourage you to complete the questionnaire that was sent out earlier this week.
We are delighted to be attending the Devon County Show next week and hope to see many of our families and friends there. Please do visit us at Avenue A, Stand 94. With up to two children receiving free entry on Saturday, and the long-range forecast looking promising, it should make for a wonderful family day out.
And now a special opportunity to bring to your attention; parents, whether former pupils or not, are very welcome to arrange a visit to the school archives. It has been lovely to welcome a number of Third Form (Year 7) parents into the archives already this term, and we would be delighted to extend that invitation more widely. The archives include a treasure of photographs, old uniforms, artefacts and all sorts of trinkets from the school’s history, including the infamous detention log – a pupil favourite when they visit. Anyone interested in taking a look should contact Ms Alice Holohan, our Director of Development and Alumni Relations [asah@exeterschool.org.uk], who would be very happy to help arrange a suitable time.
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend.
