Senior Reflections 27 February 2026
Dear parents,
It has been a pleasure to welcome everyone back after the half-term break. The school has quickly returned to its usual purposeful rhythm.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to colleagues who generously gave up their holiday time to lead a range of trips. Mr Drew led a sixth form classics visit to London, where pupils enjoyed a theatre performance and benefited from expert guidance at the British Museum. Mr Glanville’s ski trip to Austria was a tremendous success; plentiful snow, excellent skiing and, most importantly, exceptionally happy pupils. Mrs Sewell’s French trip to Nice, despite some rather antisocial travel hours, was truly magnifique: a superb opportunity for our GCSE French pupils to practise the language and experience the culture (and cuisine) first-hand. Meanwhile, Mr Cunningham accompanied RAF cadets on an Air Experience Day, with several pupils bravely taking to the skies for aerobatics. On every trip, pupils were outstanding ambassadors for the school; their engagement, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new experiences were a credit to us all.
This week began with two staff professional development days, providing valuable time for reflection on learning and teaching across the school. Colleagues explored how we can continue to refine classroom practice, share successful approaches, and ensure that every pupil is supported to achieve their best. These days also allowed important preparation for our move to one-hour lessons from September, ensuring that the transition will enhance both depth of learning and continuity across the timetable. The final speaker on Monday was OE Major Rebecca Glover, who shared her story of being part of the first all-female army team in the World’s Toughest Row. The quartet embarked on an astonishing 3000-mile journey starting from the Canary Islands and ending in Antigua. After 46 gruelling days, the team were placed 18th and the second among all-female teams. It was an absolutely inspirational story of resilience and teamwork. My thanks go to all staff who contributed by leading thoughtful and stimulating sessions.
Our hardworking Upper Sixth pupils have now begun their trial examinations. This is a significant milestone in their final year, offering an important opportunity to consolidate learning, practise examination technique, and identify areas for final refinement before the summer. We wish them every success as they approach this demanding but crucial period.
It has also been a busy week for sport. Our boys’ hockey team competed in the Devon finals, while the girls took part in the county indoor cricket cup. Both squads made an excellent start, improving with each match and demonstrating real determination and teamwork. Although neither team returned with silverware on this occasion, their progress, commitment and individual performances were impressive, and they represented the school with distinction. Alongside these events, we have enjoyed our usual full programme of fixtures across football, swimming, netball and hockey. This weekend brings a boys’ hockey block fixture against Wellington, and I wish all involved the very best.
Music continues to flourish. Wednesday’s informal strings and piano concert was a delight, featuring a wonderfully varied programme from Beethoven to Leonard Cohen. It is always a pleasure to witness pupils’ musical development and confidence in performance.
This evening I am very much looking forward to the Exeter School Family Society Quiz; good luck to all teams taking part.
Early on Saturday morning, Mr Hall and his team will head to West Dartmoor for the next stage of Ten Tors training. These expeditions demand resilience, teamwork and careful preparation, and we wish all participants safe and successful training across the weekend.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued support. I wish you and your families an enjoyable and restful weekend.
