Senior Reflections 8 May 2026
Dear parents,
It has been another full and vibrant week in school, albeit one day shorter, with pupils showing ambition, creativity and commitment in so many different areas.
Taking one step back to Friday evening of last week, our Lower Sixth drama pupils gave excellent performances as part of their component one work. There was real creativity on stage, supported by thoughtful and highly effective set and lighting design. It was wonderful to see pupils bringing their ideas to life with such confidence and imagination.
My thanks go to Dr Commin for arranging canoeing training sessions on the water for our Lower Fifth and Lower Sixth pupils both last weekend and on Tuesday afternoon. These have provided excellent preparation for their forthcoming adventures and, most importantly, a memorable and enjoyable experience in their own right.
On Tuesday, we held the final of our Young Entrepreneurs competition. Two outstanding teams presented to external judges from the business world, and both were recognised with awards. The overall winners were ReVerra, many congratulations to them, and to everyone who took part. We are also hugely grateful to Mr Mackintosh for his expert guidance and support throughout the process.
Wednesday saw our Upper Fifth depart on study leave, including the customary shirt signing. We wish them all the very best of luck as they begin their examinations. Friday is also the final day for our Upper Sixth, and I look forward to seeing many parents at the Leavers’ Service. It is always a moment of reflection, celebration and sadness, as pupils mark both the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Given that my eldest child is in this year group, I shall do my very best to hold it together.
Click here to watch today’s event recording
On Thursday, our EDI Committee met, with input from members of the new pupil leadership team. It was heartening to see pupils contributing so thoughtfully to this important area of school life. Our chemists were also in for a treat with the annual visit from the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase team. Pupils enjoyed hands-on experience with spectroscopy equipment and gained a fascinating insight into real-world analytical chemistry.
Also on Thursday, we were delighted to welcome Dr Rainbow to school for our Open Evening. He spoke with prospective parents about his strong personal and professional confidence in Exeter School, which he summarised as a place of academic ambition, intellectual curiosity and co-curricular richness, underpinned by exceptional pastoral care, kindness, character and service. As both a parent and incoming Head, Dr Rainbow spoke warmly about how excited he is to join and to lead our community. There will be plenty of opportunities next term for parents to meet him as he takes up the reins of our wonderful school in September.
This weekend is a busy one. Alongside the usual range of sporting opportunities for pupils, our Fourth Form head off on their residential to Brenscombe in Dorset, and our second groups of Lower Fifth take part in their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition. Thank you to all colleagues giving up their time to support these excellent experiences. And of course, this weekend also brings the incredible spectacle that is Ten Tors. I know our pupils have been expertly trained for this challenge, and I wish them the very best of luck.
Finally, a quick plug: on Saturday 16 May, the Exeter Cathedral Choir is holding a ceilidh in the magnificent setting of the cathedral nave to raise funds for future choir tours. You may recall that our Sixth Form enjoy a ceilidh as part of their Winter Ball; it is always great fun, and now parents have the chance to join in too! Further details can be found here:
Click here to for more info on Exeter Cathedral’s ceilidh
Have a great weekend whatever you’re up to.
