Senior Reflections Week 12 December 2025

Dear parents,

As we reach the final newsletter of what has been an amazing term, I want to reflect on the energy, joy and community spirit that have filled this week.

We began on Monday with a fiercely contested sixth form charity netball match, congratulations to the girls’ team who secured a well-earned victory over the boys, followed by a very well attended history lecture in the evening. On Tuesday, the Third Form (Year 7) enjoyed a festive film night in the sixth form centre, complete with access to the vending machines… The pupils opted to watch the ever-popular classic Home Alone. I voted for the Grinch, but as Kevin rightly says, “You can mess with a lot of things, but you can’t mess with kids on Christmas.”

Wednesday was House Day, and what a triumph it proved to be. From creative door-decorating of form rooms and competitive “snowball” dodgeball to the grand finale of the house ‘singing’ competition, it was certainly a memorable experience, as one of my fellow judges Miss Rose remarked to everyone present: ‘who knew Last Christmas had so many verses’…do ask your children for their version of events! My sincere thanks to every member of staff who planned activities, supervised events, kept everything running smoothly, and to our wonderful catering team, led by Mr Swan, for a superb Christmas lunch. Particular thanks must go to Miss Rose and our excellent Head of House team. The planning, coordination and creativity required for a day of this scale are enormous, and they delivered something truly special.

Thursday brought our Lower Sixth parents’ evening, an important opportunity for our senior pupils to reflect on their progress as they continue their post-16 studies. It was great to see so many pupils engaging thoughtfully with the high-quality, expert advice and guidance offered by their subject teachers. Also on Thursday, the other end of the school, our pre-prep, delighted with a wonderful Beauty and the Beast–themed Nativity. The children were fantastic, and it was a joy to see their confidence and enthusiasm shine.

Today we had our pupil Christmas Carol Service in the cathedral. It was a wonderful event where the warmth and joy of familiar Christmas music reminded us of comfort, fun and loved ones. And the messages at the heart of the Christmas season, the messages of a light in darkness, of peace and kindness, and of new beginnings, speaks to all of us, whatever our beliefs.

On a personal note, I taught my final lesson to my 4P physics class this week; they will return to Dr Robb after Christmas. It has been a genuine pleasure to be back in the classroom (for me at least!). Next half term I will be taking over 4R from Mr Larkham, something I am very much looking forward to.

This weekend, the ever-adventurous Mr Hall and his team are leading the first Ten Tors training weekend. Pupils will be honing their navigation skills, developing fitness, and carrying everything they need for two days of walking, including their tents for the overnight stay.

And we are not finished yet. Next week brings more film nights for both sixth form and Fourth Form (Year 8), as well as not one but two concerts: the always joyous Junior School Carol Service on Tuesday, and the Senior School Christmas Concert on Wednesday evening (keep an eye out for a few cringe-making cameos…). I hope many of you can attend.

A reminder that term ends at 12 noon on Thursday, with no clubs or after-school provision, and all the school buses will leave Exeter School at 12.15pm.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the need for all pupils (unless medically exempt) to ensure they have the correct footwear from the start of the spring term (full details here). Please contact your child’s form tutor if you have any queries.

Thank you for your continued support of the school. I firmly believe the partnership between pupil, parent and school is the heart of an effective and flourishing education, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us every day.

As we enter the festive season, I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. For those in our community who have experienced loss or difficulty this year, please know that the warmest thoughts of Exeter School are with you.

Happy Christmas and see you in 2026!