Senior Reflections Week 32 June 2025
Dear parents,
I hope that your children have enjoyed the first week back after the half term break.
On Monday’s INSET day we spent lots of positive time together as a staff body, reviewing the year to date and looking forward to the new academic year; as well as preparing for new staff, most of whom have been here at school today for the new staff induction day. It has been lovely to see them again since we first met them at interview.
Sixth form activities
The Lower Sixth have been busy with their assessments this week, ahead of Futures Week next week, when they will start to plan for their futures; looking at universities and degree apprenticeship routes as well as starting to shape their applications and personal statements. This is an exciting time for the pupils – they have so many opportunities ahead of them and I am sure that they will really enjoy exploring all these future possibilities.
School uniform
Sadly, we have seen a decline in uniform standards from some pupils in recent weeks and I want to ask you to support us in ensuring that your children are well turned out and wear their uniform with pride. Specifically, I would remind you that socks need to be the correct colour, skirts should not be rolled over at the top and long hair should be tied back. We are also seeing some pupils deciding to wear a jumper rather than a blazer, and also we do see rather too much jewellery at times. Please check the uniform guidelines below so that you can ensure that your children are dressed appropriately.
Our second-hand uniform shop will be closing at the end of term so if you have any uniform items currently for sale in the shop, please make sure to collect them by 9 July. Any items not collected by this date will be donated to charity.
New babies – welcome to the world
We have just about completed the complex jigsaw that is the timetable and the staffing structure for 2025/26 and I am also very pleased to share with you the following news about the expansion of the Exonian community with the arrival of a number of new babies to colleagues.
For Mr Ed and Mrs Jade Seaton-Burn, a son, and to Mrs Jess Rafferty-White, also a son. Mrs Steph and Mrs Rachel Trica a daughter, and another little girl to Mrs Chloe Wanell in the pre-prep.
New colleagues will start their maternity cover roles in September – Miss Emily Fox in biology, Miss Michelle Collins in classics and Ms Leise Webley, art. Mrs Harriet Mulchrone joined the pre-prep this week and Ms Polly Wheller will be teaching in reception to cover for Mrs Annabel Lawrence-Jones, whose baby is due in September.
Wedding bells
Many congratulations to Miss Emily Horn who married fiancé Dave Kimberley in the chapel on Saturday, assisted by Rev. Mark and Exonian musicians.
Staff updates
New fixed-term appointments have been made as follows:
In English – Mr Ben Masters and in Spanish – Ms Luka Reeves
Ben has a degree in English and European literature from Warwick and an MA from Liverpool in Victorian literature, as well as 20 years teaching experience in a range of independent schools, including here! He has also worked as a copywriter.
Luka is currently completing her PGCE at Exeter University, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in Spanish and Italian. She is passionate about languages and the arts and has a music and performing arts background alongside her language qualifications. She also holds an English as a Second Language teaching qualification. Luka replaces Mrs Natalie Cushion when she leaves us at the end of term.
Academic leadership
Whilst Mr Graham Bone is Acting Head next year, Mr Paul Fennemore, our Director of Learning and Teaching has been appointed to be the Acting Deputy Head (Academic). To cover Mr Fennemore’s current learning and teaching and academic leadership responsibilities we have promoted two of our subject team leaders:
As pupil data coordinator – Mr Matt Worthy and as learning and teaching coordinator – Miss Angie Harris.
Permanent appointments
Head of IT Services – Mr Anthony Martin. Anthony joins us form St Petroc’s College, where he is Director of Digital Services. He has a range of technical qualifications and is also a qualified project manager. He is a lifelong learner and is currently studying for an Open University degree in Environmental Science and Management. He stood out in a very strong field of candidates as having a great balance of technical and leadership skills and demonstrated an innovative, solution focused approach. He will be joining us in August.
In the junior school, to replace Mrs Katie Jones who is leaving us at the end of term – Mrs Beth Pinkerton-Smith. Beth is a computing and IT specialist and is currently head of this department at The Maynard School, where she has been for four years. Beth has a degree in International Business from Brighton University and many years of experience to bring to the team.
And recently we welcomed in the pre-prep – Ms Anna Higgins – part time teaching assistant. A former pupil, Anna is a qualified nurse and has much medical experience which will doubtless be a great help. She has been a classroom assistant in a local primary school for some time and is a creative individual who is looking forward to sharing her love of arts and crafts with our littlest Exonians.
School fete tomorrow
Tomorrow afternoon sees the second annual school fete, run by the Exeter School Family Society. Last year was an excellent event and we are hopeful that this will be the case tomorrow too. Please do come along and join in the fun from 1-4pm.
Canoe trip
Yesterday, Dr Matt Commin and his staff team (Mr Peter Bodington, Rev. Mark Close, Mr Ben Hall and Ms Helen Wilson) headed off with a group of Middle and Lower Fifth paddlers for a canoe expedition on the River Wye over the weekend. I hope that the trip is a great success and that everyone has lots of fun, despite, I fear, some rather rainy weather.
Matches on Saturday
As well as the school fete on Saturday, in the morning we have block fixture cricket matches against Mount Kelly. Again, we must keep our fingers crossed for good weather and wish the teams every success.
I hope that you have a lovely weekend, and for all celebrating, I wish you Eid Mubarak!
