Senior Reflections Week 4 October 2025

Dear parents,

It has been another busy and purposeful week at Exeter School, full of impressive energy, outstanding achievement, and varied opportunity. From exciting trips and sporting successes to the daily joy of seeing pupils flourishing in their classrooms, there has been much to celebrate.

Last Saturday’s open morning was a wonderful occasion. The school felt vibrant and welcoming, with a real sense of positivity throughout the day. It was fantastic to see such a wide range of activities on display – all centred, as ever, on your children. From junior school to sixth form, they were outstanding; they are Exeter School. I want to thank them, and you for your support, and to congratulate our outstanding staff for bringing it all together so impressively.

Elsewhere, our Upper Sixth (Year 13) biologists enjoyed a packed and memorable residential at Nettlecombe in North Devon last weekend. Blessed with (mostly) great weather, they had the chance to extend their learning in a practical, real-world context, in the natural environment. Meanwhile, our Middle Fifth (Year 10) geographers travelled to Dawlish Warren on Wednesday, for an invaluable day of fieldwork in the sun, which also served to remind them of the richness and beauty of our wonderful local Devon landscape.

On Thursday, our Lower Sixth (Year 12) spent the day in Bristol – part induction, part social – with an early focus on looking ahead to the opportunities that await them beyond Exeter School, whether at university, on a gap year, or through apprenticeships.

I spent part of this week in Wales at the HMC Heads’ Conference, where it was inspiring to share ideas and reflect on best practice with colleagues from across the country. Our commitment remains unwavering: we are relentlessly focused on your children, ensuring that every pupil is safe, supported, challenged, and inspired – all while providing good value for you, our parents.

Today is our grandparents’ afternoon at pre-prep. This is our fifth year of holding this heart-warming event and it’s always very popular. Grandparents are invited to visit classrooms and do a craft activities with the children, followed by tea and cake in the hall. Also, this evening is our Exonian quiz, best of luck to all those quizzing, and to our pupils and staff taking part in a full programme of fixtures this weekend (see note below if you’re a rugby player). A particular mention goes to those embarking on their first Ten Tors training day on Sunday.

Next week looks set to be just as full and exciting. On Tuesday, I am very much looking forward to joining Mr Chu in welcoming Lower Sixth (Year 12) parents at our informal “Welcome to the Sixth Form” event. That same day, we will also be hosting a gathering for new parents whose children have joined us from Third Form (Year 7) through to Middle Fifth (Year 10), along with a parental forum designed to share experiences of joining the school community. Further details about all these events have been shared by Ms Dunning and Mr Chu. It promises to be a busy and rewarding day!

Back to pupils: on Friday, we have our first Field Day of the year – a real highlight in the school calendar and a powerful reminder of the importance of education outside the classroom. Experiences such as these broaden horizons, build character, and inspire lifelong curiosity. Third Form (Year 7) will experience the awe and wonder of Beer caves and Fourth Form (Year 8) visit the fantastic National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, learning about underwater evolution in an interactive workshop. Around three quarters of our Lower Fifth (Year 9) are on the battlefields trip to France and Belgium, visiting historic World War I sites and war graves – an unforgettable and moving experience. Those remaining in the UK are embarking on two exciting day trips, visiting the Eden Project on Thursday for a photosynthesis workshop before going to the adventure centre next door for zip lining, and on Friday they travel to Plymouth for a harbour tour experience followed by some (likely competitive) crazy golf.

For our seniors we have a wide range of fantastic Friday 8 service activities. Those in CCF and DOE have a challenging yet enjoyable series of training activities, including overnight experiences for some cadets. Arts Award Gold (art) pupils in Lower Sixth (Year 12) will gain professional insights here in Exeter, while the Arts Award Gold (drama) group are developing their plans for exciting events during the year. The Exonian editorial team are staying at school to plan next year’s publication (I have seen a draft of this year’s edition and the team have a lot to live up to!). Our sports leaders are developing their coaching skills by working with our own junior school pupils. And finally, our community service and SWUNK pupils are working with local primary schools, strengthening our partnerships across the city.

Wow!

As one visitor expressed in an email to me after open morning: “What a school! …the facilities and opportunities it offers are beyond belief.” I could not put it better myself. Thank you all, as always, for your continued support in making Exeter School such a special place.