The Autumn term always starts and ends on a high. From the sunny excitement of early September to the joy of our Carol Services and the run up to family time and Christmas, there is always something to look forward to. This term has delivered on this promise and seen our pupils continue to bring their unique brand of kind energy to our very special community. It is always hard to focus on a small number of highlights – especially when there are so many! – but I hope the following give you a small glimpse into why I love my job and take such pride in leading this wonderful School.

24th September, refereeing the U11c v Exeter School

The ground is still rock hard, but the boys barely notice. When I announce we are going to start with ‘touch’ they are a little disappointed but one boy soon pipes up “it will still be great!” There are at least four boys who have hardly played the game, but the camaraderie makes them feel at home and before long they are getting stuck in. The kindness of our boys towards the opposition stands out because they are struggling to keep up but there is no arrogance: Mr Johnson would be proud: humility in action!

9th October, shadowing Jack in Year 4

Growing up I always enjoyed ‘Back to the Floor’, a 1980s television programme where the chief executive goes undercover and discovers what life is really like on the shop floor of their business. This was my attempt to re-create this although my tall frame is not really very subtle when I sit alongside Jack, my buddy for the day. The craft, skill and nurture of the teachers is clear and most importantly, these qualities have already rubbed off on the children as they mirror this back to one another. I tried my best to help and to not get in the way, but Jack’s mum emailed me later on to suggest I had pretty much failed: “Jack was so excited to tell me about his ‘shadow’ yesterday, when I asked him if you behaved yourself, he responded with “yes”, then whispered, “mostly…!” To see the children thrive and love learning is a measure of them but also reflects their tireless and inspiring teachers.

19th November, Music Scholars Recital

I have always been in awe of musicians. In sport you get to practise with your friends in the company of teachers. For the musicians, practise is often lonely, happens at the bookends of the day and comes at the expense of something else. To see over ten of our best musicians perform their individual pieces was breathtaking both in terms of the quality but also the self-confidence they exuded in the chapel that evening. We can be rightly proud that some of our musicians have already been noted on a national stage but that evening I saw the ambition from a number who simply want to keep getting better and better at what they love. Such a mature outlook filters down and we can already see our younger musicians keen to emulate these amazing 12 and 13 year olds.

9th December, what is the ceiling for these pupils?

Today, Bella will compete for Team GB in the world U15 Biathle final in South Africa. She qualified for the final yesterday and tomorrow she will compete in the U17 category. Kemi, in Year 6, is also out there waiting for her chance to shine in her Great Britain kit.

Over half-term, Oscar competed at the World Indoor Cricket Championships for England. Not only did England win but Oscar was named at the ‘MVP’ for the tournament.

In the last couple of weeks, Esme has been selected in the National Youth Choir whilst Harry has been ranked 8th in a global chess competition. Finally, in pistol shooting we have seen Teddy, Erin and Eloise qualify for national competitions in the new year. 

Every term throws up the same amazing exploits. I know that January will be hard but with these children and their inspiring staff, I know that an uplifting and exciting 2026 awaits with new memories and surprises ready to enthuse us all. 

Merry Christmas!
Ed Burnett