Exeter School Alumni

Many of you will remember former geography teacher John Jago (staff, 1967-1996), who also attended Exeter School as a pupil in the 1950s.

John still lives close by, so we're delighted when he drops into the Exonian Centre or joins us at an alumni event. Last week's visit was particularly special, as he arrived bearing two fascinating additions to the Exeter School archive.

The first was a tie from the school's South African rugby tour in 2010, while the second was a much older treasure - a tie commemorating a reunion of 1930s leavers, held in 1988 🥹

If you have any Exeter School memorabilia tucked away at home that you'd be willing to donate to the archive, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Ali at [email protected].

📷: Exeter School archive - John sitting relaxed, taken just after final assembly in July 1996, and retiring at the age of 58 and as a pupil in 1953 playing rugby for the 1st XV. John with Matthew Goode (1985–1996), enjoying a happy reunion during Matthew's visit to Exeter School earlier this year. Photo credit: Emma Solley.

This wonderful story was shared by alumnus Richard Jowett (1948-1959), recalling a Whit Weekend adventure in 1958, when six boys from School House challenged themselves to hitchhike to the summit of Snowdon on a budget of just five shillings.

“Back in 1958, before Ten Tors or DofE, we had to make our own 'adventure'. So it was that 68 years ago I was sleeping in a field in Shropshire. Six of us from School House decided that over the Whit Weekend we would attempt to hitchhike in pairs to the summit of Snowdon getting back before school resumed the following Tuesday. Armed with an army kitbag, a groundsheet, sleeping bag, small cooker and some provisions we set off after Saturday school 🥾

“We also each had a letter from the Headmaster, Francis Kinnear (Fred) Paul (staff, 1960-1965), to the effect 'to whom it may concern, please afford all help and assistance as is deemed necessary....' And one other condition - we were to spend no more than 5 shillings (25p) in getting to the top. My partner, Eddie Hodge (1954-1959), and I made our way up the old A38 and by evening had reached Prees Heath, just beyond Shrewsbury where we camped in a field. Next morning we got lifts which took us through Chester and along the North Wales coast to Caernarfon before cutting south to Llanberis and the start of the ascent. We reached the top about noon, completely knackered 😓

“We took the train down (allowed as we had completed the challenge) and made our way south via Capel Curig, Llangollen and on to Oswestry which is where we were in a field 68 years ago today. The final leg home on the Monday took us to Gloucester where we had a stroke of luck. We were fortuitously picked up by the parents of a good school friend of ours, Andy Edwards (1949-1959), who took us all the way back to the school.

“Incidentally Andy became the father of Jonathan Edwards who, in 1985, became the World Champion (and Olympic, Commonwealth and European) Triple jumper at 18.29 metres, a record which stands to this day.” 🥇

📷: Kindly shared by Richard and kept in the Exeter School archive

Last week we were treated to the Lower School putting on their production of The Wind in the Willows. As always with Exeter School productions, a great deal of work went into the staging and costumes, helping to bring this much-loved tale to life.

It’s not the first time this play has been brought to the stage here… some of you may have even performed in the 2010 production or remember friends being involved. Can you spot someone you know as a woodland creature? 🐸 Please do comment below!

📷: Exeter School archive

Thank you to Harrison Thorne (2002-2010) for a splendid account of this year's OE Golf Day…

“Late spring sunshine, little wind and a beautifully manicured course at Exeter Golf and Country Club were all on offer for the 20 OEs who gathered for the 2026 Golf Day, following a two-year break.

“Alongside competing for the coveted silverware, it was another chance to see who still had the biggest drive, who was struggling on those tricky three-foot putts and, most importantly, to catch up over a couple of drinks and dinner.

“The early leaders were Paul Scoble (1993-1997) with an excellent 38 points and Steve Dukes (1993-1997) on 36 points. As the groups filtered in, Harrison Thorne (2002-2010) matched Dukes' score but lost out on the back-nine countback.

“In the Over-55s competition for the Jago Trophy, Mike Kay (1975-1982) edged out Rupert Pratt (1977-1984), both finishing on 32 points. The nearest-the-pin prizes went to Tom Sowman (1992-1996) on the 4th hole and Steve Dukes on the 11th.”

Keep an eye out for details of the 2027 OE Golf Day - we'd love to see even more OEs hitting the green next year!

📷: Kindly taken by Alice, Head of Alumni and Development Relations and golfers on the day