On Monday and Thursday Year 7 visited Stratford as part of their Geography curriculum . Pupils investigated whether tourism in Stratford was impacting locals completing tasks to measure tourism across the town.  Pupils had a fantastic time, representing the school well. 

What an extraordinary day for Etone College on Thursday. The whole school came out on force to support Papyrus and their Houses in the Big Rowing Challenge 2026.

Every year the school takes on a rowing challenge which is set to put the Houses to the test to seek ultimate glory. This year Phoenix was hopeful to regain their title, however the other Houses were adamant not going to let it be an easy challenge to win. The event was started with House representatives taking on their respective rowers with Mr Watts for Centaur, Mrs Haywood for Dragon, Mr Botham for Griffin and Mr Key for Phoenix. Following this it was the pupils turn and rotating in five-minute slots, they did their absolute best to complete the biggest distances possible. Early on Phoenix took initial lead as it looked like history was set to repeat itself.

However, following the changeover to Period 1 and 2 and the introduction of our KS4 pupils Dragon and Centaur mounted a valiant comeback with Griffin managing to take the lead into break. At this point we had a lovely visit form Nuneaton’s recently elected mayor and mayoress the Worshipful Mayor Colin Cape and Mrs Julie Cape. Having the opportunity to visit the school for the first time in an official capacity there was an opportunity for them to meet with pupils and staff and share their story and congratulations for the pupils. In recent years, the school has had close ties to the Mayors Offices in Nuneaton and Bedworth and this initial event ensure there will be no difference. So much was the community spirit infections that the Mayor himself dusted of his rowing skills in a mighty effort to give Dragon a much-needed boost.

In addition to meeting the Mayor we were delighted to welcome Jodie Gosling MP for Nuneaton back to the school in what is now a regular visit to the school. Similarly Jodie was impressed by the community spirit of the pupils and staff and the sheer passion shown by all involved.

As the day drew to a finish the final time slot allowed for pupils and staff to come together in the closing moments of the race, with Griffin and Phoenix swapping the leads and Centaur and Dragon jostling for third place it was all at play. But as the final whistle blew the standings were concrete with the total distances of the Houses standing at:

55,972 meters (36 miles) - Griffin

55,522 meters (35.5 miles) - Phoenix

54,272 meters (33.7 miles) - Centaur

54,172 meters (33.6 miles) – Dragon

Meaning the winners of the 2026 Challenge are Griffin, making both Mrs Bryant and Mr Botham very proud.

In total the school travelled 219,938 meters (137 miles) which is the equivalent of going from Etone College to Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich. A distance that many Coventry fans will be making for any away matches with Ipswich Town in the Premier League next year. The distance for Griffin is the equivalent of going from Etone to Nottingham Castle, which considering the theme of the day was to raise money for charity fit’s well with the legend of Nottingham and Robin Hood.

In total we are nearing the £1,000 mark for money raise towards Papyrus this year and we would be very appreciative of any additional donations made to the cause: https://www.justgiving.com/page/etone-college-10?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Many thanks for all who supported us in the event.

This week Etone learners have been celebrating Learning Disability Week. They learned how our school values help us to promote an inclusive environment in which all learners feel safe and can thrive.  Using this year's theme of 'Do you see me?' we explored hidden disabilities and celebrated the inclusive community in which our own pupils with learning disabilities are able to thrive.

We explored the shocking statistic that only 26% of adults with a learning disability are currently in full-time employment and discussed how our Etone employability skills help to prepare  them for adulthood and enhance future opportunities.  We celebrated the success of some of our alumni with learning disabilities who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

We followed up with our pop up stand at break time where pupils had an opportunity to share their own experiences and to take part in a celebrity quiz.  The pop up stand was the idea of our Diversity Champions for inclusion and they did a fantastic job in encouraging their peers to get involved.

On Wednesday there was excitement in the air as we welcomed our Year 11 for their last main site event of their Etone career. The Etone Leavers assembly has become one of the four cornerstone events for Year 11 leavers, following the Shirt Signing and preceding the Prom and Results Day.

Each event looks to celebrate a different aspect of school life, with the leavers assembly a chance to reflect back on the pupils time at Etone College. As pupils entered into the cafe' they were greeted with open arms as teachers were excited to hear what they have been up to in the brief time since their exams finished. Collecting their hoodies, prom tickets and donating their equipment, spirits were high as pupils reveled in short term nostalgia.

After a short break pupils entered the hall to begin the final assembly of their lower school life. With Mr Astall at the helm there were look-a-likes, rewards and of course a few videos set to bring joy, laughter and perhaps the odd tear. It was a tremendously lovely way to say goodbye to a year group who have never ceased to amaze us. Their  dedication and generosity have really shown through in the most recent weeks and we can only thank you for your support.

Stay tuned next week for the Etone 2026 Prom!

On Tuesday we were delighted to share our next parent session in the series. This time the focus was on our award winning careers provision and the dedicated support we give to our pupils through our UCAS package of support.

The session looked to share the full breadth of the provision giving pupils and parents the chance to really explore the themes behind careers in schools.

Across the event parents were able to engage with our Careers Lead, Mrs Barlow and Head of Sixth Form, Miss Sandilands as they explored how best to support their own children in accessing the careers of their choice.

Check it out now on our parent passion portal:

On Tuesday 16th June a group of Etone College musicians went to the Warwick Arts Centre on the Warwick University campus to work on developing their singing skills and to learn the big numbers from the musical ‘Les Miserables’. ‘Les Miserables’ celebrates 40 years this year since the original West End run and Etone students were excited to learn the music from the show based on the famous French novel by the author Victor Hugo.

The workshop had been organised by the Heart of England Music hub (a collaboration between Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull music services) and was lead by Conductor and Vocal Coach Suzzie Vango who shared her skills and knowledge with the 500 students from across the midlands who had come together to develop their singing technique.

Over the course of the day, we learned a medley of the hits as well as a number of vocal exercises to strengthen our voices. There was also an opportunity for our student Eleanor (a Les Mis Superfan!) to take to the stage to sing a solo - she’d even brought her t-shirt with her!

At the end of the day, the students performed together (video of our performance can be found on the Heart of England music hub Instagram page) and we’re STILL singing as we headed to the minibus to come home!

Thank you to the music services, Warwick Arts Centre and to Suzzie Vango for organising such a brilliant day (and the students have already asked if we can come back next year!).

This past Sunday 13th June, Nuneaton town centre saw the return of the Teenage Market as part of the Charter market anniversary celebrations. Local creatives brought a mix of fashion, crafts, art and music to the high street giving young entrepreneurs a chance to shine. 

As part of the celebration, Etone College band “Bazzar” comprising of Jacob, Felix, Dan and Alfie from KS4 took to the top of the buildings to play and entertain the town performing a mix of covers and original music! The show was a little reminiscent of the famous rooftop performance of The Beatles (who actually played in Nuneaton in 1962 the day that ‘Love Me Do’ was released). Since the performance, Etone has been buzzing with students and staff talking about the fantastic show!

“Bazzar” will be one of the bands representing Etone at the upcoming Matrix Trust Battle of the Bands and have also started performing locally with various gigs including one scheduled in October to support local Nuneaton band Fracxura (who includes former Etone students Cobain Kemp and Joe Routledge in their line up). 

Well done Bazzar - and remember us when you make the big time!

This week on Monday 15th June, we welcomed NWSLC to speak with students about higher education apprenticeships available after the age of 18. They provided valuable insight into the range of opportunities on offer, how to apply, and what to expect from these pathways.

Students learned about upcoming open days, giving them the chance to explore courses and ask questions, as well as the wide range of career options these routes can lead to in the future.

It was a great opportunity for students to start thinking about their next steps and feel more confident about planning for life after school.

On Monday it was bitter sweet as our Year 11 cohort finished their final exam of the year and with it their time at Etone.

Starting in the cafe at breaktime pupils began the annual festivities with signing shirts and sharing gifts with teachers. Each year the designs of these get more elaborate and this year did not disappoint. The sheer variety of the names and images were tremendous and also gave an insight into the individual character of each pupil from the cohort. This is something we value when we consider our Year 11's as we reflect on the Etone Learners they have become.

Following break, the cohort entered the cafe where a selection of treats was provided for them as a thank-you from the staff to the pupils for their excellent conduct throughout the exam season. Whilst the event was a joyous one, there was a clear undercurrent of sadness as pupils reflected on their time at Etone and realised it was the last few moments as pupils at the school. With pictures and signing completed the pupils gathered for a last group photo and some final words from Mr Bowley before departing the school.

We are excited to be welcoming the pupils back on Wednesday for their Leavers Assembly where they can also be in the running to win prizes, if they donate; PE kit, Uniform, revision guides and any equipment.

Then the final celebration before summer will be the Year 11 Prom on the 25^th June. Have a well deserved rest Year 11 and see you Wednesday.