On Thursday 11^th June, Miss Stafford (Deputy Head) was very proud to present at the Research Schools Conference representing Etone College.  The presentation discussed the work that the school had done to share evidence-based approaches, informed by the Education Endowment Foundation, and to share the fantastic opportunities that we have had to work in partnership with Staffordshire Research School. A number of staff at Etone College support Miss Stafford to contribute to the advocacy work of the school and we are very proud to have shared our approaches in a number of key areas. This has included writing blogs, providing training and producing podcasts which share how we have used the Education Endowment Foundation guidance reports and also how we have engaged in pilots and opportunities for research informed practice.  The work of the school in partnership with Staffordshire Research School can be found on our partnerships page and also as part of our Trust website. To find out more information about the role of Etone College in advocacy, please follow these links and take time to read some of the blogs from our amazing teachers. We would like to place on record our thanks to Staffordshire Research School for the amazing partnership opportunities that they provide.

Our pupils showing their problems solving and initiative skills here by making the talked paper hat out of paper and tape.

Given just 30 minutes to design and create the piece, which must stay upright on the head unsupported for 1 minute. Pupils had a tremendous time and some really unique ideas for how to succeed in the challenge.

The winning length was 1.1 meters and a very strong coil design. Well done Team Etone!

On Thursday, we were delighted to welcome the new Mayor of Nuneaton, Colin Cape and Mayoress, Julie cape to Etone for the first time during their tenure in office. Just three weeks into being elected and despite a whirlwind first month, they made the journey to come and see our amazing Rowing Challenge 2026 event.

After a heroic effort by the Mayor on the rowing machine for Dragon House, a couple of our dedicated Etone Press Corps were able to complete a short interview with the pair to air next week. Across the interview the Mayor briefly covered his life, passion for the local town and what led to him taking the office of Mayor. Whilst the Mayoress relived the moments leading up to the election followed by the need for some new dresses to go to events across the year.

We look forward to welcoming them both to the school soon and showing you our footage to go along with it.

On Monday 15^th and Thursday 18^th June year 7 set off to Stratford for their fieldwork trip. On arrival in Stratford year 7 set off to investigate whether or not tourism brings more benefits or challenges to local people. First we made a stop outside the Theatre where we carried out our first surveys, these included a people count, environmental quality survey, land use survey and facility spotting. We then moved to the centre of Stratford for our second and busiest site, making time for a quick photo with Shakespeare’s statue. Lunch time was the perfect opportunity for a visit to the park where pupils had chance to catch up with friends and take in the scenery. After lunch we did our third site and our open space and playground surveys, here pupils considered the benefits of the money brought into Stratford that is available for investment. With the day gone in a flash we headed back to the coaches and back to school in perfect time for the end of the day.

On both days pupils had a fantastic time and were complemented on their exemplary behaviour by the staff in the tourist information centre and by passing members of the public on several occasions, they were a credit to parents, guardians and the school.

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!