On Tuesday, 1^st July, Etone Exceeding Excellence pupils were treated to a talk about Assyrian Magic by Dr Frank Simons.  Frank introduced the study of assyriology and explained what researchers in this area do before delivering some of his own research to pupils.  They particularly liked the a New Year ritual which involved hitting the King in the face!   Dr Simons also brought an original 4,000 tablet for pupils to look at.  Once again, Etone pupils were incredibly engaged asking sensible questions and thinking hard.  

Celebrating our pupils achievements at Etone College is important to us.

Over the last few weeks Lotus, our aspiring swimmer has swept the board at the latest swim meet taking medals in a vast range of races;

• Gold medals - 50m & 100m breaststroke (this is Lotus' strongest stroke) 50m butterfly 🦋 (this was unexpected 😂) 50m backstroke

• Silver medals - 50m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 200m individual medley

• Bronze - 100m backstroke 

Big congratulations to her and we look forward to more success from this Etone Learner in the future.

On Wednesday we hosted our transition evening for parents of the incoming Year 7 in anticipation for their transition day tomorrow.

The event was well attended and it was really nice to meet some new faces and welcome returning faces who have the joy of brining a second or further child to Etone.

We are so proud you have selected Etone for your child’s education - We look forward to seeing our new Y7 tomorrow.

As part of our ongoing commitment to rewarding positive behaviour and excellent attendance, Year 9 and 10 students were recently treated to their Drayton Manor Rewards Trips. These exciting days out followed the successful Year 8 trip and recognised pupils who consistently embody our Etone values.

The sunshine, thrilling rides, and laughter made for a memorable experience – but what stood out most was not the rollercoasters or theme park food, but the character and compassion shown by our students.

During the year 10 trip, a moment of real-life responsibility revealed the true spirit of our school community. A distressed mother, who had become separated from one of her children, was supported by a group of our students. Among them was Carla from Year 9, who acted with calmness, maturity, and great empathy. Alongside her peers, Carla provided reassurance and stayed with the young child whilst the mother located the sibling.

This heart-warming incident reflected our core values in action: Caring, in how the pupils looked after someone in need; Integrity, in choosing to do the right thing without hesitation; and Trustworthiness, in how they remained responsible and reliable throughout.

We are incredibly proud of all our Year 9 and 10 students who attended the trips and upheld our school values throughout the day. The Drayton Manor experience was not just a reward – it was a powerful reminder of the potential and character of our young people.

At Etone College, we place a very strong emphasis on teaching pupils about wellbeing and how to stay mentally healthy. Not only do pupils receive planned lessons as part of their curriculum entitlement but we embed many opportunities throughout the year to promote positive wellbeing and good mental health, We also encourage empathy for others in our students and take conscious steps to remove any stigma surrounding mental health. Whether it is through assemblies, pop up stands at break, form time activities, drop-in sessions, extracurricular clubs or external speakers, we take every opportunity to educate our learners about mental health. We teach them practical strategies to use, signpost support in lessons and around school and also ensure that we regularly remind them of and promote our top tips.  Check out our website to find out more information about where pupils can access support for mental health.

Personal Development

Well what an amazing year it has been for our Class of 25! Back in 2020 they came into “big school” during perhaps the most difficult time of our lives.

With the pandemic taking over our lives, imagine having to start fresh in a very different world to the norm. However, what these individuals have done since is truly astonishing.

Throughout this entire year Class of 25 have conducted themselves with pride and maturity during the busy Year 11 push. In each intervention session, lesson and mock exam pupils have shown the resilience and self belief that is true of all Etone Learners.

With the hard work done it was time to celebrate at the Class of 25’s Prom!

To begin with the entrances were bold and brave just like our pupils. With luxury cars, limousines and maybe one to many loud sportsters. Whatever they came in, pupils were treated like royalty as they walked the red carpet and had their picture took by the “paps”.

Once inside pupils got to reminisce and catch up over their fruity mocktails as they awaited the Prom Start Proper, then the curtain is pulled back and… Prom 25 can begin.

Pupils flooded to their seats but not for long as Class of 25 made it a record time to get to the dance floor! With the food, entertainment and of course their friends, spirits were high and they had an amazing time singing their hearts out with thier peers.

Additionally we were once again proud to see the high volume of staff who always turn up to support our learners. Even after a busy and long day, these members are dedicated to supporting our pupils throughout their time at Etone, non-stop.

A BIG thank-you to all for their support - Goodbye Class of 25 - You’re gonna be missed!

On Wednesday we welcomed our Year 11 back for the final in school goodbye, the Year 11 leavers assembly has become a cornerstone in the end of year celebrations as pupils come around to bask in their successes of a completed exam series.

Whilst there were a few tears, we were overwhelmed by the smiles, thank you cards and show of support from pupils for members of staff. There was laughter and joy in the assembly itself as pupils reflected on their time here at Etone with some amazing videos that supported pupils in reminiscing down memory lane.

In addition to the good vibes there was the biggest amount of donations ever as pupils bought in PE kit, uniform and revision guides – We are very grateful and appreciative of this support. A big thankyou and goodbye to Class of 25!

June 24^th saw Etone welcome 13 new staff and 3 trainees for their induction conference.   The day started with a welcome from the Matrix Central Team who shared the wide range of staff benefits, training and development opportunities that all Matrix employees are entitled to. 

After introductions to admin and support staff, whose hard work underpins the efficient processes that make our school run efficiently, our new starters were welcomed by Mr Smith (Headteacher) and Mr Bowley (Deputy Headteacher).  They outlined what it means to be an Etone Learner and the learning principles that underpin our curriculum and pedagogical practice.  We finished the morning by watching examples of these principles in practice by visiting a range of lessons, looking at books and speaking to our pupils. 

Break time saw many existing staff members join our new starters to answer any subject based questions and to extend a warm welcome from their departmental teams.  Break was followed by department time looking at the essentials of curriculum and classes, ready for September. 

After a delicious lunch, more of the Leadership Team introduced themselves and their roles sharing essential tips to support preparation for the new school year.  This included an introduction to our Teaching and Learning library and website, as well as to the vast range of extra-curricular opportunities that our new starters can become involved in supporting. 

We finished the day with introductions from our pastoral team who shared what it means to be a form tutor and the centrality of the pastoral system in giving Etone the family feel that make us such a supportive and caring environment. 

We are really excited to welcome our new staff and trainees to Etone – see you in September! 

Here at Etone College, we have 6 pupils who are now published poets following their successful entries into the Young Writers, Poetry Escape competition.

Well done to Olaf, Autmn, Grace, George, Sharifa & Pranita. Come along and take a few minutes to read their amazing poems, which can be found in the Poetry Escape book located in the Library.

Etone College proudly celebrated the outstanding commitment and conduct of its Year 8 pupils with an exciting rewards trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The special outing recognised students who achieved an excellent attendance record of over 97% and demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout the qualifying period. 

The sun shone as pupils enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun, laughter, and adventure. From adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters to scenic rides and animal encounters at the zoo, the trip offered something for everyone. Staff at the park, and our coach drivers praised the pupils for how well they represented the college, demonstrating outstanding manners and behaviour.  

This trip was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our students’ resilience, dedication and positive attitude. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and how they consistently uphold our Etone values. 

Etone College continues to encourage high standards in both attendance and behaviour, and this rewards trip serves as a reminder that effort and excellence truly do pay off.