Exeter School gives thanks on Founders' Day

Exeter School’s annual Founders’ Day Service was held at Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday 27 March.

The whole school, comprising over 920 boys and girls aged 7-18, staff and governors, gathered to give thanks to its founders in a beautiful service.

The Dean of Exeter, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, reflected on dealing with weakness and how it can become a strength.

The service was conducted by the School Chaplain, Revd Tom Carson.

Huw Phillips, Isobel Cann, William Maynard, Maria Turnbull Pomares from the Junior School led the intercessions beautifully.

The Chairman of Governors, Andrew King read the Act of Commemoration together with Head Boy Ben Harvey and Head Girl Beth Pittman.

The music was led ably by the Director of Music Peter Tamblyn and the organ was played beautifully by Andrew Daldorph.

The Dean of Exeter gave the blessing at the end.

The Lord Mayor entered the Marche de Procession by Jacques-Nicholas Lemmens played by the school’s Senior Brass Ensemble and exited to Slavonic Dance by Antonín Dvořák, played by the Symphony Orchestra.

The school’s Chamber Choir performed Beati Quoram Via by Charles Villiers Stanford, and The Lord bless you and keep you by John Rutter beautifully. The Junior and Middle School Choirs combined to sing Something inside so strong by Labi Siffre.

Alumni and Chair of Governors, Andrew King (1960 -1965) and Governor Gillian Hodgetts (1984-1986) attended the ceremony.

A cream tea followed for staff and Sixth Formers.

Thanks to everyone who made this significant event in the school’s calendar so enjoyable and run so smoothly.