We are delighted to share highlights from our recent trip to Cologne, Germany – a truly unforgettable experience filled with learning, exploration, and lots of fun!

Day 1 – Thursday 9th April
Our journey began bright and early as we departed England, enjoying a smooth Channel crossing before travelling through France and Belgium en route to Germany. Spirits were high as we arrived in Cologne in time for dinner at our youth hostel, where everyone enjoyed a well-earned meal.

In the evening, we took a short sightseeing walk around the city, taking in the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral at sunset. Its towering structure and intricate design made a lasting first impression on us all.

Day 2
After an early start, we travelled to Erkrath to visit the planetarium, where we experienced a fascinating and thought-provoking session about the potential discovery of life on other planets. The presenter’s calm and soothing delivery made the experience both relaxing and engaging for everyone.

We then continued to the Neander Valley, the historic site where the first Neanderthal skeleton was discovered. This was a truly inspiring visit, giving students the opportunity to explore the origins of early humans and deepen their understanding of human history.

Returning to Cologne, we visited the cathedral in more detail, taking time to appreciate its stunning architecture. Students then enjoyed some free time to explore the city and take part in a little shopping.

Day 3
Our day began with a visit to the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, where we were given a guided tour. Students enthusiastically took part in interactive activities, sharing plenty of laughs while learning fascinating facts about the history of sport and the Olympic Games.

Next, we visited the Chocolate Museum, where we discovered how chocolate is made and, of course, sampled some delicious treats!

In the afternoon, we travelled to Düsseldorf for a scenic river cruise, offering beautiful views of the city. We also had time to explore before heading to the BayArena, home of Bayer Leverkusen Football Club – a real highlight for many of our students.

Day 4
Our final full day was spent at Phantasialand, one of Germany’s most exciting theme parks. Students enjoyed a wide range of rides and attractions, from thrilling roller coasters like Taron and Black Mamba to immersive themed areas that transported us to different worlds. There was something for everyone, whether seeking adrenaline-filled excitement or more relaxed attractions, and the day was filled with laughter, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.

We ended the evening with a special Etone Values and Employability Skills Awards ceremony, where students were recognised for their positive attitudes, teamwork, and personal achievements throughout the trip. It was a fantastic way to celebrate their efforts and reflect on the experience.

Final Thoughts
We are incredibly proud of how wonderfully our students behaved throughout the trip. They represented the school brilliantly at all times, showing respect, enthusiasm, and maturity.

It has been a fantastic trip filled with memorable experiences, and a special mention must go to Mr Kirk for keeping spirits high – especially with his entertaining microphone moments!

A truly great trip, and one we will remember for years to come.

Check out the latest photos from our Etone skiers 2026! Each year our Etone Ski Trip is an opportunity to see the great outdoors, ski some slopes and really enjoy the Easter break!

As we break for Easter we celebrate all of the exciting events linked to Neurodiversity Month.  Sasha in Year 8 was the winner of the celebrity profile competition creating an informative profile showing understanding of Billie Eilish and what it is like to live with Tourette's Syndrome.

Tutor groups in years 7, 8 and 9 engaged with a neurodiversity quiz to check their understanding of different aspects of neurodiversity that peers within our own school community experience.  They learn about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.  They shared their own experiences of neurodivergence and how our school community can reflect our supportive value in everyday school life.

As part of our neurodiversity month celebrations we also recruited our first ‘Diversity Champions’ for neurodiversity and they will be working closely with me to plan future events and activities to continue developing our awareness of neurodivergence and further promoting inclusivity within our school.  We met before the Easter break and have some exciting plans for ‘Autism Awareness Month’ in April.  Watch this space…

We’re excited to share the results of our Healthy Eating & Meal Creation Competition — and what an incredible effort from everyone who took part!

A big congratulations to our winners:
👏 Elijah (7C1)
👏 Phoebe

Both students have won a £10 voucher for their fantastic entries! 🏆

Please come and collect your voucher from I12 at your earliest convenience.

Well done again to all participants for your creativity and commitment to healthy eating — you made it a tough competition to judge! 💚

Our Year 9’s enjoyed a fantastic day on Thursday as we were visited by the Army. The day was an opportunity to develop team building skills and use numeracy as part of our Maths outreach and enrichment programme. 

Across the day pupils took part in problem solving activities and games as they considered the skills required in real life to achieve success. Whilst ran by the Army and a chance to consider careers, the event was good for anyone of any interest and gave pupils the chance to really consider their own skill set.

A big well done and thankyou to Mrs Clarke for organising the event.

Over the past half term, we were proud to celebrate a group of outstanding students from Years 7 through 11 who have truly embodied the value of self-belief. Each of these individuals has shown determination, resilience, and the confidence to push beyond their comfort zones, setting an example for others.

From Year 7’s promising enthusiasm, to Year 11 students showing focus and motivation, these pupils have demonstrated that believing in yourself is the first step towards success. Whether overcoming challenges in the classroom, contributing with confidence, or striving for personal improvement, their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Well done to all our winners—your self-belief is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all that you will continue to achieve.

Year 7 Sophie 

Year 8 Monty

Year 9 Freya

Year 10 Mitchell

Year 11 Ashley 

Phoenix values winners – Self Belief – 2026

The list of students below were awarded the Etone Learner certificate of recognition for Self-belief this term:

Amelia M- 7P1

Jahziah F – 8P1

Sebastian W – 9P2

Evie H – 10P2

Jason C – 11P2

Phoenix house and the form tutors attached have recognised that these students have been able to demonstrate self-belief in various ways. Some of these students have always demonstrated self-belief and are a beacon of positivity for their peers. Others have been working on this for a while now and starting to reap the rewards of doing so, being nominated by others is a massive achievement for those that have struggled previously. It’s through hard work and dedication that all the students selected have found themselves being given this recognition.

Etone College was proud to host again the North Warwickshire music service Spring concert in their main school hall on Wednesday 25th March. Students from other schools all over the north of the county came together in orchestras and groups to perform what they have been learning at the North Area music centre which runs on Wednesdays here at Etone College Sixth Form. The concert included varied music from Wicked and classical music including a wide range of composers from across time and the planet!

Representing Etone was Oskar on the flute who featured in the Wicked medley as well as other pieces with the combined orchestra. 

To find out more about music clubs at Etone College, check out our school website or speak to Mrs Kaye-Shepheard and Miss Newcombe. 

To find out more about opportunities for instrumental lessons and groups at the North Area Music Centre, check out the Warwickshire music website for details: https://warwickshiremusic.org

Etone's Got Talent

When: July 15^th 7:00pm

Where: Main Hall

Auditions week commencing 18^th May - See Mrs Leftwich Lloyd or Mrs Kaye Shepheard for details.

We were once again delighted to welcome the Mary Ann Evans team to come and collect more overspilling donation bins for their town centre charity shop. It never ceases to amaze us how much staff and puipls bring in to support the charity. This being our 5^th collection this academic year, the team were overjoyed once again sharing how important it is for them. “Not only is it great to get the stuff, it’s great to see the investment that the children put into the local area. It really matters and means something to them.”

This occasion came of the back of another tremendous assembly last week by Nicky from the charity who had the following to share with us as a testimonial:

- How Etone has helped had an impact on the important community work you do - For the local area and considering the focus of your charity

Etone College have supported Mary Ann Evans Hospice as their Phoenix House charity for x number of years.  We see this as a partnership with Etone, and one we hope will continue for many years to come.

This partnership provides support to raise awareness of the critical work and support we provide within the local community, which is so important to us.  It also provides some financial support to the hospice by the various fundraising efforts held in support too. 

- How we have built the relationship up with yourself over time to be a meaningful partnership that is lasting

Sustainability if an important value to us at Mary Ann, and one we look to build into our partnerships.  Even though our staff personnel may have changed over x years, we continue to hold regular catch ups, participate in student assemblies, and look at ways we can work together to find collaborative approaches to both our missions.  One of the latest schemes Etone College has been an ambassador for is the donation bin scheme we run.  This is a great way of supporting the hospice financially, whilst also supporting the environment by donating unwanted items and therefore preventing unnecessary waste.  Etone take receipt of our bins a few times each year and generate a great amount of income to the hospice by doing so.

- How our young pupils are eager to support and learn from you with your engagement in House Charities Assemblies week

The pupils at Etone College are always incredibly engaging and inquisitive when we host our annual assembly, and during other adhoc times too.  We love to hear their thoughts, their ideas and to answer their questions on what we do and how they can help too.   They are always a pleasure to be around and always represent the school really well. 

We look forward to supporting the hospice in the many years to come.

Etone College recently celebrated a highly successful Wellbeing Week, dedicated to promoting positive mental health, resilience and a strong sense of community across the school. Throughout the week, pupils and staff took part in a wide range of activities designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, open conversations and acts of kindness.

Year 9 pupils enjoyed “Walk and Talk” sessions during form time, giving them the opportunity to get some fresh air while engaging in meaningful conversations with their peers and tutors, helping to create a calm and positive start to the day.

A Mental Wellbeing and Anti-Bullying Pop-Up Stand was available during Wednesday break time for Key Stages 3 and 4, and Thursday for Key Stage 5. Located in the café, hall and sixth form area, the stand provided pupils with access to advice, resources and supportive staff, reinforcing the importance of seeking help and supporting one another.

Pupils also took part in a lively “Just Dance” session during break time, promoting physical activity and fun as part of maintaining a healthy mind and body. Alongside this, pupils were invited to enter a competition to design a healthy meal, with the chance to win an Amazon voucher, encouraging awareness of nutrition and wellbeing.

Our Mental Health Ambassadors played a key role in the success of the week. They led a “Secret Sweet Drop” to staff, spreading appreciation and kindness, and organised a charity initiative, “Small Change, Big Difference.” Pupils donated spare change each morning, raising money for Mind, supporting vital mental health services.

During the week, pupils were also encouraged to complete Top Tip Challenge Cards. These activities linked closely to the school’s values and employability skills, promoting reflection on important qualities such as kindness, resilience and teamwork, as well as practical ways to maintain their own wellbeing.

Overall, Wellbeing Week was a fantastic success. It strengthened the school community, raised awareness of mental health, and empowered pupils with the knowledge and confidence to look after themselves and others.