As we reach the end of another busy and successful term, this newsletter captures something very special about life at �Ʒ��ջ�: the depth of talent, commitment and care that runs through our whole community.

This culminated yesterday with a moment that brought this firmly into view: opening our new climbing wall. It was genuinely heartening to see so many students, families, staff and friends of the school come together to mark the occasion. Even more powerful was seeing the wall immediately come alive, filled with activity, laughter, challenge and encouragement. It is already clear that this will be a space where confidence is built, resilience is tested and enjoyment is shared.

This project has been a long time in the making, and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has played any part in making it a reality, particularly those who have given their time, energy and generosity through sustained fundraising. Projects like this only succeed when a community cares enough to join together and dream big, and when that happens, great things really do follow.

Elsewhere in this newsletter you will see many further examples of that same spirit in action: students excelling on stage, in competition, through service, scholarship and creativity, and staff going well beyond the everyday to provide rich and meaningful opportunities. Thank you for the trust, support and ambition you continue to place in the school and in one another.

I hope you enjoy reading this snapshot of a vibrant half-term, and I look forward to all that the summer term will bring.

Dr James Hunt
Headteacher

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School welcomed over 50 employers, universities, alumni, and community partners to its biggest Careers Expo yet on Friday 6 February 2026. Held in the Cavanna Centenary Hall, the event brought the entire school community together, giving students from all year groups the chance to explore an extraordinary breadth of professions, pathways, and possibilities.
From engineering, aviation, law, and healthcare to creative industries, advanced manufacturing, local government, and the armed forces, the Expo showcased the wide range of opportunities available to students as they consider their next steps and “Dare to Dream”. The atmosphere throughout the day was vibrant and purposeful, with employers praising the curiosity and confidence shown by �Ʒ��ջ� students.
Caroline Shimmin, Careers Lead at �Ʒ��ջ�, reflected on the significance of the event:
“This was our biggest Expo to date, and the effort behind it is always worthwhile when you see students fully engaged, making connections, gaining confidence, and opening doors to their future pathways. The conversations happening around the hall today were truly inspiring.”
Headteacher Dr James Hunt also praised the event, recognising its role in expanding students’ horizons:
“Opportunities like this are vital in helping our students open their minds to ambitious futures. The energy in the hall was palpable, and it was wonderful to hear students reflect on how their experiences are preparing them for exciting possibilities beyond sixth form at �Ʒ��ջ�. We are immensely grateful to the parents, local businesses, alumni, universities, and friends of the school who gave their time so generously.”
Rhys Davies, from Bridge Education Consultancy, highlighted the wider importance of the Careers Expo, explaining that
“it’s incredibly encouraging to see delegates from such a range of careers engaging with students’ and he described the school’s ‘holistic approach’ to supporting students to explore their futures.
This year, �Ʒ��ջ� also became the first school to take part in a pilot scheme exploring innovative ways to build stronger links between the curriculum and local Torbay businesses — including several world-leading organisations in their fields. Led by Bridge EOC, this pioneering work aims to ensure that students see clear, real-world connections between what they study in the classroom and the industries shaping the future.
The Careers Expo continues to be a key moment in the school calendar and a testament to the strength of �Ʒ��ջ�’s partnerships with industry, higher education, and the local community. This year’s event not only informed students about future pathways but also encouraged them to imagine themselves stepping confidently into them.

To see a full list of the employers and providers who helped to make the �Ʒ��ջ� Careers Expo so inspiring, click here

Dear families

We’re nearing the end of a very full and purposeful half term. Across the school there has been real growth: in learning, in confidence, and in the daily habits that help students thrive. Your partnership in ensuring students arrive ready to learn, equipped and prepared, makes a genuine difference, and we are grateful.

You may have noticed that our long-awaited climbing wall project is finally taking shape. The cladding panels are now being added, and it is exciting to see this initiative, many years in the making, coming together at last. We look forward to seeing students enjoy this fantastic new facility, hopefully, before Easter.

It has been a pleasure speaking with so many of you at parents’ evenings and open events over the past few weeks. My thanks also go to everyone who supported the Parents’ Association quiz night, which raised much appreciated funds towards some upcoming grounds initiatives.

On the theme of growth, today’s Careers Expo has been a real highlight of the term. The energy in the hall was palpable as students explored a wide range of opportunities and professions. We are immensely grateful to the parents, local businesses, alumni, universities, and friends of the school who gave their time so generously. I particularly enjoyed hearing students reflect on how their experiences at �Ʒ��ջ� are preparing them for exciting opportunities beyond sixth form.

You’ll find a full round-up of this half term’s achievements in next week’s newsletter, but in the meantime, do make sure you secure your tickets for Into the Woods: it promises to be a truly spellbinding production.

Dr James Hunt