We gathered to celebrate the many achievements of our students as prizes and GCSE and A Level certificates were awarded at the school’s annual speech day on Monday. Musical performances included the A level students’ choir, the recorder group and a sublime piano solo from Deniz Isingor.

Guest speaker, Rebecca Huntsman, former Head Girl (1991) and disputes lawyer for Hogan Lovells International (2000 – 2019) returned to the school to give an inspirational address. She highlighted the drive and impact of women in the legal profession as we approach the centenary of the landmark Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Rebecca shared important lessons from key female lawyers and her own legal career, such as striving even when the task ahead seems impossible, the power of positivity, and the value of working with and learning from others.

Uppermost in hearts and minds was Tierney Kinsella, who is deeply missed by all her friends, family and the school community. She continues to inspire all who witnessed her beauty, strength, determination and ongoing hard work in her studies whilst undergoing treatment for cancer. The prestigious new award in Tierney’s memory, established by the Kinsella family, recognises determination and resilience, and was presented for the first time to Lottie Mills.

Returning Head Girl, Katie Adamson, and Deputy Head Girl, Hannah Davies, gave incredibly thoughtful and moving valedictory speeches. They reflected on the happy memories as well as the sad times they and their peers have been through together. One of their key messages that will stay with all of us was, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”