The rain may have tried to dampen our spirits but on Saturday 6th July the marquee shone with smiles, rung out with clapping and was near bursting with pride for all in our community.

It was wonderful to congratulate our wonderful Year 8 students for all their amazing hard work and to reflect upon their collective journeys throughout their time at St Hugh's. Neill Lawson-Smith, Chairman of the Governors, first addressed the community, and was keen to thank all of the staff, David Griffiths for his first year as Headmaster, the students for their enormous efforts and the parents for their continued support. After which, David followed with his reflections on his first twelve months and how there was much to celebrate, but how there was so much promise to come.

Those who attended were also lucky enough to hear the words of Paralympian Andy Lewis, whose own story of personal struggle but also great success, was a truly inspiring account to listen to. As well as being entertaining, Andy's honesty about his difficulties, physically and mentally, was humbling but in equal measure uplifting. His message to the students was clear: never give up, work hard, have dreams and perhaps most importantly, seize every opportunity that comes your way as it will often lead to another one. Whilst it was clear that every student was listening intently (they were particularly mesmerised when he was taking off his leg!), it was also wonderful to see his words touching the adults in the audience too, with knowing nods that there were lessons in there too for them.

Heads of School, Jago and Dotty were next to address the crowd and what impressive speeches they gave. They spoke with eloquence, with great maturity, and with a clear appreciation for all that St Hugh's School and its community had done for them and a message for the younger students which echoed Andy's message: seize opportunities, try something new and never forget how lucky you are to be part of St Hugh's.

As we bade farewell to our Leavers, and wished them all the very best for their next adventures, we reminded them that you never really leave St Hugh's and Carswell House would always be there home, and its door would always remain open.