Under glorious sunshine, pupils, parents, friends, Governors, and staff came together to celebrate Speech Day 2025, a cherished highlight in the school calendar.

The day began with a profoundly moving chapel service for our Sixth Form leavers and their families, featuring thoughtful readings, stirring hymns (including the much-loved School hymn), and exquisite choral performances by the Choir.

The marquee, resplendent in its decoration, welcomed over 2,500 guests as the formal proceedings commenced. The Chairman of Haileybury Council and the Master both welcomed and addressed the audience with reflections on the past academic year and outlined ambitious plans for the future, spanning academic achievement, pastoral care, and co-curricular
development.

With musical interludes from our talented Chamber Choir, the ceremony continued as this year’s prizewinners were invited to the stage to receive their awards from our esteemed Guest of Honour, Suzi Battersby, (Aby & C00).

In a personal and engaging address, Suzi shared her journey since leaving Haileybury, a path marked by unexpected changes,
resilience, and ultimately, great success. Her story of adaptability and determination was an inspiration to all.

Following the formalities, guests gathered in the Main Quad and Memorial Quad to enjoy a delicious lunch, reconnect with House communities, and soak up the festive atmosphere. The afternoon continued with cricket on the Pavilion, in the golden light of a perfect summer’s day.

It was a truly memorable occasion – a celebration of achievement, community, and the enduring spirit of our great school.

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Professor He is a lecturer in Mathematics at Merton College Oxford and a Fellow of the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

As a mathematical physicist, Professor He has conducted research associated with quantum field theory, string theory, algebraic geometry and number theory. Professor He spoke on the topic of The AI Mathematician demonstrating to pupils how sweeping changes are being made already to the field of mathematics through the advent of Artificial Intelligence. Pupils remarked on Professor He’s passion and ability to captivate his audience, especially given the heady technical heights of the subject matter he presented.

We are exceptionally grateful to Professor He for taking the time to come and meet with our pupils in order to inspire the next generation of budding mathematicians.

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Pupils and staff alike commented on Professor Dame Bell Burnell’s ability to convey the complex ideas of chemistry and astrophysics in an accessible and inviting manner. We are very grateful to Professor Dame Bell Burnell for taking time from her busy schedule to come and visit us once again.

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The lecture focused on Professor Kim’s work with Drosophila Melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly. This humble insect has been the subject of over 100,000 academic papers and has contributed to five Nobel Prizes. Professor Kim explained how his laboratory is utilising fruit flies to make remarkable advances in Type I diabetes research.

His research is also at the core of the Stan-X Programme at Haileybury, which sees a select group of Sixth Form pupils contribute to Professor Kim’s world class scientific inquiry. Evidence collected in Haileybury’s dedicated Stan-X laboratory contributes to the investigation of diseases being completed by a global community of researchers. Research findings co-authored by pupils and teachers are published in peer-reviewed science journals and presented at international meetings, as has been the case in past programmes.

At last evening’s lecture, our pupils were particularly inspired by Professor Kim’s account of his own academic journey, which provided a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a career in scientific research. The intimate setting of our STEM Twilight Series within Haileybury’s new SciTech Building allowed for extensive Q&A, giving pupils the chance to engage directly with a world-class researcher.

The event exemplified the enriching learning opportunities our partnerships provide. Pupils relished the chance to network with a Stanford professor, gaining valuable insights into the world of cutting-edge STEM research. We look forward to welcoming more prominent academics and industry professionals in future lectures, continuing to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

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The day began with a series of inspiring speeches that set the tone for the celebrations. The Master, Chairman, and Guest of Honour, Professor Sir Stephen Jackson, each shared unique perspectives and reflections, igniting a sense of pride and inspiration in the audience. The air was filled with melodious tunes as the Chamber Choir delivered a moving rendition of “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus, whilst the Bradby String Quartet captivated all with their performance of Edward Elgar’s “Chanson de Matin.”

A poignant moment was dedicated to expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Master for his exceptional contribution to the School. The community united in extending warm wishes to Martin and his wife, Alli, for a joyous retirement.

The prize-giving ceremony was the highlight of the day, recognising the outstanding accomplishments of our pupils across various disciplines. Special attention was given to our Leavers, many of whom are now poised to embark on their next academic journey at prestigious universities worldwide.

View full Speech Day 2024 photo gallery.

Following the formal proceedings, guests were treated to lunch hosted by their child’s Housemaster or Housemistress, fostering a warm and engaging atmosphere. The day’s festivities continued with an impressive Art Exhibition, showcasing the creative talents of our pupils throughout the year. History enthusiasts were drawn to the ‘Kipling in Clock House’ Archives Exhibition, offering a fascinating glimpse into Haileybury’s heritage.

The afternoon unfolded with a relaxed ambiance as attendees enjoyed tea and cake whilst cheering on the Girls’ and Boys’ 1st XI cricket matches. This perfect blend of academic celebration and sporting spirit truly encapsulated the essence of our community.

As the sun began to set on this memorable day, the festivities continued with the highly anticipated Leavers Ball. This elegant affair provided a fitting finale to our Upper Sixth’s time at Haileybury. Our Leavers, dressed in their finest attire, gathered for a formal dinner and dance. 

View full gallery of Leavers Ball 2024 photos.

Speech Day 2024 was more than just an event; it was a testament to the exceptional abilities of our pupils, the dedication of our staff, and the strong bonds that define our school community. As we bid farewell to another successful academic year, we look forward to the bright futures that await our talented pupils.

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The week commenced with two standout events. On 18 June, Dr. Gary Wade delivered the Arts Week Lecture, delving into the theme of the human chain of love in the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Later that evening Hugh Rowlands, Deputy Director of Music and College Organist, gave a mesmerising opening recital on the chapel organ. His performance included Bach’s extraordinary Passacaglia and Schumann’s evocative Canonic Etudes, alongside contemporary compositions by Martin Martin, Cecilia McDowell, and Judith Weir.

Throughout the week, pupils took center stage in a variety of performances and exhibitions. The three lunchtime “Soundbite Concerts” showcased the musical talents of our pupils, while “A Night on Broadway” on Wednesday evening brought the magic of musical theatre to life. Thursday featured two wonderful celebrations of Shakespeare, highlighting the timeless relevance of his works with intimate outdoor performances dotted around campus. The Speech Day Art Show Preview offered a glimpse into the creative endeavours of our pupils, and the long-standing tradition of Madrigals by the Pond in Great Amwell returned for its 81st year, enchanting audiences with traditional English madrigals and other secular music. “Pop on Pavilion” added an alternative flavour to the weekend, where soloists and bands took to the stage with contemporary hits and original songs.

The week concluded with a beautiful Festival Service in the Chapel on Sunday morning, featuring a feast of readings and music performed by the Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir. This service was a fitting end to a week that celebrated the artistic life of our beloved community.

The success of this year’s Arts Week underscores our commitment to nurturing and valuing the arts within our community. Congratulations to the hundreds of Haileyburians who devoted themselves to this dynamic celebration.

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The launch events for Haileybury’s SciTech Centre were not only marked by ceremonial proceedings but also by engaging activities that brought special guests and supporters closer to its purpose. Pupils took the lead in conducting experiments and guiding tours, showcasing the facility’s capabilities and fostering a hands-on learning experience for all attendees. Additionally, cocktail-style events provided a relaxed atmosphere for networking and celebration, allowing donors, Governors and guests to mingle and share in the excitement of the occasion. The personalised touch of seeing supporters’ names represented on signage throughout the building added a sense of pride and recognition, acknowledging their contributions to the project.

Our SciTech building represents a major advancement in science and technology education, featuring cutting-edge laboratories for natural sciences, computer science, robotics, VR, AI and design technology. The modern facility aims to enhance pupil learning by providing access to the latest technology and fostering a culture of scientific exploration. The building also hosts world class provision through our Stan-X programme, focusing on genetics research using fruit flies to combat diseases like diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the construction of these innovative spaces prioritises sustainability, with features such as solar panels, green roofs, and eco-friendly materials like cross-laminated timber.

The launch of Haileybury’s SciTech Centre heralds a new era of innovation for current and future Haileyburians. We express our sincere gratitude to all donors, special guests, and contributors who made this vision a reality. Whose support will help foster curiosity and drive discovery at Haileybury.

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After making it across the Atlantic, our pupils didn’t wast any time exploring the concrete jungle. The experience began with a guided walking tour through the streets of Manhattan, followed by the first of the group’s inspirational theatre productions. As the sun set on day one, our thespians struck a pose by the Brooklyn Bridge to capture the memories against the backdrop of the city skyline.

The following day, Haileyburians were treated to a masterful workshop led by a a star from the renowned Chicago musical. The School cast practised choreography and the distinct slinky movements from the roaring 20s. After all that excitement, pupils took a stroll through the iconic Central Park which paved the way for spectacular views from the top of the Rockefeller Center—a spot many stars have graced before them.

The adventure continued with a morning of shopping and cultural exploration in Greenwich Village, Soho and Canal Street. In the evening, pupils dined in Little Italy which fuelled them for an unforgettable night on Broadway, where they were swept away by more dazzling performances. To top it all off, our pupils were treated to a post-show photo with Chicago triple-threat, James T. Lane.

Every step of our New York City Drama Trip provided pupils with inspiration for their upcoming roles. Don’t miss your chance to see our actors on stage. Tickets are now available for Haileybury’s Chicago: Teen Edition, running from 7-10 February at the Broxbourne Spotlight Theatre. Book your seats today.

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The Attlee Lecture is held annually in honour of former Haileybury pupil and Prime Minister Clement Attlee, who was a devoted supporter of the School his whole life. Clement Attlee even bequeathed his Garter Banner to the School, which now resides in the Attlee Room, where the lecture was held.

Sir Anthony, Head of Epsom College, is well known for his political discourse in the media and his biographies on former Prime Ministers, and so it was exceedingly fitting to have him speak on this special occasion. Sir Anthony’s talk titled ‘300 years of the British PM: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ provided a discussion about the progression of the position of the Prime Minister across its history and the people who filled the role.

Sir Anthony delighted the audience of pupils, parents and staff, by bridging both historical and contemporary politics through the unique brand of both academic and accessible analysis for which he is known. Pupils, many of whom are fans of Sir Anthony’s work, described how they were in awe to be in the same room as the contemporary historian, whilst Sir Anthony remarked that he was bowled over by the quality of the discourse the pupils provided after his talk.

We would like to greatly thank Sir Anthony for taking time from his exceptionally busy schedule to provide us with such a unique opportunity to learn about political history from such a renowned expert.

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On Tuesday evening, we were very lucky to receive Professor Will Harvey as the first of this academic year’s Haileybury Lecture speakers.

Professor Harvey has strong ties to the school, having been Head of School in 1999/2000 and a former governor. Professor Harvey, currently transitioning to Professor and Director of the new Social Purpose Centre at Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne, spoke on the topic of Reputation, which is the subject of his new book ‘Reputations at Stake’. It was also fascinating to learn of his work as the Chair of the Board of Libraries Unlimited, a charity championing the accessibility of library facilities for all.

View our full programme of upcoming lectures and events

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This term will showcase music at Haileybury, with our pupils performing in a range of concerts and recitals, and we are also thrilled to be welcoming one of Britain’s most sought-after chamber groups, the Aquinas Piano Trio. In Drama, our Main School pupils are preparing a fantastic production of “To Die For”, a darkly comic satire adapted from a play by Nikolai Erdman.

Finally, we are also looking forward to hosting a range of insightful and thought-provoking lectures from this term’s guest speakers: Professor Will Harvey, Sir Anthony Seldon, Paul Melly and Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff.

We hope that you will be able to join us for some of these wonderful public events and look to welcoming you soon at Haileybury.

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