Senior Head's Blog: Speech Day 2024

It is my very great pleasure to invite you all to attend Speech Day at Felsted on Thursday 4 July. You should have received an invitation, and it is very helpful if you can fill that out to ensure that we have appropriate capacity at the various events during the day.  

Speech Day is an opportunity to celebrate the school year, and to mark some of the incredible achievements of our students. It is also an opportunity to mark the end of the academic year. It has been a special year for us, as Felsted has marked its 460th anniversary, having been named the TES Boarding School of the Year 12 months ago.  

The day begins at 9.45am with the Speech Day Chapel Service, which is often an emotional time for the leavers. Because of capacity in the Chapel, we are only able to welcome parents of those in the Upper Sixth or those singing in the Choir to join us for this part of the day. Refreshments will then be served as families take their places in the marquee for the prize giving, which is due to start at 11am.  

This year, the guest of honour is Alastair Macaulay, who returns to Felsted shortly after opening our new Macaulay Performing Arts Studio. As a former pupil of the Prep and Senior (Deacon's House), Alastair has many insights into how life was at Felsted back in a different time, but has also lived an incredible life as the Dance and Theatre critic for some of the most prestigious publications here and in the USA.  

We will also hear from Chair of Governors, Mr Rob Brown, and from our two Heads of School, Norah L and Shesh A-J. With Norah having joined us in 2022 (Thorne and Garnetts), and Shesh having started back in 2010 (FPS, Mont's and Windsor's), their reflections will make for an interesting comparison. I will also be reflecting on the year gone, and a few other things that might be relevant to 4 July this year as well.  

Once the Prize Giving and Speeches are over, everyone is invited to come and join the lunch party, which will be based around the LRH courtyard and Bathurst Garden before heading off for the summer holidays (or to cast your vote!). For the Upper Sixth and their parents, the day will finish with the Leavers Ball, this year being held at The Fennes.

I hope that you enjoy the day and are able to celebrate with your sons and daughters. During the day, they will be acting as your hosts.

I look forward to seeing many of you next week, and thank you for your support of this special day.

Chris