Good afternoon everyone.
I would repeat Mrs Young’s message and welcome all our pupils, families, staff and guests to our upper school Prize Day 2026.
This afternoon is a celebration and recognition of the achievements of our pupils so I ask myself what it is that families may want to hear from me as Chair of Governors on such an occasion. Perhaps all you want to know is that Richmond House School is doing well. Pupil numbers are robust, our financial position is strong, and Governors continue to work with the Senior Leadership Team on a programme of investment in both the school’s estate and curriculum content.
I would also reiterate that going forward we will continue in our mission to provide an outstanding education, to realise the unique potential of every pupil and to ensure the pastoral care and well-being of all. Of course, we cannot do this without our excellent staff team most of whom, I am delighted to say, will be here to greet pupils again in September. I would like to thank staff for their work this year and the support they give to pupils. More and more there is a need to be adaptable within the teaching profession, and I acknowledge that adaptability in our staff team together with their willingness to go the extra mile to encourage pupils to reach their potential: Put simply, to ensure that pupils are happy to learn. To Miss Jones, who is leaving us, I wish you safe travels. Specific thanks to Mrs Young and the Senior Leadership Team for navigating another academic year and being the guiding force in ensuring that Richmond House is a safe and happy place for all. The Senior Leadership Team demonstrate great commitment to the school and to ensuring pupils receive the best education possible whether this be with the introduction of new technologies or adapting timetables or identifying new opportunities. Governors appreciate their vision in taking the school forward.
One of my great pleasures in being part of the Richmond House community is to witness the participation of so many pupils in sporting activities and performing arts. To see the determination on the faces of sprinters at sports day or the joy of singing and performing in concerts is a real privilege. Taking part is simply what we do at Richmond House and I praise pupils for embracing this attitude and seeking always to do their best. All of these events are of course meticulously recorded by Mr Harris and I thank him for his expert photography and his role in capturing and celebrating everything which is so great about the school.
Thanks go to our office staff for quite simply keeping things running. It would be impossible to write a job description for everything that they do (and I suspect no-one would apply for such a job even if we could) but we are grateful for their willingness to adapt and to take on tasks which just need to be done. Having said that, I am not sure anyone in the office anticipated hatching and raising chicks as part of their role.
Our school would not be the vibrant place it is without the input of so many parents and carers, and I am sure you also value the friendships and interactions which you make as part of school life. I know that staff are grateful for your support on a daily basis but particularly at all school events and it was certainly my pleasure to see so many of you supporting pupils at Sports Day recently in addition to fixtures and performances throughout the year. I will take a moment to extend particular thanks to the Parents Association for their support in organising events and fundraising. On returning to school in September pupils will be able to make use of new facilities in our grounds in the form of an outdoor stage and extra seating which has been funded by the Parents Association. I would add that the idea for this facility came from pupils themselves and work on this development will start on Monday. In mentioning our grounds, this is perhaps an opportune moment to thank all of our Estates Team who work so hard to keep everything looking immaculate. Visitors to the school cannot fail to be impressed by our fields, gardens and sports facilities but their role extends beyond this to lifting, carrying and transporting staging, musical instruments, costumes and all manner of other items as and when need arises. We are very grateful.
I am sure all pupils would like me to extend thanks on their behalf to Mrs Dean and the catering team for the delicious food prepared every day. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team of catering staff, and it is certainly a treat when I am in school around lunchtime and can join pupils and staff in the dining room. My sons, now in their 20s, still talk fondly of sponge and custard and I am sure all pupils have their favourite meals.
I wish you all a very happy summer break.
