Senior Speech Day on Saturday, 25th May, was a special occasion. This annual event in the School’s calendar marked the culmination of our Year 13s' final year at Cranbrook, and it did not disappoint. This special year group included students that were the first to be our Year 7 cohort – making Cranbrook history. 

On what turned out to be a gloriously sunny day, guests arrived eager to hear from the array of speakers, including Chair of Governors, Gordon Young and Guest of Honour, artist and stage designer, Es Devlin OBE RDI (OC). The audience was wowed by an array of musical talent featuring the choir, string ensemble, flute, piano, violin and orchestra. The many successes and achievements of the past year were celebrated and Year 13 and 11 students were awarded prizes in various subjects.

Speech Day is a moment to pause and reflect, and outgoing Senior Four students Paris Kes-Ogdegbe, Greta Shannon, Nathan Fisho, and Baxter Stanton spoke eloquently about their educational journey at Cranbrook. They expressed their thoughts and hopes for the future, always acknowledging that their memories of Cranbrook would help them succeed in their future endeavors, whatever they may be. They welcomed and congratulated the new Senior Four into post: Tilly, Floss, Moduro and Lennon. 

Head, David Clark, spoke of his pride in the School and of all our students. He noted the special and distinctive feel of studying at Cranbrook, with its unique boarding element. He thanked the staff, including those who were leaving, for their hard work and dedication. 

In her speech, Es Devlin recounted how she came to join Cranbrook and how it helped shape her career. She shared the story of how she exhibited in the basement of the then Tate Modern with the help of her art teacher and a visiting artist. Years later, she exhibited once more, but this time in the main gallery. It had come full circle. Her advice to those leaving Cranbrook? “Smell the air”—an intriguing analogy for our leavers to consider as they embark on their next journey, emphasising the importance of intuition and environment in their future collaborations.