Cranbrook School gathered at St Dunstan’s Church on Saturday 23rd May for Speech Day 2026, bringing together students, families, staff, Governors and guests for one of the most important moments in the school year.

The morning was hosted by the Senior Five, Hugo Parsons, Katy Vaughan, Molly Streeten, Sophia Fung-Wober and Thomas Sturgeon, who helped lead a programme of music, reflection, prize giving and celebration.

This year’s Guest of Honour was Old Cranbrookian Jacqueline Winspear (Horsley), bestselling author and creator of the internationally acclaimed Maisie Dobbs series. Jacqueline was joined on the day by fellow members of the Class of 1973, Tim Sweet (Crowden) and Anne-Marie Sweet, née Plowman (Horsley), adding to the sense of Cranbrook connection and shared memory. Their return to Cranbrook gave the day a special link between the school’s history and the students and families who make up the school today.

After the event, Jacqueline wrote warmly about her visit, saying how much she had enjoyed meeting students, hearing about their work and learning about their hopes for the future. She described Cranbrook as “an amazing, dynamic school” and said the day had given her and her guests plenty to talk about on their journey home.

The programme included a welcome from Gordon Young, Chair of Governors, the Headmaster’s Address from David Clark and reflections from the Senior Five. Prizes were presented to students in Years 10-13, recognising academic achievement, creativity, leadership, commitment and wider contribution to school life.

Music was woven throughout the ceremony, with performances from the Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Chamber String Ensemble, soloists and the full Choir. The final performance of Lean on Me was a particularly memorable moment. One parent later described Speech Day as “outstanding” and said the closing choir performance had moved them to tears.

After the ceremony, guests gathered for the traditional drinks reception on the Gym Lawn, with music from the Swing and Dance Bands bringing the morning to a relaxed and celebratory close.

Speech Day, together with Junior Prize Giving, takes a great deal of work behind the scenes. The success of both events reflected the efforts of teams across the school, from site preparation and catering to music, prizes, guest speakers, programmes, photography and event organisation.

Above all, Speech Day was a chance to pause and recognise the people who make Cranbrook what it is: the students whose achievements were celebrated, the staff who support them and the families who share in their journey.