Goodbye and Hello to the Class of 2026

On Friday 3 July, our Upper Sixth pupils gathered in Chapel for their Leavers Service – a deeply personal occasion that is always a memorable feature of the Prize Giving weekend. 

Following a welcome from Head of School, Hannah, the Chapel was filled with hymns sung together (very) "loud and proud" by Leavers and their parents and guests.   

In a service planned entirely by the pupils themselves, thoughtful reflections and words of gratitude were shared by the speakers. In their heartfelt addresses, Hannah, Will, Katie and Ella each spoke movingly about community and belonging, and the enduring friendships formed during their time at the School. We feel sure that the selections from their words will resonate with generations of Old Breconians, just as they did for the Class of 2026. 

Thank you all for joining us for what I’m sure will be an emotional evening of farewells and reflection. This chapel has been such a special place during our time at school and I can’t quite believe this will be our last time standing here, singing all together.  

To all the parents and staff who have supported us through school, thank you so much for the countless time and effort you have put in. I hope you can reflect with us this evening, and know just how much we appreciate everything you’ve done.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and that is thanks to each of you for making CCB the wonderful supportive close community that it is. As we all get ready to go off into the real world and become OBs, I have one final request. In true Christ Coll spirit please sing loud and sing proud for one last time.  

As our time at school comes to an end, I've led myself to reflect on what really makes this school special. Every school by definition everywhere has teachers and lessons, and as important as that is, it's really what happens outside of the classroom that makes this place which we've been so lucky to call a second home for the last few years unique.

I’m certain I speak for everyone when I say that the years I’ve spent here will be cherished for the rest of my life, and although we’re leaving tomorrow, we’ll always have CCB as a second home.  ’

People often talk about how school life is about more than lessons, tests, and exams. As my time as a Christ College pupil comes to an end, I've realised just how true that is. When we walk out through the Philips Gate today, we won't be thinking about the timetables that shaped our days, but about the people and the memories that made this place feel like somewhere we belong. 

For me, what defines Christ College is not its traditions, its sporting achievements, or its ranking in The Times Best Schools league table. While these are certainly qualities of a great school, they don't explain why we will leave as proud Old Breconians. The answer is simple: it's the sense of community – the feeling of being part of something much bigger than ourselves. 

Long after our grades become lines on a results sheet, it will be the belief our teachers had in us, the friendships built within these classrooms, and the memories we made along the way that remain. Because, in the end, the greatest lessons we take from this school are not the ones we revised for they are the ones we lived.

And while today marks the end of our time here, it is also the beginning of everything these classrooms have prepared us for. We leave not just with knowledge, but with confidence, curiosity, and countless memories that will always bring us back to this place. For that, we will always be grateful.

Concluding the main service with a Dismissal by Head of School, Freddie, guests and parents left the Chapel for sons and daughters to enjoy singing hymns together for the very last time in the place that has meant so much to so many. 

Emerging into the bright sunshine, Leavers made their traditional exit through the historic Phillips Gates to receive a final handshake from the Head before being presented with an Old Breconian tie by Huw Richards – marking the moment they officially leave school and become members of the Old Breconian community.

This year, the tradition held an extra special significance. Gareth Pearson (Head 2017-2026) also walked through the Phillips Gates. Receiving his own OB tie from Huw Richards in recognition of his place in the history of Christ College, he joined all former Heads in becoming an Old Breconian. 

To GDP and the Class of 2026, we say a very warm welcome to all our new Old Breconians!