Children from across the school were applauded by their families as they stepped on stage to receive prizes for their achievements in every aspect of school life. From demonstrating our school values of Kindness, Confidence and Courage, to excelling in various subjects, at sport and in music, we were delighted to recognise their hard work.

Introducing the end-of-year event, Chair of Governors Katherine Lamont celebrated the “huge momentum” of the school and said she looked forward to the future with real excitement.

She noted that Terrington Hall’s Year 8 Common entrance grades have been going up every year, with nearly half of all this summer’s papers achieving A*’s and A’s. We’re also celebrating a record 15 scholarships to national senior schools including several rare and prestigious scholarships.

Mrs Lamont paid tribute to Headmaster Headmaster Simon Kibler, who leaves this summer after four years at Terrington Hall, saying: “The vision that you have brought has transformed and filled our school to capacity with happy, well-mannered children.

“You are passionate about building children’s confidence through giving them a voice and providing them with a huge range of opportunities. Thank you for making our school such a warm and purposeful place.”

Claire Grant, Deputy Head (Pastoral), also leaves this summer after 19 years at Terrington Hall. Mrs Lamont said she was “the absolute embodiment of the values we hold dear.”

She added: “There is true magic is in her kindness and her nurture of generations of Terrington families over the years. Thank you, Claire, from the bottom of our hearts.”

Headmaster Simon Kibler said that serving as Headmaster of Terrington Hall had been “an honour and privilege.” He added: “Terrington has left a very positive impression on me, and helped shape me as a person. The memories, bonds formed, and the milestones achieved will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Mr Kibler highlighted the significant improvements he and his team have made across the school and said he was “filled with confidence and optimism” as he passed the baton to incoming Head Huw Thomas, who joins from Plymouth College.

Addressing the Year 8 children in particular, he added: “Change can be both exciting and daunting, but it is a part of life, and not something to fear. It is positive – new faces, fresh energy and ideas. Embrace change, it’s exciting and fun!”

The departing Year 8 Heads of Year, Annabelle (Head of Castle House), Arthur (Head of Forest House) and Rosa (Head of Moor House) raised laughter with their amusing anecdotes about their progression through Terrington Hall School. While sad to be moving on, they said they were confident about the future and thanked their teachers for their good-humoured dedication to delivering an all-round education which would stand them in good stead.

Guest speaker Mark Lauder, Headmaster of Strathallan School in Perthshire, said he was thrilled to be addressing this “brilliant prep school which produces fantastic pupils.” He said nervousness about moving on was not a bad thing but that Terrington Hall equipped them with the tools of success which would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

He said three books – the Oxford English Dictionary, the Ladybird History of Oliver Cromwell and the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis – encapsulated and fired the curiosity, passion and sense of awe that have powered his life and career. All three were part of his life by the time he was 11, and he suggested pupils in the audience were already being driven by similar driving passions, sparked by their all-round education at Terrington Hall.

Mr Lauder said: “You’ve had a great start in life and in education here at Terrington.  You are well equipped to go forward now and take those next, big, daunting, exciting, and wonderful steps forward.  Take the Terrington spirit and values with you as you go forward, and you won’t go far wrong. It your time to go and find out just how good you really can be.”

Speech Day guests then mingled on the lawn while departing Year 8 children maintained the tradition of having their shirts signed by teachers and friends. Reminiscences, a few tears and a lot of laughter marked the end of an era for some – and the close of an outstanding year at Terrington Hall.