This week has been filled with those special moments that remind us just how meaningful school life is — and none more so than our Leavers’ Evening on Thursday. It was, quite simply, a beautiful occasion. A true celebration of all that our Year 13 students have achieved during their time with us, academically, creatively, personally and as a community.

The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt memories and the unmistakable sense of a chapter closing, but also of exciting new beginnings ahead. These remarkable young people have grown and flourished through their time at Derby High. They have been shaped by every lesson learned, every friendship made, and every challenge faced. It has been a joy and a privilege to walk alongside them on that journey.

As part of the evening, I had the great pleasure of sharing a few words with our leavers, a personal reflection on their journey, their achievements, and the bright futures that lie ahead. It feels only right to share that speech here too, as a lasting tribute to an exceptional group of young people:

To read all of this week’s Senior High Notes, please click here.