Pupils are given regular opportunities to speak in front of others, whether through class presentations, assemblies performed for parents, or taking to the stage in our larger drama productions and showcases. These experiences help pupils develop self-belief, presence and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.

Many of our pupils also choose to take LAMDA lessons, which further strengthen their confidence and performance skills. These sessions help to refine articulation, expression and presentation, while also nurturing creativity and resilience which are skills that benefit pupils far beyond the classroom.

In the Prep School, all pupils participate in our structured public speaking programme, which is built around three strands: poetry recitation, declamation and debating. These activities culminate in friendly competitions that encourage pupils to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. The emphasis is not only on performance, but on building confidence, listening skills and the ability to think on one’s feet.

Johanna Record, Head of English in our Prep School comments: “Through positive experience and practice, we aim to take the fear out of public speaking so that our pupils can address a room confidently in their adult lives.  We want them to feel able to go for top roles in their careers, to be comfortable in social situations and to be able to make their voice heard.”

These competitions provide an excellent platform for pupils to practise and refine their public speaking abilities. Presenting to an audience helps them develop poise, persuasive communication and the confidence to share ideas clearly and thoughtfully.

Senior pupils often have speakers and workshops around public speaking, Ben Bellack, Head of English Senior School comments:

“Public speaking is not simply about performance; it is about learning to think clearly, speak with purpose and engage thoughtfully with others. Through workshops, visiting speakers and opportunities to present and debate, our senior pupils develop the confidence to articulate their ideas and challenge perspectives with maturity. These are vital skills, not only for examinations and further education, but for leadership and life beyond school.”

Alongside pupil development, our teaching staff recently undertook valuable training during our start-of-term INSET, with a focus on artificial intelligence, St Edmund’s digital strategy and the evolving role of AI in education. As the format of examinations and coursework continues to change with the advances in AI, oral communication skills are set to become more important than ever.

By placing such strong emphasis on public speaking and communication, we are equipping our pupils with essential skills for the future: skills that will serve them in further education, careers and life beyond school. This is all part of our commitment to providing an Education for a Lifetime.

We caught up with Peter to find out more about his background, experience, and his vision for sport at St Edmund’s moving forward.

Head, Adam Walliker praised the year group’s achievements, saying:

“I am delighted to congratulate all our St. Edmund’s pupils on such an impressive set of GCSE results. These grades not only reflect their academic strengths across a broad range of subjects but also highlight their ability to balance study with wider commitments whether it is in sport, music, drama and beyond. Their determination, creativity and resilience have been inspiring, and I am immensely proud of their achievements. I look forward to seeing how they continue to flourish in their journeys ahead.’'

This year’s results reflect both the dedication of pupils and the commitment of staff. Despite national headlines about falling pass rates, St. Edmund’s continues to achieve above-average success. The school recorded an overall pass rate of 96% (against a national average of 67%), matching last year’s strong performance, with 85% of grades at 9–5 (a “good pass” suitable for A Level study), up from 82.4% last year.

High standards were achieved across key subjects, with an impressive 100% pass rate in English and in Mathematics. Combined, this meant 100% of pupils achieved a pass in both English and Maths, maintaining the same excellent standard as last year.

Several subjects achieved perfect outcomes, with English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Art, Music, Sports Science, and Computer Science all securing a 100% pass rate.

The proportion of top grades remained strong with 43% of grades awarded at 9–7 (the old A*/A grade - national average 22%) and almost two thirds of pupils gaining six or more grades 6 to 9.  Value-added scores for the cohort indicate that on average students improved their predicted grades by 0.75 per subject, a tribute to the innovative academic arrangements, high standards of pastoral and academic care, and an average class size of 15 pupils.

Simon Hyett, Head of Senior Academic, added:

“I am delighted to see the hard work of so many pupils rewarded. GCSEs are tougher than ever and the demands the world places on young people are unrelenting, but they have gone forward with positivity and courage. As they go on to their future schools and colleges, I wish them all the best knowing that the skills and friendships they have developed here will last a lifetime.”

These results come in a year when the national GCSE pass rate has dropped to 67.4%, highlighting the continued resilience and determination of St. Edmund’s pupils.

For media enquiries please contact Jess Dawson at : marketing@saintedmunds.co.uk

"Finding Nemo-The Musical" tells the story of the overly cautious father clownfish, Marlin, along with his absent-minded friend Dory, as they swim with the sharks, take on the jellyfish and ride the current with Crush the turtle, all in a heroic effort to rescue everyone's favourite clownfish, Nemo.

The bespoke set made by our own behind the scenes crew was the perfect back drop for our budding stars and helped transport the audience under the sea.

Productions like Finding Nemo Jr. are more than just opportunities to perform. They build confidence, encourage collaboration, and allow pupils to explore new skills—whether that's singing in harmony or learning to tap dance. Every child in Form 3 and 4 had the opportunity to be on stage, reinforcing the inclusive and developmental value of school theatre. 

The show was directed by Mrs Darrington who said:

‘’ Wow! What an amazing show! 

The entire cast and crew of Finding Nemo should be incredibly proud of this fintastic spectacle! Each and every performer shone—even brighter than the sequins and ultraviolet paint that flooded the stage! The hard work that had been put into each song, dance and acting moment was evident, and the result was a show full of joy and heart that left the audience smiling from ear to ear. 

My hope is that this experience has given all those involved an enormous confidence boost and perhaps sparked a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Who knows where that journey may lead? 

To everyone involved, congratulations. You created something truly magical. What an achievement and a reminder that you can do whatever you put your mind to if you ‘just keep swimming’'.

 

Congratulations to everyone involved for bringing this production to life so successfully.

''I just wanted to say a massive thank you so very much for inviting us to your War Exhibition today. It was fabulous and the children have come back to school so enthused and talking about everything they saw- a really impressive collection and a totally immersive experience (who needs the Imperial War museum with this fabulous experience!). It has brought our World War 1 topic to life.''

Emma Hampshire, Form 6 Teacher St. Mary's School, Chiddingfold 

All pupils achieved a 100% pass rate in Maths, Biology, Art, Latin, Drama, Spanish, History, Music, Sports Science, and PE, and a 99% Pass Rate across English and Maths.  Almost a fifth of passes were at the most demanding grade 9 and more than a third of candidates were awarded grade 9 in one or more subjects.  The proportion of grades awarded at 7-9 (the old A*/A grades) was an impressive 45% compared to a national average of 22%.  

The average Value-Added score for GCSE subjects was an amazing +1.4 based on CAT4 predictors. This means that St Edmund’s pupils achieved more than one grade higher on average per subject than external testing predicted at the start of their GCSE programme. Value-added ratings by subject ranged from +0.7 to an exceptional +3.5.

Across all departments, pupils demonstrated outstanding scholarship. In Additional Maths, Music and Latin, 100% of students scored grades 7-9 (the old A*/A grades), whilst in the Sciences those top grades were achieved by 86% in Biology and 79% in Chemistry and Physics. These results showcase not only our pupil’s academic proficiency across various subjects but also their skill in balancing rigorous studies with extracurricular commitments, be it in sports, music, or theatre.

Current and recent leavers have been successful in gaining places at a wide range of 6th Form providers including ArtEds, Blundell’s School, Bohunt, Charterhouse, Churcher’s College, Cranleigh, Godalming College, Guildford College, Royal Grammar School, St Edward’s Oxford and Stonar School, as well as scholarships at a mixture of schools including Blundell’s School, Charterhouse, Churcher’s College, Cranleigh and Seaford College.  

The Headmaster, Adam Walliker, commented, "My congratulations go to our pupils on another tremendous set of GCSE results. The superb Value-Added score of +1.4 reflects our innovative academic arrangements with average class sizes of eighteen pupils for core subjects, twelve pupils on average per class for GCSE option block subjects, and a wide range of regular catch-up workshops and seminars to keep pupils on track and extend them.  Of course, the results are also testament to the dedication and care of the wonderful teachers and pastoral staff at St. Edmund’s who provide the hugely supportive environment in which the children can thrive and get the very best out of themselves.”

https://vimeo.com/903229332

It’s an exciting year at St. Edmund’s as we celebrate our 150th year.

We hope this film will give an insight into life at St. Edmund’s and what we believe makes us so special.

As we approach the momentous occasion of our 150th year since we were founded, it is only fitting to reflect on our rich heritage and the significance behind our school's name. Globally observed on the 20th of November each year, 'St. Edmund's Day' pays homage to Edmund the Martyr (also known as St. Edmund or Edmund of East Anglia), who served as the king of East Anglia from around 855 until his demise on November 20, 869.

Edmund holds the esteemed patronage of kings, pandemics, the Roman Catholic diocese of East Anglia, Douai Abbey, wolves, torture victims, and protection from the plague.

The roots of St. Edmund's School trace back to its founding in Norfolk by the Rev. J. Morgan-Brown at Glebe House in Hunstanton, Norfolk. Edmund (841-870) was particularly revered as the local saint of Hunstanton. In his book 'Willingly to School: A History of St. Edmund's Hindhead,' published in 2000, Bernard Palmer notes that Edmund, a king of East Anglia, is believed to have landed at Hunstanton from Germany. He met his martyrdom at the hands of Danish invaders who sought to compel him, as a Christian, to share his kingdom with their Pagan chief, Inguar. Edmund was condemned to be the target of the Danes' archery practice, symbolised by the school's crown and arrows emblem, and ultimately beheaded. Tradition holds that his body was initially buried on the borders of Norfolk, an area steeped in memories of St. Edmund, making it a fitting name for the school that would soon grace its borders. The school remained in Norfolk until 1900 when it moved to Hindhead.

For those eager to delve deeper into the history of St. Edmund's take a look at our new timeline, chronicling the rich tapestry of our school.

It's been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the year's successes and achievements of all our students from Forms 3 to 11 across all areas of school life - from Academic to Sport, Drama, Music,  the Arts and contributions to school life.

Photos from both Speech days will be available to download in The Arrow newsletter.

 To view the Form 8 Film click HERE 

St. Edmund's School, Surrey

https://www.facebook.com/StEdmundsSurrey

Well done to all the cast members. More photos will be shared in 'The Arrow' newsletter at the end of the Summer term.