One of the standout moments from this year’s Speech Day was the speech given by our outgoing Head of School, Emily. Her words were thoughtful, funny, and honest—offering a brilliant reflection on her time at Durham School and everything it has meant to her over the past seven years.
Emily started by thanking our guest speaker, Dr Stephen Cronin, who has had a long and special connection with the school, especially with the drama department. Her memory of chatting with him backstage during Pygmalion, trying to spot him in an old photo from med school, reminded us of the small but meaningful moments that make up school life.
She took us back to her first days at Durham, starting Year 7 knowing only her sister, and discovering new friendships and new subjects such as Latin. Like many students, she quickly found her place here. While she didn’t gloss over the difficult times, especially during COVID, she focused on what we gained as a community, from the amazing Billy Elliot show before lockdown to Mr Middleton’s online quizzes. It was a lovely reminder of how, even in challenging times, the Durham School spirit shines through.
As things returned to normal, Emily threw herself into all aspects of school life, from school plays and concerts to public speaking and sport. She spoke with real fondness about the Boat Club, where she’s been captain alongside Ed and Luca, and described rowing as one of the hardest, but most rewarding, things she’s done. Her story about falling in after a race on the River Wear (and surviving the November water) got plenty of smiles.
She also shared how much she’s loved the inter-house events over the years, especially the Dunelm Run and House Music competition (this year’s “weather” theme caused plenty of debate). Whether it was cheering each other on or getting stuck into house warm-ups, it was clear how important those moments of teamwork and friendly competition have been.
Some of her most vivid memories came from trips, including exploring Poland and Italy, twisting her ankle in Sorrento, or battling the elements during a CCF trip to Warcop in the middle of Storm Arwen. She also gave a special shoutout to Mr Ron Sewell, whose leadership of DofE and CCF has left a huge impact on so many students. His humour, knowledge, and trusty companion Bertie the dog have become a much-loved part of school life.
At the heart of Emily’s speech was a strong message about our school values—Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness—and how these have helped shape her and her peers into the people they are today. Her reflections were a reminder that these aren’t just words on a wall, but something lived out in everyday school life, whether it’s stepping up for a role, looking out for one another, or giving something new a try.
As she spoke about the friendships she’s made, including with boarders and the Pimlico House community, and how much Durham School has meant to her, there were plenty of nods from the audience. She also highlighted how important the Old Dunelmian community is, and how proud she is to be joining it.
We’d like to thank Emily for her brilliant leadership, for her warm and humorous speech, and for everything she’s brought to the school. Thanks also go to Ed, her fellow Head of School, and all the monitors and Heads of House who’ve worked hard to keep the school community thriving this year.
We share Emily’s gratitude for Mr Pearson, for stepping into the role of Acting Head so smoothly (and for cheering on the Boat Club from the riverbank), and to Miss Thompson for supporting our student leaders. We also look forward to welcoming Dr Alderson as Head, and know he’ll bring with him a strong sense of the school’s values and identity.
To all our leavers, thank you for everything you’ve given to Durham School. We hope you’ll stay in touch, visit often, and know that you’ll always be part of this community.
Floreat Dunelmia.