Hallifordian The
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TheHALLIFORDIAN
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Introduction
Contents Introduction.......................................................................................................... page 4 Autumn Highlights.............................................................................................. page 17 Spring Highlights................................................................................................. page 53 Summer Highlights............................................................................................ page 94 Art Exhibition..................................................................................................... page 140 House Reports................................................................................................... page 170 Old Hallifordians............................................................................................... page 178
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TheHALLIFORDIAN genuine kindness, reach far beyond the classroom. They are life lessons of lasting value. It is my hope that these qualities will continue to guide and inspire Hallifordians for many years to come, in ways no technology or algorithm could ever replicate. I am particularly proud that the school is thriving, with student numbers at their highest level in Halliford’s history. Our financial position is exceptionally strong, thanks in no small part to the tireless dedication and expertise of our Bursar, Elspeth Sanders, a trusted colleague and dear friend. I am equally delighted that, through the efforts of our staff and Prefects, we were awarded the rare distinction of a Significant Strength in our most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection, a wonderful recognition of the exceptional work taking place across the school.
Foreword
by Mr James Davies, Headmaster As I sit down to write my final Foreword for The Hallifordian, I do so with a mixture of emotion. There is undoubtedly sadness in bringing this chapter to a close, but it is far outweighed by a deep sense of gratitude and immense pride. Reflecting on my nine years as Headmaster, I am reminded of just how much Halliford School has grown and developed during that time, and I sincerely hope that the changes we have embraced have strengthened and enriched our community. Much has evolved over the years. We have welcomed new facilities, embraced fresh approaches and set ever higher aspirations. Yet despite these developments, the essence of Halliford has remained steadfast. It continues to be a place where young people are given the space to grow, to make mistakes, to learn from them, and ultimately to discover who they are. Our recent school video captures this beautifully, celebrating not only the remarkable spirit of our community but also the unique contribution each individual makes. Together, those individual gifts create something truly special and make Halliford an extraordinary place to belong. The strongest schools are those that never become complacent. They continue to question, adapt and evolve. Throughout my time here, I have sought to encourage students to step beyond what feels familiar and comfortable, and to approach new opportunities with courage and curiosity. The qualities they develop at Halliford, resilience, imagination, collaboration and
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Achievements such as these are never the result of one person alone. They are built on the commitment, energy and goodwill of an entire community. I would therefore like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in helping Halliford remain such a vibrant, forward-looking and successful school. One of the great privileges of education is that you never truly know where a student’s journey will lead. As I have met prospective pupils over the years, I have often wondered what the future holds for them, yet the answer is always full of surprises. Following those journeys and celebrating those successes has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, in rehearsals, or simply through the countless cheerful greetings exchanged around the school each day, I have found immense joy in being part of this community. It has been a genuine privilege to serve as your Headmaster, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared in so many memorable moments over the years. I hope you enjoy this edition of The Hallifordian, and I send my warmest good wishes for all that lies ahead.
James Davies Headmaster
A Hallifordian Reflects You met me first for an interview, a handshake meant for me, not just for show, Bracken barking before any formal words, and suddenly the school felt like somewhere I belonged. You stood at the gate and said “hello”, reminded me to tuck in my shirt with a smile, laughed with me about music, awards, and beginnings, and made even my first day feel familiar. You were there in classrooms and concerts, teaching more than notes, more than lines on a page, showing me how to try something new without hesitation, how to carry myself with warmth and respect. On trips you encouraged resilience; a snail tasted, a stage stepped onto, a risk taken, you cheered me on from sidelines and applauded me in concert halls, making memories that stretched beyond lessons. You guided me when the year felt uncertain, steady when things were unclear, always noticing, always listening, quietly helping me find my direction. There were small moments that stayed; a tie straightened, a word of praise in passing, a reminder that effort matters, that kindness matters, and that I was seen and known by you. You welcomed me back with that same steady presence. The handshake unchanged, firm and real, whether rescuing a shoe from a tree or stepping forward without hesitation to save a life. In music rooms and on distant trips, you gave your time, your knowledge, your belief, inspiring me to be more than I’d expected, and showing, in a moment, exactly what care can mean. The challenges of these years, guided within clear and steady boundaries, your honest words, often difficult, always given with purpose. Assemblies that stayed with us, thoughtful and personal, each one landing differently, but meaning something to all. When exams approached, your message never changed, “Effort first, results will come.” You helped our families stand alongside us through that pressure, and in the hall, your presence made it feel manageable. By the time we knew you best, through shared jokes, music, and generosity, we saw a Headmaster who came as he was and who will go as all he can be. As our time here drew to a close, the message remained, familiar, but understood more deeply now. We leave not only qualified, but prepared for what comes next, with character, with perspective, with more than grades on a page. Always, there was the welcome; in interviews, on gates, in passing moments, a sense that each person mattered individually, that this was a place we all could step into fully. Always, there was the encouragement; to try, to perform, to speak, to improve, to take part in something larger than yourself, and to discover what we were capable of becoming. And always, there was the kindness; in conversations, in gestures, in quiet support, a presence that shaped the feel of the school, and will stay long after today.
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Phoebe Clark Head Prefect The last two years of my life have flown by, which is never something I expected to say when I chose to study A Levels. I believe that this is all down to the immense support and encouragement that I have received throughout my time here at Halliford. A Levels are difficult, but my subject teachers always took the time to check in on me throughout the journey. Whether that was personally checking up, or even something as small as buying Haribo sweets for our triple Friday afternoon lessons, my teachers always did their best to ensure that I was coping well with my A Levels, and being the only girl in some of my classes… My form tutor, Mr Watson, always created a positive environment for everyone, even at 8.30 on a Monday morning, and he has always given up his time and effort to help or advise me whenever I was in need. Mr Davies always provided a helping hand and is someone who will be missed thoroughly next year. This goes for all the staff at Halliford who ensure that nothing goes unnoticed and have contributed to making my time at Halliford truly special. Something else that has made my time at Halliford truly special is all the people that I have met. I remember the inflatable activity day just before joining Lower Sixth, when everyone was having so much fun and friendships were already forming. It was an accurate insight into what my time at Halliford would look like with all the incredible people there. I have many fond memories from my time at Halliford. All the sports events that took place, with a noticeable mention of me falling flat on my face at sports day in Lower Sixth. As well as the end-of-year touch rugby game against the teachers and
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House football. I also took the opportunity to complete my gold DofE, and whilst I can’t quite say that it produced some of my fondest memories, it’s an achievement that I am proud of, and I’m thankful to Halliford for supporting me through it. But my favourite memories have come from my time in the sixth form common room. Whether that be the varied conversations or lunch times that weren’t spent at catch-ups or just being surrounded by people that made me happy. I am also thankful to Halliford for supporting me in my role as Head Prefect. As only the second-ever female Head Prefect, I had some pretty big shoes to fill. This role has provided me with many opportunities to strengthen my public speaking and leadership skills and has taught me lifelong lessons about working with a team. Halliford has provided me with so many opportunities and helped me in every way that they could for my future. Not only supporting me through my exams, but also by having weekly lecture periods to show me endless options of what my future could look like. I was given infinite support writing my personal statement, which went as far as being told to restart and try again… as well as help with UCAS applications and research into my year out. I can’t quite put into words how thankful I am for Halliford’s support and opportunities over the last two years, and it will forever be a special place to me and one that I will miss greatly next year.
Introduction
Jack Farrow Head Prefect Looking back over the past seven years, it really doesn’t feel like it was that long ago I was in Shepperton for my interview, then my entrance exam, and then trying on the school uniform for the first time. People always say time flies when you’re having fun, so that must be why, as I have been given too many incredible memories to recall during my time here. From day one inside the classroom, I slowly developed an affinity for my subjects; a curiosity that I still find embedded in me now and one that I know will stay deep inside of me as my journey continues to university next year. A huge part of this is due to the relationships I built with my teachers, all of whom are extremely passionate about their subjects, and, as a younger student, their passion must have rubbed off on me, too. Halliford has allowed me to do so much across all areas of school life. In Year 7, I was given the opportunity to sing a solo in both the House and class singing competitions, and I was introduced to rugby for the first time. The careful and nurturing coaching helped me enormously, eventually enabling me to represent the school and captain a team. This was the same for football and cricket, and it is a testament to the amazing sports department, which has been a staple in my time here. The fact that at Halliford you can play all three of the main sports at different ability levels throughout the year and have your chance to represent the school is something which cannot be replicated as well as it is here anywhere else. I want to give a massive thank you to all the teachers who have been involved in sporting events during my time here. After what seemed like only days ago, Theo, Liv, Phoebe and I were appointed senior prefects, and I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives. It has allowed us to develop immensely as people and given us so many amazing opportunities, such as running our own one-off charity events. On a personal level, it has helped me grow in ways I didn’t know I could. I want to thank all my fellow prefects, and especially Liv, Theo and Phoebe, for helping to better the school and for working so diligently this past year. Finally, a massive thank you to Mr Davies. The vast majority of my experiences here can be directly attributed to him. Through the hard work, dedication, and advice he has demonstrated, he has helped mould my future, and I wish him all the best as he moves on next year. As I move on, I know that Halliford has given me the necessary skills, experience, and confidence to succeed at university and, hopefully, in life in general. Thank you, and Up the Ford! 7
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Olivia Skinner Deputy Head Prefect School has been far more than just a place of education for me; it has been a place of both academic and personal development. During my two years at Halliford, I have gained confidence, developed lifelong friendships, and learned valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom that I will carry with me into the future. Looking back, it is difficult to believe how quickly those two years have passed, and it astonishes me how much I have changed since joining the school. Halliford has always been known for its close-knit community, but experiencing this first-hand has shown me why it is regarded as such a special place. Having the opportunity to complete my Sixth Form journey here has played a significant role in shaping my character and increasing my confidence. The supportive environment created by both staff and students helped me feel part of the community, especially as the only girl in a Design Technology workshop surrounded by boys, which can be very intimidating! Working alongside teachers in a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere was something I had never experienced to the same extent at my previous schools. Not only is there constant encouragement to succeed, but achievements are also recognised and celebrated, creating an environment in which students feel valued and motivated to reach their full potential. The friendships I have formed will always be one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Halliford. Whether it was persevering through lessons such as triple Psychology in the afternoon, having a gossip during study periods, or simply
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spending every day together, the people around me made my Sixth Form journey. Through both the challenges and successes, they became a source of support and happiness that I will always appreciate. Although our paths may now lead in different directions, I know many of these friendships will last long past our time at school. Beyond the classroom, Halliford offered a wide range of opportunities that helped us develop important qualities such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and independence. Taking part in events, sports, and other activities gave me experiences that I will always look back on fondly. One moment that stands out in particular was the ski trip to Canada. Although my skiing was cut short by an injury, I still enjoyed the trip and shared a fantastic experience with my friends. Halliford places a strong emphasis on helping students make informed decisions about their next steps. A week of work experience, organised and supported by the school, gave me valuable insight into a career path that genuinely interested me. As a result, I decided to study Interior Design at university. With the support of my teachers and family, I was guided through the UCAS process, which helped make what could have been a stressful experience feel much more manageable. As my time at Halliford comes to an end, I would like to thank the entire Halliford community. The school has not only prepared me academically for the next stage of my education but has also instilled values that will remain with me throughout my life.
Introduction
Theodore Maroussas Deputy Head Prefect It is hard to believe how quickly my time at Halliford has gone. It feels like only yesterday that I was arriving on my first day, feeling both nervous and excited about what lay ahead. I still remember trying to find my way around, meeting new friends, and wondering what the next few years would bring. Looking back now, it is incredible to see how much I have grown, both academically and personally. The years have flown by, filled with challenges, opportunities, friendships, and memories that I will carry with me long after leaving school. Sport has played a huge role in my school experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the school in rugby, football, and cricket. Being part of these teams has taught me the importance of teamwork, commitment, and perseverance. Whether it was training sessions after school, competitive fixtures, or celebrating victories together with my friends, sport has created some of my most enjoyable memories. The friendships formed through sport and the lessons learned on and off the field have been just as valuable as anything learned in the classroom. Sport has given me experiences and friendships that I know will stay with me long after I leave school. There have been many memorable moments throughout my time at school. The rugby tour to Argentina in Year 11 was undoubtedly a highlight and an experience I will never forget. The various school trips have also provided countless stories that will continue to be talked about for years to come, from running out of water in Ypres to the bus nearly tipping over to the famous car park cricket matches in Wales. These shared experiences brought people together and created memories beyond the classroom. Alongside these trips, I have many great memories of specific lessons and classes that I am sure I will look back on with great fondness in years to come. Finally, I would like to thank all the teachers who have supported me throughout my time at Halliford. Their dedication, patience, and willingness to go above and beyond have had a huge impact on both my education and personal development. They have encouraged me to challenge myself, helped me through difficult moments, and celebrated successes along the way. The strong relationships between students and staff are one of the things that make Halliford such a special place. I am incredibly grateful for everything the teachers have done for me and for helping shape the person I am today. As I leave, I will take with me many happy memories and a genuine appreciation for all they have contributed to my journey. I would also like to thank Mr Davies for everything he has done to help turn Halliford into the great school it is today, and I wish him the best of luck in his new role at Wells Cathedral School.
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TheHALLIFORDIAN is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. There is a warmth at Halliford School that is difficult to put into words yet felt by everyone who walks through its doors. This was beautifully illustrated at our Offer Holders Event for prospective Year 7 students held in February. When our Head Prefect was unable to attend due to illness, our Deputy Head Prefect Theodore stepped forward without hesitation, speaking with genuine pride that captivated the room. Later, during the Parent Q&A, the student panel were asked a simple but revealing question: ‘Is there anything you would change about Halliford?’ The young Hallifordians paused, searching for an answer, but they could not think of a single thing. Then Theodore spoke up. With complete sincerity and not a moment’s doubt, he said, ‘I would like to have one more year here.’ It was a small moment, and one that reminded us all just how special our community truly feels.
Editorial
by Mrs Olivia Oakley Marketing & Communications Manager As we celebrate another truly remarkable year at Halliford School, it is clear that our community continues to flourish. From our inspiring art exhibition and impressive sporting achievements to our captivating musical and dramatic performances, our students have once again demonstrated their breadth of talent, passion and creativity. We have ventured beyond the classroom, embarking on enriching international trips to Germany, Iceland, France, Belgium and Italy. Through these adventures, our students have enriched their learning beyond the classroom and created cherished memories that will remain with them for years to come. We were delighted to receive a ‘Significant Strength in Pupil Leadership’ in our latest ISI report which builds upon our last report in 2022 when we were rated ‘Excellent in all areas’. We are also honoured to share that, for the sixth consecutive year, Halliford has been recognised by the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards. This year we have been commended as the Independent School of the Year for Student Careers. We eagerly anticipate the announcement of the finalists in September. We were also delighted to receive the news that we were selected as a Finalist in the Education Choices Awards in the category of Opportunities in Art and Music. Being recognised
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Once again, I have personally experienced our warm-hearted admissions process. From open events, interview, scholarship days, entrance examination day, taster day and finally the offer letter, Mr Davies and Mrs Clatworthy have supported my family with genuine care at every stage, and I am delighted and so proud that my youngest son will be joining the Halliford community in Year 7 this September. Watching my eldest son thrive in Year 9, happy, confident, and fully immersed in life at Halliford, only deepens my excitement for the experiences that await his younger brother. It is with both gratitude and sadness that we wished Mrs Clatworthy a very happy retirement back in February. It has been a privilege to share an office with her for the past six years, and her kindness and dedication have touched so many families. Likewise, with heartfelt thanks and sadness I would like to wish Mr Davies all the very best with his new Headship at Wells Cathedral School. His dedication to the school community and his genuine care for every individual have left a lasting impression on us all, and he will always remain a valued part of our school story. In their honour we will continue to uphold our thoughtful admissions process, one that places families and students firmly at its heart. As Editor of The Hallifordian, it is my pleasure to share these incredible stories and reflect on the memories we have created as a community throughout the year. None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our exceptional teaching and support staff, ably led by Mr Davies and the Senior Management Team. Please enjoy this edition of The Hallifordian.
Introduction
Welcome to New Staff Following the news that Mr Davies is stepping down as Headmaster, we are pleased to welcome Dr Millan Sachania as our Headmaster for the Autumn Term 2026. Dr Sachania is a Governor with over 15 years’ association with Halliford School. Dr Sachania served for over twelve years as Headmaster of two London HMC schools. In these roles, he improved academic outcomes at both schools, securing record levels of attainment at GCSE and A Level. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Freeman of the City of London, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He serves as a Reporting Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and has published over 30 critical editions of works by composers such as Stravinsky and Poulenc. Following a very successful recruitment process, the Governors of Halliford School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Richard Amlot, who will take up the position of Headmaster in January 2027. Mr Amlot is currently Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at King’s College School, Wimbledon, and brings 25 years of experience as an English teacher and school leader across both the maintained and independent sectors. Prior to this, he held a number of senior roles at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, including Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Head of Sixth Form. Across his career, he has developed systems to support student wellbeing, progress, and engagement, led significant improvements in teaching and learning, and strengthened university admissions processes. In addition to his leadership roles, Mr Amlot is a Team Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and serves as a Governor in both the state and independent sectors. He writes regularly for educational publications and speaks at conferences, contributing to wider professional dialogue about the future of education. A passionate advocate for an education that nurtures identity, purpose, character, and future-ready skills, he brings a clear and thoughtful vision to his work. Mr Amlot read Theology at Mansfield College, Oxford, before completing his PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge. He is married to Belita, and they have two children. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, running, theatre, windsurfing and skiing. We are pleased to welcome Mr Ben Wassell to Halliford as our Director of Sport. Mr Wassell joins us from St James Senior Boys’ School, having been there for 20 years as a PE teacher, Form Tutor, Head of Year and then Director of Sport. He has a BSc (Hons) from Brunel University in Sports Science, a Master’s Diploma in Education Management at King’s College, London and is currently threequarters of the way through a Master’s in Education Management and Leadership at King’s College, London. Outside the classroom, he loves all sports but especially rugby. He enjoys being in the mountains, either hiking, climbing or snowboarding and loves the sea, swimming, surfing, and more recently learning to scuba dive. He reads widely and is also learning Spanish. We are pleased to welcome Miss Beth Tiller to Halliford as our Head of Drama. Miss Tiller joins us from Hampton School, having previously worked at St John’s Leatherhead and Ryde School with Upper Chine, bringing with her a wealth of experience in delivering engaging and dynamic Drama provision. She is particularly looking forward to working with and directing the talented students at Halliford. Outside of the classroom, Miss Tiller enjoys reading, travelling the world during school holidays, spending time with her dogs, and has a particular fondness for potatoes in all forms - especially chips. We are pleased to welcome Miss Nichola Holgate-Smith as Head of English. After graduating from Newcastle University in 2012, she trained as a teacher and has been teaching English ever since. In recent years, she has also been involved in the leadership of safeguarding and pastoral care at Queen’s Gate and St Catherine’s School; however, she is now very keen to return to her academic routes and to lead the English department at Halliford School. Away from the classroom, Miss Holgate-Smith enjoys skiing in the fresh mountain air and dancing. She also recently welcomed her baby into the world and is enjoying watching him grow. Mr Gethyn Jones joins us as Head of Physics. Mr Jones started teaching in Wales but has worked in London for most of his career. He most recently worked as a Teacher of Physics at Surbiton High School and, before that, was Director of Physics at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. He is the co-author of Cracking Key Concepts in Secondary Science (2021). In his spare time, he enjoys reading and occasionally treading the boards as an actor. We welcome Mr Stuart Graham as Teacher of Chemistry. Mr Graham has a degree in Chemistry and Chemical Science and a higher diploma in Physical Science education. He has taught Physics and Chemistry in South Africa for 16 years and in the UK for 14 years teaching AQA, Edexcel and OCR syllabuses both at GCSE and A Level. In his spare time, he loves running, rugby, cricket and travelling, especially to experience other cultures, and has coached county champions in cricket and cross-country. We are pleased to welcome back Mr David Hellier as Teacher of History and Politics, having previously worked at Halliford as a maternitycover History teacher. He brings extensive experience gained through teaching and leadership roles across both UK and international educational settings. Outside the classroom, he is a keen cyclist and is looking forward to his daily commute along the river. Mrs Balbir Sadhu joins us as Teacher of Mathematics. Armed with a BSc in Mathematics, Mrs Sadhu has dedicated the past 27 years to teaching the subject she loves across various secondary schools and sixth-form colleges. She looks forward to bringing this 11
TheHALLIFORDIAN experience to the classroom to help students flourish and find their own passion for mathematics. On a personal note, Mrs Sadhu enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through the gym, Pilates, and yoga. She also deeply values community service and has worked as a trained NHS volunteer chaplain, bringing comfort and joy to patients. She is eager to contribute to the vibrant co-curricular and community life at Halliford. We welcome Mr Neil Yeo as Teacher of Geography. Mr Yeo studied Geography at Loughborough University before completing his PGCE at the University of Nottingham. Over the past 30 years, he has taught Geography and Science in both the UK and Spain, where he lived for ten years and held a range of leadership positions. His professional interests include meteorology, climate change and environmental issues, and he enjoys sharing these passions with students. Outside school, he is a keen traveller and enjoys CrossFit, reading and exploring new places.
New Responsibilities Mrs Chloe Moore was appointed Head of Chemistry. Having completed his teacher training, Mr Jack Perks joins us as a Teacher of Sport and History. Miss Sophie Jenkins has been appointed Head of Wadham House.
Staff Farewells It is with both appreciation and a sense of loss that our Headmaster, Mr James Davies, will be leaving Halliford to take up an exciting new role as Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School from September 2026. During his nine-year Headship, Mr Davies has shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and care for our entire school community. His vision and commitment have helped shape the school into the thriving and supportive environment we are proud to be part of today. From championing academic excellence to nurturing the wellbeing of every student, his impact has been both profound and lasting. Under his leadership, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and continued to grow together as a community to the largest roll in the history of the school. In particular, Mr Davies has led us through three inspections where the school received our first ever rating of ‘Excellent in all areas’ and this year, we were awarded the highly coveted accolade of a ‘Significant Strength for Pupil Leadership’, of which James is extraordinarily proud. While we are naturally sorry to see him go, we are also excited for him as he begins this next chapter. We know he will bring the same passion, integrity, and inspiration to his new role as he has shown here. On behalf of all staff, we thank James for his outstanding contribution to Halliford School and wish him every success and happiness in the future. In February, we bid a fond farewell to Mrs Fran Clatworthy, who has guided thousands of families through our warm and welcoming admissions process during her time as Registrar. Mrs Clatworthy joined Halliford in 2008 as School Administrator. She went on to become Halliford School Registrar in 2012, a role in which she has touched the lives of countless students and parents with her exceptional care and compassion. Her warmth, dedication, and unfailing support will be deeply missed by colleagues, parents, and students alike. We extend our heartfelt thanks for her many years of service and wish Mrs Clatworthy and her husband, Peter, every happiness as they relocate to Dorset to enjoy a well-earned and fulfilling retirement. We would like to wish Mr Vince Harden-Chaters, Head of Science & Physics, all the very best as he and his family relocate to the Caribbean. While we are very sorry to see him go, we are excited for them as they embark on this new and exciting chapter. During his twelve and a half years at Halliford, Mr Harden-Chaters has been an inspiring and dedicated leader of the Science department. His enthusiasm for the subject has played a key role in fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love of scientific inquiry among our students. We wish him and his family every happiness and success as they settle into their new life in the Caymans. We say goodbye to Miss Helen Foster, Head of Chemistry, who is about to embark on an exciting period of travel. While we are naturally very sorry to see her go, we are delighted that she is taking this opportunity to explore new experiences, and we wish her the very best with her journey ahead. Her passion for Chemistry, combined with her commitment to academic excellence, has made a lasting impact on her students. We wish her safe travels, wonderful adventures, and every happiness in this exciting new chapter. We bid Mrs Donna Mitchelmore, Head of English, a fond farewell as she takes up a new role at Philip Southcote School. We are 12
Introduction delighted that she has been offered this exciting opportunity and wish her every success in this next stage of her career. Over the last ten years, Mrs Mitchelmore has been instrumental in developing a rich and engaging curriculum at Halliford as well as fostering a genuine love of reading and writing across the school, and we thank her for her hard work and dedication. We also say goodbye to Mr Richard Cook, Director of Sport, who will be relocating to Brighton to be nearer his family. Under his leadership, sport has continued to thrive at Halliford, with many memorable achievements and experiences for students at all levels, and we wish him every success as he begins his next chapter.
Staff News We extend our congratulations to Mr James Hoare and Alice on their marriage and the joyful arrival of their daughter, Pearl. Congratulations to Mr Matt Shales on his marriage to Britt. Congratulations to Miss Hannah Jones on her marriage to Bill.
MY HALLIFORD SCHOOL STORY
Krish, 7R I chose Halliford as my school because it has a warm-hearted environment that gives me a strong sense of belonging. I was particularly impressed by the friendly atmosphere, the sense of community, and the emphasis on both academic achievement and personal development. The teachers and classmates were very supportive and helped me settle in, especially during the first few weeks. Older students and form tutors were always willing to offer guidance, which made the transition smooth and enjoyable. I enjoy Maths and Science the most. I like Maths because it challenges me to think logically and solve problems step by step, which I find very satisfying. I enjoy Science because it helps me understand how the world works through experiments and practical learning, making lessons interesting and engaging. I am really pleased I came to Halliford School because it has given me a supportive and friendly environment where I feel encouraged to learn and be myself. I have enjoyed the lessons, the clubs, and making new friends, and the school has helped me grow both academically and personally.
MY HALLIFORD SCHOOL STORY
Oscar, 7R I decided to come to Halliford School because I experienced the warm community and the kind teachers at the open day, but most importantly, I tasted the food! I am involved in lots of clubs and sports, including cricket, athletics and Art Scholars Club. There are too many Halliford highlights to choose from, but my top three are Movember, the Year 7 & 8 Disco, and Inter-House Cross Country. I am really pleased I came to Halliford School because it is a great community.
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