Speech Day 2026: A Celebration of Confidence, Creativity and Connections
Sixth Form, Senior School
The Royal High Bath Community came together on Monday 22 June for a joyful and inspiring Speech Day at the Bath Forum, celebrating the achievements, talents and spirit of students from Years 7 to 13. The afternoon brought together families, staff and students for a programme filled with music, performance and well‑deserved recognition.
Performances throughout the afternoon reflected the breadth of creativity at RHB. The event opened with a beautiful piano solo – ‘Etude No. 9 Op. 25’ performed by Year 13 musician Stella - followed by a dynamic dance piece, ‘Black and Gold’, from our Dance Scholars and GCSE dancers.
Year 7 student Claudia delivered a moving rendition of ‘On My Own’ from ‘Les Misérables’, and original compositions by Year 11s Hazel and Emily to accompany photo slide shows from the year, demonstrated the exceptional musical talent within the school. A scene from the Year 8 production ‘Heavy Weather’, offered a dramatic highlight, and the Key Stage 3 Science Club brought curiosity to the stage in their ‘Spotlight on Science.’
Central to Speech Day was of course the presentation of prizes across Years 7–13, recognising academic excellence, outstanding progress, creative achievement and the Royal High Learner Qualities. Progress Prizes are awarded to the girl who has made the most progress in each year from a measure of exam results and other associated data, while Learner Qualities Prizes celebrate success across our six key qualities: Brave, Reflective, Inquisitive, Collaborative, Kind and Sparky.
Year 13 students were honoured with a wide range of senior awards, including subject prizes, progress awards and special trophies including the Head’s Prize for Academic Excellence or Distinguished Service, awarded this year to Bea and Stella. There was also the Lynda Bevan Award for Life-Long Service which was presented to Megan, Daisy and Mathilde who started their Royal High journey in our Nursery.
The Sixth Form’s farewell was marked by a thoughtful Valedictory Address from Mrs Ladbury‑Webb, followed by ‘Ever New’, a reflective and beautifully crafted poem written and performed by Year 12 student and RHB Poet Laureate Esme.Â
The afternoon concluded with a lively whole‑school performance of ‘Oom Pah Pah’ from ‘Oliver!’. Families were then invited to enjoy refreshments, with a special celebration tea for Year 13 parents.
Speech Day 2026 was a wonderful reminder of the talent, dedication and community spirit that define Royal High School Bath. Congratulations to all our prize winners and performers, and thank you to the staff, students and families who made the day so memorable.
