Graduation Evening Celebrates the Class of 2025

This week, Upper Sixth students celebrated their time at RGS with their Upper Sixth Graduation evening. Held on Wednesday evening in Perrins Hall, the evening offered a chance to celebrate past achievements, reconnect with families after the Public Examinations, and look forward to a promising future.

The evening began with a warm welcome from the Chair of Governors, Mr Andrew Greenway, before students received Graduation Certificates and Prizes recognising their contributions and accomplishments throughout their time at RGS.

Our Guest of Honour, Mr Ben Thomson, an Old Elizabethan who attended RGS from 2010 to 2017 and served as Head Boy, shared inspiring words with the students and their families. Ben studied MChem Chemistry at Pembroke College, Oxford and, after university pursued varied experiences including guiding cycle tours in Greece, working in pricing strategy for a London consultancy, and currently working in AI strategy at a global advertising agency. A passionate rower, Ben represented Oxford twice in the Boat Race and won the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 2023 with Thames Rowing Club. He encouraged students not to worry if they do not have their future fully mapped out, highlighting the value of exploration, whether through travel or new interests, as a way to discover skills nurtured during their time at RGS and to build character.

The Headmaster closed the ceremony with heartfelt reflections on this year’s Upper Sixth cohort. He praised their outstanding achievements, leadership, teamwork and kindness, thanking staff and parents for their unwavering support. This Year group is, of course, especially meaningful to him, not only as Headmaster but also as a parent. He spoke of the privilege it has been to watch them grow and develop over the past 11 years, admiring their quiet humility, determination to do their best, and genuine care for one another. Their resilience and strong sense of community, he said, embody the true spirit of RGS.

“We are immensely proud to welcome the Class of 2025 into the Old Elizabethans community,” Mr Pitt said. “Their achievements have been remarkable, but what impresses me most is their character, the kindness and friendship they show, their leadership, and their determination to act with integrity. This Year group has been a joy to witness growing up, and I have no doubt they will go on to achieve great things while remaining true to themselves, their families, and their School.”

Congratulations to the Upper Sixth students. We look forward to seeing you all again on Results Day in August.