Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
SUMMER 2025
Celebrating the launch of our 150 Anniversary Appeal th The Class of 2025 Rose Day weekend celebrations
SUMMER TERM 2025
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
I am delighted to have returned to Bristol, and that I have been welcomed so openly into the wonderful Clifton High School community. I feel truly grateful and fortunate for the support that pupils, parents, colleagues, and extended members of our community have shown me throughout my first year as Head.
The Summer Term has been particularly busy as we publicly launched our 150 Anniversary Appeal, as well as marking the end of the academic year with annual celebratory traditions of Rose Day, Senior School Prizegiving and Junior and Infant Rosette Days. th
Welcome to the new-look newsletter for the Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarians. Over the following pages you will find a snapshot of our final term of the 2024 - 2025 academic year, which has been as busy as ever.
It is a term of goodbyes, with an especially fond farewell to the Class of 2025 as they begin their journey
On the sports field we enjoyed two fantastic jam packed Sports Days, also hosting a variety of end of year dance and music performances across the whole School.
Our Year 11 and Year 13 students marked their education milestones by sitting their key examinations. We wish them a fantastic Summer ahead of their results in August.
I very much look forward to seeing you back at School in September, whether that be as part of our current School community or visiting us as a Clifton Rosarian - our gates are always open
Thank you, once again for your very warm welcome to Clifton High School.
Have a wonderful Summer Yours,
MR WILL PHELAN HEAD
to becoming Clifton Rosarians. They will receive their much coveted gold Rosarian pin badge on A level results day - please do not forget they are free to all alumni and can be ordered on our online shop by following this link.
Together with my colleagues Ollie Price and Kate McKee (née Hepburn CR 1996), I am incredibly proud to have launched our 150 Anniversary Appeal, in support of the School’s ambition to invest in our science facilities and increase our bursary support. By Funding the Future of our School, we can continue to offer an outstanding enriching learning experience for future generations Discover more about our ambitious Appeal in the th following pages, or by visiting our Appeal Hub.
As we approach the 150 Anniversary of our School in 2027/ 2028 we hope to reach out to as many Clifton Rosarians as possible so we can celebrate together Please join the Clifton Rosarians or update your details free by clicking this link. th
To the Class of 2025 and those staff members leaving us for pastures new this term, good luck with your future endeavours and please keep in touch. We look forward to welcoming you back, in the not too distant future, as Clifton Rosarians!
With my very best wishes,
MRS ELIZABETH BOND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
DIARY DATES
We are delighted to share with you some of our key dates for the next acadmic year.
ROSARIAN MATCH DAY CLIFTON ROSARIAN BREAKFAST
COOMBE DINGLE
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 TH
For further information and to register:
QUIZ AND CURRY NIGHT
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER 2025 TH
For further information and to book:
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025 ST
We are looking for volunteers to talk to our pupils about life post CHS, University and careers If you can help, please email: kmckee@cliftonhigh.co.uk
CHRISTMAS FAIR
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2025 TH
If you would like to book a stall at the Fair, please click this link:
ROSARIAN MATCH DAY
COOMBE DINGLE
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 TH
Rosarians, please sign up to take part in our annual match day at Coombe Dingle against the CHS first teams. Spectators are more than welcome.
This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and watch the teams compete for the Rosarian Cup!
We will be serving complimentary breakfast baps after the matches.
Please register to confirm as a player or spectator.
CLASS OF 1965 REUNION
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025 TH
For further information and to book:
GRANDPARENTS TEA
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL TUESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2025 TH
For further information please click the link below:
CLIFTON ROSARIAN BREAKFAST
CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2026 th
We are looking for volunteers to talk to our pupils about life post CHS, University and careers If you can help, please email: kmckee@cliftonhigh couk
FOUNDATION BALL
BRISTOL HARBOUR HOTEL FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2026 TH
Please save the date. Full details will be announced at the start of the Autumn Term
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Newsletter Summer 2025 4
THE LAUNCH OF OUR 150 ANNIVERSARY APPEAL
As Clifton High School approaches its momentous anniversary in 2027, we not only acknowledge but also celebrate our pioneering history It is a time to reflect upon our evolution, looking forward and imagining the possibilities on an exciting future. In addition to our celebrations, we are delighted to announce the official launch of our ambitious 150 Anniversary Appeal, supported by both Clifton High School and its Foundation.
Our 'Funding the Future' Appeal will focus on two core areas which will help enable us to:
INVEST SIGNIFICANTLY IN OUR SCIENCE FACILITIES
OUR APPEAL HUB AND VIDEO
INCREASE OUR BURSARY SUPPORT
We are incredibly grateful to current pupils Frank, Noku, Demmi and Sofiia, as well as Clifton Rosarians Kori, Jade, Lucy and Cam for sharing their Clifton High School story They are all remarkable young individuals who illustrate how Clifton High School is so much more than a School; it truly is a place to belong. You can watch our video on our Appeal Hub by clicking the video button here:
5 | Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Newsletter | Summer 2025
LAUNCH WEEK AT SCHOOL
We were excited to share the launch of our Appeal via all our social media platforms Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we have been up to!
Chloe and Theo from The Hive joined our Head Prefects, Ziggy and Sophie and Mr Phelan to celebrate the launch of our Appeal.
Rocket Car Day is the highlight of the year for all Year 8 pupils, who spend a day fully immersed in science which this year coincided with our Appeal launch week.
Mrs Taylor explained why providing a dedicated science laboratory for Infant and Juniors children is so important.
Our Year 1 children thoroughly enjoyed learning about science and forces when they launched their own rockets on our School Lawn.
A big thank you to our Year 6 pupils who had fun working out how to mark out 150 on the School Lawn. It was trickier than you might think!
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Newsletter | Summer 2025 | 6
HOW YOU CAN HELP US
We are immensely grateful for all donations and pledges which will help us Fund the Future You can support our 150 Anniversary Appeal by: th
BECOMING A REGULAR DONOR
Giving monthly, quarterly, or annually through collective giving, donors will be making a real impact, helping us support future generations p g
PLEDGING THE GIFT OF A LEGACY
Legacies, no matter the size, are hugely valuable to the School; they have helped shape our campus and provide life-changing bursaries for our pupils.
our Foundation who established the School and donate more than £2,000 will receive a special 150 Anniversary certificate. th
BECOME A FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER
Donating your time through careers advice and mentoring, you will be supporting the next generation of pupils as they navigate life after School
APPEAL AMBASSADORS
We are delighted to share with you four familiar faces, Dr Alison Neill, Mr Tony Richards, Mrs Joyce Walters and Mr Wynne Sharman who have generously become our 150 Anniversary Appeal Ambassadors We are so incredibly grateful to them for supporting our ambition to Fund the Future
th
“From The Hive Pre-School to our Sixth Form, particularly through Science and Design, a hands-on approach in teaching has been integral to learning both inside and outside the classroom. I joined the Science department in 1987 and had the privilege to teach both Juniors and Seniors in the current laboratories where tall stools and fixed benches were the norm. Now, nearly 40 years on, thinking has changed, classrooms and laboratories should be exciting, dynamic places, where collaboration and independent experiences interact seamlessly to
School provides an exceptional educational experience, igniting and fostering curiosity in our young people, a transformative foundation which they can draw upon throughout their life. Over the years, our School has extended this offer to a number of bright, gifted young people, facilitated by gifts and donations
As we celebrate 150 years of Clifton High School, all those who have benefitted from it whether as pupils, parents, members of staff or friends of the School, I ask you to join with me in supporting Anniversary Appeal; to enable provide further bursaries invest in exciting, relevant inclusive facilities for the next ration of trailblazers.”
“In every area and department of the School, one sees extraordinary levels of care and commitment to the children and young people. This is reflected in the smiling faces and mutual support that abound. It is very special and, in an ideal world, should be enjoyed by every child.
It gives me great pleasure in becoming an Ambassador to support Clifton High School’s 150 Anniversary Appeal.” th
MR TONY RICHARDS MBE (CR STAFF 2000 -2014) FORMER HEAD OF INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
“Enjoy what Clifton High School has to offer, give back your best to the School, because one day you will realise, perhaps you already do, that Clifton High will be one of the greatest influences of your whole life.
I am honoured to be an Appeal Ambassador for the 150 Anniversary Appeal and to continue to support this wonderful School ” th
MRS JOYCE WALTERS (CR STAFF 1985 - 1995) FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
“I was fortunate to spend eighteen wonderful years at Clifton High School The highest standards were expected, but attained in a friendly atmosphere of tolerance and encouragement between parents and staff, allowing the pupils to achieve academically, socially, in sport or all walks of life, inspired by the leadership of Mrs Joyce Walters
As an Appeal Ambassador for the 150 Anniversary, I offer my full support to the School with their aim to ‘Fund the Future.”
MR WYNNE SHARMAN (CR STAFF 1982-2000) FORMER HEAD OF INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOL
OVER 150 YEARS OF TEACHING!
As we launched our 150 Anniversary Appeal we asked six teachers to share their thoughts with us on why C to them – coincidentally combined, they have over 150 years of teaching e th
“Smiles of happy children and young people o gratitude at the end of each lesson. Highly com colleagues Amazing singing and performanc Service Learning, exploration, curiosity, empa That is why Clifton High School gives me a sp day ”
MANOLIS PSARROS, DEPUTY HEAD - STAFF JOINED THE STAFF IN 2001
a pupil to a teacher at this School, I fondly ays with friends and the inspiring, memorable unity here nurtured my growth and ignited
e School evolve with modern facilities and nhancing the learning experience for el privileged to give back to the place that egacy of excellence and fostering the same truly feels like home, and I'm grateful for walls.”
0) HEAD OF EYFS
“It is such a privilege to be part of our amazin years, our School has changed and evolved, b very best for each child at its heart. It is a joy t mature as they move through the School. We planted in Infants and Juniors truly grow into to take on the world! ”
HANNAH CROFTS, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 1999
“Clifton High School is a magical place where e true family feel I feel so lucky that I have spent been a pupil from Nursery to Sixth Form and th to teach in the Junior Department.
Many generations of my family have had the am here, including now my own children, nieces an children can thrive and can shine in their own s love and laughter and it really is a place in a mi
HELEN TABB, (NÉE SIMS CR 1997), JUNIOR SCHOOL JOINED THE STAFF IN 2001
has been incredible. It's a daily delight ning profile, helping them to achieve th an amazing team of people who empower us all. The passion, care, ess every day are the reasons why at Clifton High School and why I am so
OOL TEACHER
“In the thirty years I have been teaching at Cl seen first hand how the School has evolved a prepare children for the challenges facing th world. Clifton High School has been a huge p teacher and as a parent with my three childre exceptional education Clifton High School pr
MR DAVID PYE, JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER JOINED THE STAFF IN 1995
HEAD’S AFTERNOON TEA
We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with our Year 13 students and their parents at the Head’s Afternoon Tea back in April. Several of our students have been with us since they were 3 or 4 years old, so the Tea was a chance to reminisce, share amazing memories and for us, as a School, to say thank you and good luck to this special cohort.
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Newsletter Su
CLASS OF 2025
As has become tradition, our Year 13 students marked the end of their School life with a fancy dress parade towards School House, with the entire School lining the driveway to bid them a fond farewell. Following a pizza lunch in Clifton village, they then had a photograph taken alongside the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where their predecessors celebrated the culmination of their Clifton High School journey by tossing their hats off the bridge!
ROSE DAY 2025
Rose Day has stood at the heart of Clifton High School since it was introduced by the first Head, Miss Mary Woods. This year we celebrated 80 years of holding our Rose Day Service in the magnificent surroundings of Bristol Cathedral, with pupils, parents, Clifton Rosarians and special guests. The service was followed by a Reception back at School for the Class of 2025 and their families
Clifton
Clifton Rosarian
and Clifton
ROSE DAY ADDRESS
We were delighted to welcome back to our Rose Day celebrations, Miss Mariayah Kaderbhai (CR, Class of 1996). Mariayah is Head of Programmes at BAFTA, overseeing industry events and initiatives across film, games and television.
“Good morning everyone – students, parents, teachers, and a very warm hello to my family, who are probably already nervous about what I might say
It’ s such an honour and if I’ m honest, slightly surreal to be standing here, back in the city and the school that shaped me, speaking to all of you as you close one chapter and begin another. I left Clifton High nearly 30 years ago, though saying that out loud makes me feel about 105 and it’ s both humbling and emotional to be invited back.
So, a bit about me. I work in film and television – and no, not the glitzy awards side of BAFTA – but in the area that, in my opinion, matters most: impact and inclusion. My work is about levelling the playing field, making sure the stories we see on screen – in film, TV, even games – reflect the world we actually live in. That they are authentic, inclusive, diverse. Because media shapes how we see the world, how we see each other –and how we see ourselves
But let’ s rewind, to 1983. I started school in Henleaze – and at the end of that first year, my parents were told that maybe I needed to be held back. Now, this came as a bit of a shock – not least because I was five, could already write, and thanks to nightly lessons with my Dad, could recite my 12 times tables Not because I was gifted – but because repetition makes anything possible. Even today, I’ m the one dividing the restaurant bill at the end of the night
What hurt my parents wasn ’t the suggestion itself – but the unspoken undertone. It was racism. Plain and simple. And I say that not with bitterness, but with clarity Because we often say we want to be judged on our ability, our work ethic, our potential. But that’ s not the world we live in – not yet And while I would love to stand here in 2025 and say it’ s all changed – that progress has triumphed and bias has disappeared – I’d be lying. The truth is, we still have a long way to go. And it’ s why the work I do now –trying to make our cultural spaces fairer – matters so much to me.
At Clifton, I was – how should I put this – mostly an average student, sometimes more, but often without too much effort. Not something I should admit here, I know! I loved learning – when the subject gripped me. And my interests were Broad –with a capital B. At various points I wanted to be a Prime Minister, a writer, a lawyer, a filmmaker… and, for about five minutes, a geneticist (Note to my 16-year-old self: do not take Biology A Level. If your joy is found in words, ideas, and imagination – dissecting a rat is unlikely to spark delight).
We were thrilled to invite Mariayah back for Rose Day with her family
When my A-level results came in, I was devastated. My ego took a hit –those grades didn’t belong to the girl whose parents had worked tirelessly for a private education since 1983 It felt like a betrayal –not just of me, but of them.
Let’ s also be real: Bristol in 1983 was not the diverse, vibrant city it is today I remember that I remember
the race riots. I remember what it felt like to not fully belong. But I also remember what Clifton gave me: confidence, curiosity, and the ability to walk into any room –whether it’ s a tailor’ s shop in Vietnam, a rickshaw in Delhi, or a stage in Dubai – and not feel out of place.
I’ ve had a winding path I’ ve been, and been paid to be, a photographer, a journalist, a wedding cake maker, a film programmer, a stand-up comedian, a producer, an activist I’ m currently – among other things –helping Jeremy Corbyn with an arts and culture event. I used to think this meant I was a failure –never able to commit to one thing. But what I’ ve learned is this: I’ m not meant to be just one thing Some of us are wired that way. I may or may not have ADHD – but what I know for sure is that having many passions is not a flaw. It’ s my strength
I float. At school, I didn’t belong to one “ group ” – I floated between them all. And honestly? That’ s still who I am I’ m inquisitive I’ m interested in everything I see that now as a gift.
There’ s no moment when you suddenly feel like you have life figured out You ’ll wing it Constantly. A few nights ago, at 2am, I told a friend over WhatsApp I was going into politics. She offered to be my Alastair Campbell. I said, “Only if I get to be Tony Blair without the war crimes ”
And here’ s the harsh truth – the world isn’t fair. You can work twice as hard, have the best degree, write brilliant essays, make award-
world isn’t fair. You can work twice as hard, have the best degree, write brilliant essays, make awardwinning work – and still have to prove yourself again And again And again
But what my parents – who are here today – gave me was the belief that I was enough. What this school gave me – was the tools Resilience Curiosity. The confidence to speak up. The gift of language. I remember vividly reading A Midsummer Night’ s Dream at age 12 and just getting it – the rhythm, the humour, the subtext Mrs Harvey wrote in my report that I had an understanding of Shakespeare “ well beyond my years ” . That moment stayed with me Because for the first time, I felt seen. I wasn ’t pretending to understand – I just did.
And that’ s something we don’t say enough in this country: what we ’ re good at So let me model it I am exceptional with words. Not necessarily saying them – I can still trip over my tongue – but writing them, understanding them. I read between the lines, and the lines
behind those. That’ s my superpower. What’ s yours?
Whatever it is, own it. Stand by your convictions Know what your line is – and don’t let anyone cross it I’ ve lost jobs because I wouldn’t compromise my values – and I’d lose them again. Because being able to sleep at night, knowing you did what you believed in, is more important than any title.
So to those of you leaving Clifton today – whether you ’ re heading to university, to a new job, or taking time to figure it all out – know this:
You do not have to have all the answers. You will change your mind – often. You will fail –sometimes hard And you will keep going.
Don’t be afraid to stand out. Being an outsider means you see things others don’t Ground breaking literature, history, science – they ’ re full of people who didn’t fit in, and changed the world because of it.
Be one of those people. Thank you ”
Mariayah with some of her Class of 1996 who came to support her at Rose Day
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian
VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS
As we embrace the traditions of the past, so we also introduce some new traditions into our Rose Day service with a Valedictorian Address, written and presented by Millie, Deputy Head Girl from the Class of 2025.
“Good morning, it is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today, to speak not only for myself, but for the remarkable group of young people I have had the privilege to grow up alongside.
Today is a moment to pause a chance to look back on the years that have shaped us, and to look forward to the futures we will soon step into.
When we first arrived at Clifton High School, for me that was Year 7, many of us were shy, uncertain, and in awe of everything around us The corridors seemed endless, the older students seemed impossibly tall, and the idea of reaching this point our final day felt like a distant dream
But somewhere between that first nervous assembly and this moment, we became more than classmates.
Welcoming those who joined the journey in the final few years of school, we became a year group bound not just by shared lessons and timetables, but by the latenight revision panic, the unforgettable school trips, the unexpected friendships, and the
quiet moments of kindness that often meant the most.
There have been highlights, of course. Victories on the sports field. Laughter that echoed through common rooms and corridors Music and drama performances that left audiences speechless. Many of us took part in expeditions such as the 3 peaks and Duke of Edinburgh which tested resilience and the ability to cook on a tiny Trangia in the pouring rain whilst also encouraging perseverance when you realise the map was actually upside down and you have successfully guided the group to the middle of nowhere.
But beyond the events and the memories, we ’ ve learned something far more important: how to grow. How to fail and try again. How to listen. How to lead. These are lessons no curriculum can fully teach and yet, Clifton High has given them to us in abundance.
And now, as we prepare to leave the familiarity of Clifton High School behind, we face the unknown. It is exciting. It is scary. But we do not leave empty-handed.
We carry with us the confidence built by teachers who believed in us even when we doubted ourselves We carry the resilience born of setbacks we overcame together, including those challenging times when classrooms became computer screens as the world fell into Lockdown, and our connections relied on Wi-Fi and video calls.
While plenty of us became experts at ‘accidentally ’ having our cameras off or blaming mysterious technical glitches, those moments reminded us that even apart, we remain a community, supporting one another through
unprecedented times And we carry the memories of each other, and of this beautiful school that will stay with us throughout our lives.
To my fellow classmates of 2025: It has truly been a privilege to be part of this exceptional group. Among us are artists who see the world through colour and dimension, athletes who have demonstrated commitment and determination, scientists driven by curiosity and discovery and leaders who have inspired change.
As we leave Clifton High School, we do so not just as individuals, but as proud Rosarians united by a shared experience and community
Thank you. ”
CALLING THE CLASS OF 1965
We are delighted to invite the Class of 1965 to their Reunion Lunch on Saturday 4 October 2025 from 11.00am until 3.30pm th
Hosted at School, with Clifton Rosarians Jane Watts (née Scull) and Jill Leyland (née Cogan), guests are welcome to join us for a tour of the School, including the new Walters Sixth Form Centre, followed by a two course lunch.
Following the lunch there will be an opportunity to look through photographs and items from the School’s archive and to chat with old friends
To book a place at the event please click this link
For further information, please email Elizabeth Bond or telephone the Development Team on 0117 933 9081.
If you are celebrating a key reunion year during 2026, please do get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you and help you celebrate
For further information please email Kate McKee, or telephone the Development Team on 0117 933 9081.
During the next academic year we are looking to bring Clifton High School to London to catch up with Clifton Rosarians and friends of the Foundation. If you would be interested in attending a drinks reception next year, please email Kate McKee
SIXTH FORM BREAKFASTS
For our last Sixth Form Breakfast of the year we welcomed back to School Clifton Rosarians Hannah Hirsch (CR 1993), Vicci Bowman (CR 2002), and Michelle Baker (CR 2000). Hannah is a speech and language therapist, Vicci works for the probation service and Michelle is a Plastic Surgery Consultant for the NHS. A huge thank you to all three Rosarians who gave up their time to support our Sixth Form and gave such invaluable insights about further education and careers.
We have been so grateful to all our Clifton Rosarians, who have returned to School to talk to students about further education and careers over the past year.
During 2025/ 2026 we will be extending our Clifton Rosarian talks to include students in years 10, 11 and also pupils in our Infant and Junior School. If you would like to return to share your experiences with our current Clifton High School pupils, please click the envelope link:
“Clifton High School’s remarkable sense of community among staff, pupils, and alumni makes it a truly special place. Speaking to the Sixth Form earlier this year was a powerful reminder of how impactful it can be to share your experiences with students preparing for their next steps I’d encourage any former pupil to return and give a talk; it’s a rewarding and fulfilling way to give back and support the next generation with advice only the alumni can provide.”
Dominic Allin (CR 2020), Clifton Rosarian Volunteer
Clifton High School Foundation and Clifton Rosarian Ne
MEET THE HEAD’S TEAM FOR 2025 -2026
HEAD PREFECT: SOPHIE
“I am delighted to have been chosen as Head Prefect for the year ahead I am currently studying Art, Chemistry, and History for A level, plus an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). I have been a part of Clifton High School since Year 7 and I intend on going to University after I finish my A levels, most probably to study History. I am so excited to give back to the School as Head Prefect, which I see as a way to thank the School community for providing me with all the amazing opportunities I have been able to participate in; these have shaped me into the person I am today.
Outside of the classroom you will most likely find me walking around School with my violin, on my way to a sports match, or even dashing to and from the Art Department with a lot of paint and brushes! I volunteer around School, helping to coach Year 9 Girls’ Rugby and also devote my time to the School Production each year, whether that’ s being in the show or helping backstage. All these experiences teach me a variety of skills I can bring to excel in the role as your Head Prefect, and have helped me forge friendships. I aim to be a friendly face around School and I’ m looking forward to learning many new skills and being exposed to new experiences through the role ”
HEAD PREFECT: ZIGGY
“I’ m looking forward to being Head Prefect this year! At the moment I’ m studying Spanish, History and Business and I’ m also doing an EPQ In the future I hope to study Business, although I’ m not yet sure exactly what I will do when I leave school, whether an apprenticeship or a degree. I joined Clifton High School in Year 7, and since then I have taken part in a range of activities, from being on School sports teams to taking part in the School Production of West Side Story, as well as going on School trips to France and Germany I will forever be grateful for all the activities the School has offered to me, which I’ ve enjoyed so much. Over the years I’ ve discovered a love for languages in particular and I hope to continue to practise these in some form in the future.
In my free time I enjoy playing golf with friends (just don’t ask me what my handicap is), as well as spending time with my family, and of course, studying hard I’ m hugely grateful to be a member of the Head’ s Team and to be Head Prefect especially. I am grateful for this opportunity and I hope I can represent everyone to the best of my ability. ”
Sophie, Isabelle, Sam, Ziggy and Matthew
FAREWELL TO STAFF
As we say a fond farewell to staff members at the end of this academic year, we share Mr Phelan’s thoughts from his Senior Prizegiving Address, with our very best wishes for the future.
MR MARCUS BALMER HEAD OF YEAR 8, TEACHER OF ENGLISH
“Mr Balmer is the kind of teacher who turns every lesson into a slick Glastonbury headline act full of energy and creativity but also planned immaculately Like a good yoga session, he finds balance between rigour and imagination, between deadlines and dreams.”
DR MARK CADDY SENIOR DEPUTY HEAD
“Dr Caddy has more badges than Hey Dugee He literally has a certificate, qualification or badge for EVERYTHING! He is a back belt in Judo, circus skills qualifications and makes models out of balloons for the pupils at every possible event! He has taught Junior and Senior pupils chemistry, mathematics, woodwork and adventure amongst a million other roles, but secretly the staff refer to him as Dr Adventure!”
MR CHRIS COLLINS DEPUTY HEAD, PASTORAL
“Mr Collins has been with us for ten years. He has risen through the ranks taking on Head of Mathematics followed by Assistant Head and Deputy Head Academic and Deputy Head Pastoral Heavily involved in School life, he has been a fundamental part of why this School is so successful and we wish him well as he moves into the big chair of Headmastering.”
MRS SAM DARE HEAD OF BIOLOGY
“Mrs Dare’s biology and pedagogical knowledge are encyclopaedic, but she is always humble and keen to learn more. Her lessons are planned impeccably to ensure all pupils make good progress, but she also cares deeply about her students and is always on hand to help when they are struggling.”
Also leaving us at the end of this term are:
La Betchvaia Lunchtime and After School Supervisor
Sophie Chinnock Events and Marketing Co-ordinator
Hannah Cowling Science Technician
Kamiila Dominik Lunchtime Supervisor
Niamh Rae Intern
Hannah Sheehan Teaching Assistant
Abigail Sieradzki Library Assistant
Ani Wark Infant School Teacher
Thank you all for your contributions to Clifton High School and its pupils.
MY YEAR AS AN INTERN
“Over the last year I have been able to experience so
Niamh Rae (CR 2004) stayed on after her A levels to complete an internship at Clifton High School, working in our Infant and Junior School and with the Development Department. Here she reflects on the past year and how it has helped shape her future career choices.
“I have spent my year working at Clifton High School as an Intern after completing my A levels in Summer 2024. This year has been truly amazing, and has helped me realise my passions in life, as I have now decided to go on to become a primary school teacher
Over the last year I have been able to experience so many different things and develop new skills. I have split my time between the Adventure Programme with the Infant and Junior School pupils and working in the Development Department. This diversity of experiences has given me a huge range of skills that I truly believe I can use as I pursue my future career.
In the Development Department I have been able to help with the launch of the 150 Anniversary Appeal, learning how all the pieces come together to create the finished Appeal, and understanding the importance of the large and small steps which go to achieving this Due to my fond love of history, I have also enjoyed exploring the School’s archive, piecing together information, like a puzzle, to get a better understanding of the School’s
history and the Clifton Rosarians
Through the Adventure Programme I have enjoyed working with our Infant and Junior children on a weekly basis. It has been wonderful to get to know the children as individuals, watching them grow and develop across the year I have also enjoyed participating in the many fun activities from visiting the farm with Year 1, paddle boarding and skiing with Year 6, and venturing through wet caves with the Seniors Not only has this given me the opportunity to have experience in a School environment but it has also led me to pushing myself into trying new skills.
Overall this year has been amazing and I would highly recommend the internship to anyone after the Sixth Form. I am extremely grateful to all those who have helped me along the way and simply made this year a great experience by creating a kind and supportive environment.
In September I will be going off to University to study Education and I look forward to keeping in touch with the School and the Clifton Rosarians!”
On leaving the School, former students, staff and governors automatically become a Clifton Rosarian As such they are welcome to attend all occasions organised for Clifton Rosarians, as well as many other School events held throughout the year. All Clifton Rosarians receive:
Our annual review of the year with information from School, our Foundation and our alumni and termly newsletters
An invitation to attend the bi- annual Clifton Rosarian Day Regular invites to School events including Rose Day celebrations
To join, or update your details, please follow this link.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
We were delighted to find the original certificate of the School’s incorporation in 1877 in our archives It will soon find a new home in the Head’s study at the start of the new academic year.
We are always very grateful of donations to our School’s archive. If you have items from the School’s history which you would like to donate, we would very much like to hear from you, especially as we start to piece together some special events to mark our 150 Anniversary. Please email development@cliftonhigh.co.uk th
TEA AND TOUR
Clifton Rosarians are always welcome to visit for a tour of our School site and a catch up with the Development Team over a cup of tea! To arrange a visit, please email Kate McKee
As we reached the end of what had been an amazing 150 Anniversary Appeal week, and looked forward to our Rose Day celebrations, our pupils enjoyed rocket lollies to help us ‘launch’ our Appeal. It was also a nod to a Rose Day tradition, where the Head would give out ‘ices’ to pupils to celebrate Rose Day and the end of another successful academic year
