Foreword
by The Headmaster
As I wrote the foreword for our Hallifordian this time last year, we were all wondering what the results of the General Election would bring, the rest as they say is history! Since then, the independent education sector has been weathering a storm with challenges seeming to come from every direction. As many of you know, I spent many hours at sea as a volunteer navigator for the RNLI. The toughest part of my training was learning the art of celestial navigation without the aid of electronics. It was during this time that I often returned to the words of Leonardo da Vinci: ‘Fix your course on a star, and you’ll navigate any storm.’
For me, that guiding star has always been the remarkable young people who walk the corridors of our school. Their energy, kindness, and ambition inspire me daily and help chart the course forward. With the steadfast support of our families and friends, I am proud to say that, despite the pressures placed upon us by the current government, we continue to flourish. This publication stands as a testament to the breadth of achievements our students have enjoyed over the past academic year, and I hope you find joy and pride in this window into our vibrant school community.
As I shared with those who joined us for Speech Day, choosing Halliford School is not simply about selecting an education, it is an investment. We are now in a position where the cost of independent education is higher than any of us would wish. The surcharge imposed on what we believe to be fair value feels
unjust, yet it is a reality we must face together. My responsibility as Headmaster is clear; to ensure that every pound and penny entrusted to us works as hard as possible for your children. Their best interests remain my highest priority, and I am deeply grateful for your continued support and understanding as the Bursar, Governing Body, and I work to navigate this new landscape.
I would like to close by thanking every member of the Halliford community for your unwavering support. It is thanks to our collective efforts that we find ourselves with a full school roll and the opportunity to embark on further capital development. Those who have visited the Forum and the newly refurbished John Crook Theatre will know that we remain fully committed to providing our students with the very best facilities.
At Halliford, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to our students. Their wellbeing, growth, and extraordinary potential are at the heart of everything we do. While I am delighted that our public examination results were once again outstanding, we also recognise that a Halliford education is far more than a set of grades. The Hallifordian celebrates the richness of life beyond the classroom, the magnificent opportunities available to our students and the remarkable successes they achieve.
I hope you enjoy this edition of The Hallifordian, and I send you my very best wishes for the year ahead.
James Davies Headmaster
James McCummiskey Head Prefect
It really does seem like a lifetime ago that the timid Year 7 version of myself warily stepped through these school gates for the first time. I never could have imagined how significant a role Halliford would play in the next stage of my life, or how much I would grow as a person within these walls. The community of students, teachers and staff here has created the most wonderful environment of friendship, teamwork and mutual respect which has enabled each of us to mature and flourish, and it is one that I will truly miss as I move forward in my journey.
Having joined Halliford back in 2018, I quickly noticed the vast wealth of opportunities it offered and made it my mission to try my hand at everything I could. This philosophy has since resulted in some exhilarating performances with the rock band, numerous inspiring trips abroad, some nail-biting matches of football and rugby, and somehow a role as a religious character in every school production I have taken part in. But most of all, the things I treasure most from these moments are the memories I have made with my peers and the relationships I have built through shared passions. None of this could have been possible without the ceaseless work and frankly unreasonable patience exhibited by all the teachers and staff here, and I know that everybody leaving this year owes a huge debt to each of them for helping us discover talents and passions we never knew we possessed.
I have been privileged to spend a short time as Head Prefect this year, working alongside such enthusiastic individuals as Shreya, Mr Davies and the whole of the Prefect Team. Their
love for the school has been on full display, and I am grateful to them for making my job this year such a rewarding experience. I have learnt a great deal about people and about myself in this role, as well as relishing the opportunity to give back to this community, and so I would encourage every Hallifordian to apply for a position on the Prefect Team when the time comes, no matter how unlikely a candidate you may consider yourself; you will undoubtedly surprise yourself.
As GCSEs drew to a close, it hardly even occurred to me that I might continue my studies anywhere else, as the connections I had built and the friendships I had made here were irreplaceable. A-Levels have proved to be a step up from the lower school, but the incredible support my teachers and form tutors have given me has equipped me to rise to the challenge. In particular, the ritual stress of university applications was made immensely more manageable due to the wisdom and guidance of Mr Carroll and Mr Davies, as well as Mr Fulford and Mr HardenChaters, who helped me with Oxbridge preparations. I could not have imagined a better place to end my school career.
And so, as I look ahead to my next adventure, I am confident that my time here has equipped me with the skills and the knowledge required to excel at university and beyond. I will always be grateful to this community that has been my home for the last seven years, and I will always be proud to be a Hallifordian.
Shreya Mistry Head Prefect
Looking back over the past two years, I have been filled with a multitude of emotions, some happy, some sad, but mostly bittersweet. I never imagined how quickly time would pass or how much I would grow during that time.
When I joined the Sixth Form, I was looking for more than just a place to further my academics. I wanted a place where I could grow, be challenged and feel supported – and Halliford became all of that and more. From the nerves of that first week to the rhythm we found as a year group, I felt myself becoming part of something bigger. What struck me the most wasn’t just the learning, but the community. In particular, the warmth, kindness, and respect that fill the school make being a Hallifordian that much better.
There have been so many memories I will carry with me. The infamous Paris History Trip was chaotic and unforgettable, to say the least. Completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, the only girl among six lads, braving torrential rain and lots of sweets! But also, small moments like being together with everyone, whether it be in the common room, laughing and joking with each other or stressing over exams.
Being the first female Head Prefect in the school’s history was, and is, a proud moment, not just for me, but for what it represents. I have been able to lead assemblies, serve alongside an amazing team and hopefully open doors for others to do the same. I am incredibly grateful to the Senior Management Team for their belief in me and to all those who helped bring my ideas to life.
Academically, Halliford has supported me every step of the way. Teachers checked in, offered help, but also gave me space to breathe. Thank you to my parents for being my constant foundation – through every high and low, your support has meant everything and more. And to Mr Davies, thank you for your guidance, honesty and belief in me. You have been there to encourage me, challenge me and offer perspective exactly when I have needed it most.
Looking ahead, I feel ready. This school hasn’t just prepared me academically – it has helped shape who I am. Halliford encourages us to be ourselves, to aim high, and to walk our own path. As I take my next steps, I do so with pride, knowing I have been part of a community that believes in lifting others.
Olivia
Baker Deputy Head Prefect
School is often described as the foundation of our lives, a place where friendships are formed, values are nurtured, and character is built. Looking back on my time at Halliford, I can truly say that it was more than just classrooms and textbooks. It was a journey of growth, discovery and responsibility, especially during my time as a Prefect. Halliford’s Sixth Form provided me with more than just academic structure; it offered a community. The close-knit environment meant that teachers were not just educators but mentors who genuinely cared about our development, and this was just one of the reasons I chose Halliford for Sixth Form. It gave me the space to grow but also the scaffolding to help me along the way.
One of the most defining moments of my school life was being appointed as Deputy Head Prefect and working closely with Mr Davies and the other senior prefects. I owe a massive thank you to Shreya, James and Ed, who have not only been outstanding prefects this year, but have been great friends who have supported one another throughout Sixth Form. The friendships I have made during my time here have been one of the most rewarding aspects of the Sixth Form. There is something uniquely special about going through those intense A Level years with a group of people who are all navigating similar challenges and ambitions. From discussions and debates in the classroom to lighter moments in the common room, these friendships became a core part of my Halliford experience that I will treasure forever.
Throughout my time at Halliford, I have made some incredible memories through the opportunities the school has provided for me. From watching the rugby sevens at London Irish to representing the school in netball matches, none of this would have been possible without the incredible staff at Halliford. Their passion for teaching and care for the Halliford community leaves a lasting impact on every student who passes through the school.
Halliford didn’t just prepare me for exams, but it also prepared me for life after school. Through UCAS guidance, enrichment talks and consistent encouragement, I left the Sixth Form feeling ready for the next stage, equipped with a clearer sense of direction and self. A Levels were undoubtedly demanding, but they pushed me to develop a new level of discipline and self-motivation. I learnt how to manage my time more effectively, how to think critically and how to cope with academic pressure. Thanks to all of my teachers, Mr Carroll and Mr Davies, my university application journey felt like a breeze!
As I move on to university, I feel immense gratitude for my time in Sixth Form at Halliford. It was a period of personal and academic growth, made possible by a community that believed in my potential. I leave Halliford with strong values, great memories and a deep appreciation for the journey.
Edward Gentle Deputy Head Prefect
I want to thank our Head Prefects, Shreya and James. You have both been brilliant leaders, role models, and great people to work alongside. I would also like to thank Mr Davies for trusting me with the role of Deputy Head Prefect. You have supported me, encouraged me, and helped me grow into someone who feels ready for whatever comes next, and I am very grateful for that.
My journey to Halliford started back in Year 9. Previously, I attended Parkside, a very small school. So, in some ways, Halliford felt familiar with that same tight-knit community where you know everyone’s name, but at the same time, it felt like a huge step up. On my very first bus ride to school, I recall sitting there with a mix of emotions, ranging from nerves to excitement. But the moment I walked into my new form room, I was welcomed straight away. That warmth, kindness, and sense of belonging are what make Halliford so special, and it’s been at the heart of my experience ever since.
Being Deputy Head Prefect has been a real privilege. I have had the opportunity to make significant contributions, from assisting at Open Days, Parents’ Evenings, and Speech Day to being entrusted to represent the school at various events. It has provided me with leadership experience, confidence, and skills that I will carry with me into the future.
One thing I have loved is throwing myself into so many different aspects of school life. From football to design and technology, from art to music, from House events to competitions, I have tried to get involved in as much as possible. Sometimes it has gone well, sometimes not so much, but the point is Halliford gave me the chance to try, and that is what has made it so rewarding.
Football has been a massive part of my time here. Playing for the school has given me some of my best memories, working hard as a team, sharing victories and defeats, and learning what real teamwork feels like. That spirit of determination, resilience, and support for one another is something I will always carry with me, long after I hang up my Halliford shirt.
Another huge part of my journey has been discovering my passion for Design and Technology. When I first arrived, I never imagined that DT would become a subject I would want to pursue in the future. But thanks to Mr Watson, that changed completely. He helped me massively, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to fall in love with the subject. He gave me the confidence to explore my ideas, to take risks, and to push myself further than I thought I could. Without his teaching, support, and patience, I would not be on the path I am today.
Outside of school, for the past five years, I have also worked as a butcher. Now, that’s a busy, high-pressure environment, but the confidence I have built at Halliford, whether speaking to parents on open days or leading younger students, has carried over into the shop. Halliford has helped me find my voice, handle responsibility, and feel comfortable in a fast-paced workplace. These are skills that will stay with me for life.
So, why Halliford? For me, it comes down to this: it’s a small school with a massive heart. It’s a place where you can push yourself, try new things, and most importantly, be yourself. It is where I have made lifelong memories, built lifelong friendships, and grown into someone I can be proud of. And above all, I am proud to be a Hallifordian. Up the Ford!
Editorial
by Mrs Olivia Oakley Marketing & Communications Manager
As we look back on another remarkable year at Halliford School, it is clear that our community has continued to thrive, from our outstanding art exhibition and impressive sports victories to captivating musical and drama performances. Our students have showcased their diverse talents and commitment to excellence. We have ventured beyond the classroom, embarking on enriching international trips to Spain, Iceland, France, Belgium and Canada. These global adventures have allowed our students to gain new perspectives, appreciate diverse cultures, and develop a broader understanding of the world around them. Along the way, they have formed lasting friendships and created cherished memories that will shape their lives for years to come.
We are honoured to share that, for the fifth consecutive year, Halliford has been shortlisted for the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards, this year in the category of London Independent School of the Year. Being recognised is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. 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 Supporting Sustainability. At Halliford School, we are committed to promoting sustainability and cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. We are proud of our achievements thus far and are excited to continue working as a community to reduce our carbon footprint and create a greener, more sustainable future.
There is something unique and special about Halliford School, where the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie runs deep within our community. In an Autumn Term rugby match between our boys and another local school, we witnessed a true reflection of the Hallifordian values when two of our players, due to unfortunate injuries on the opposing team, selflessly swapped their Halliford rugby shirts to play for the other team. This act of sportsmanship and dedication to the game is what sets Halliford apart. Moments like these make us proud to be a Hallifordian and highlight the values that we instil in our students both on and off the field.
As a Halliford parent, it has been a delight to see my eldest son become an active member of the Halliford community. I am deeply appreciative of the remarkable and steadfast support he has received from each staff member throughout his time in Year 8. Their commitment to nurturing his growth and wellbeing is a testament to the school’s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
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
Welcome to New Staff
We are pleased to welcome Mr Rob Bateman to Halliford as our Head of Drama for the coming academic year, having just completed a fixed term contract at Ballard School. Mr Bateman is an experienced Head of Drama and will be leading our forthcoming school productions this year. In his spare time, Mr Bateman enjoys jazz and soul music, collecting vinyl records, swimming and spending time in his garden with fruit trees and wildlife all around at his off-grid second home near Barcelona where a family of wild boar roam the area!
Ms Jackie Teale joined us as Teacher of History & Politics earlier this year from Wycombe Abbey School. Ms Teale has a History Masters and a BA from Royal Holloway and is in the process of completing a PhD on the Bosnian War. In her spare time, she enjoys horse riding.
Mr Harminder Plaha joins us as Teacher of Mathematics and Science. Since graduating with a BEng in Aeronautical engineering he has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and then moved into short-term funding. Mr Plaha then pursued a career as an Automation Consultant before transitioning into teaching Mathematics which has been a wonderful journey. Sparking the desire to learn and understand amongst students has been the most satisfying achievement in his short career.
We are pleased to welcome Miss Abby Ratford as Teacher of Mathematics. With experience as Head of Department and Assistant Housemistress, Miss Ratford holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, and loves sharing her passion for the subject with her students. Outside the classroom, she is a qualified climbing instructor and enjoys spending time outdoors, as well as knitting, crocheting, and baking.
Dr Emma Shaw joins us as Teacher of Music. Having studied music at the University of Sussex and composition at Guildhall School of Music, followed by research in the field of musicology at the University of Roehampton, Dr Shaw is looking forward to working with students at Halliford. She enjoys all styles of music from classical to rock and musical theatre and is delighted to be joining Halliford’s Music department.
We are pleased to welcome Mr Jonathan Davies as Gap Assistant SEN & Sport. Mr Davies is a Newcastle university graduate in sports journalism, media and culture and also an Old Hallifordian. He has a keen passion for sport, especially rugby, playing throughout school and university, and often spends his time on the golf course or tennis courts.
Mr David Orlowski joined us as Chef Manager in September having previously worked for a contract caterer at The Mall School. Prior to that he was Head of Food Development for two different companies. In his spare time, Mr Orlowski enjoys travelling, particularly walking holidays.
We are pleased to welcome Mr Charlie Jarvis as our Theatre & AV Technician. Mr Jarvis previously worked on the West End production of The Book of Mormon before heading to Richmond Theatre as their Senior Lighting and Sound Technician. In his spare time, he enjoys sport, theatre and walking his dog.
Mrs Felicity Smith joined us in January as Assistant Bursar - Operations and Compliance. Mrs Smith has previously worked for Ernst & Young and PWC in their tax departments and at Pepsi Co as their Global International Assignment Manager. She was a competitive swimmer and taught swimming for nine years, and also has a son at Halliford in Year 8.
Mrs Jenny Barnes joins us as our new Assistant Librarian. Mrs Barnes has over twenty years teaching experience and has volunteered with the Scouts for six years. She has a passion for reading and for encouraging reluctant readers to enjoy literature. In her spare time, she loves to travel and enjoys cookery classes and has a son at Halliford in Year 7.
Miss Jacqueline Day joined us in January as our Cover Supervisor. It is our pleasure to welcome Miss Day back to Halliford having discovered that she did her second placement year as a Science teacher here in 1997. Having remained in education teaching Key Stage 3 Science with time as Head of Psychology at Surbiton High and St John’s Leatherhead, she is pleased to be back with us.
New Responsibilities
Mrs Fenella Wilbraham was appointed Head of History and Politics in January.
Mr Sean Slocock will be taking responsibility for Wadham House for the academic year 2025-2026.
Staff Farewells
In December, we bid farewell to Mr Luke McMillan, who joined us in 2016 as our Head of History and Politics. We wish him all the best in his new role at The Green School for Boys in Isleworth.
We also said goodbye to Mr Roberto Bruno, Head of Drama who left us at the end of the Summer Term for personal reasons. We would like to thank him for the immense amount of work he has put in to develop the Drama department over the past nine years. We wish Bertie every success in his future teaching career.
We bid a fond farewell to Mr Peter Booth, Teacher of Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and wish him well with his retirement. Mr Booth has been a kind, funny, deeply supportive and profoundly knowledgeable member of the Mathematics Department for over 26 years. To say he will be missed is like saying Pi is approximately 3. A gross understatement.
We also said goodbye to Mr Tim Ackroyd, Teacher of Mathematics and Physics, who has been with us since 2010 and takes up a role closer to home in East Grinstead to cut down the dreaded commute time. Mr Ackroyd will be greatly missed by students and staff alike, particularly for his kind-hearted nature and as the Mathematics Department computer guru.
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs Wendy Bird who has been our Assistant Librarian since January 2022. Mrs Bird has relocated to the Kent coast to care for her elderly mother. We will greatly miss her cheerful disposition and sense of fun, a particular highlight being when she dressed as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland for the LRC Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. We wish her all the very best with her relocation.
We also bid Ms Natalia Davies a fond farewell. Ms Davies worked as a much liked and respected Cover Supervisor at Halliford since 2021, and we wish her all the very best with her next venture as she continues her Maths club and provides online tutoring.
Our thanks also to Mrs Sabrina Brown and Mr David Hellier who were wonderful additions to the MFL department and History department respectively for the duration of their year long contracts to cover maternity leave for two members of staff.
We wish Mrs Jo Fuller a very happy retirement. Mrs Fuller has been a valued member of the Premises team as a Cleaner for us for 19 years, and we wish her all the very best for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
We said goodbye to Ms Debbie Baker who joined us as our Finance Assistant in 2021 and left in March to take on a new challenge and enjoy more time at her home in Spain. We wish her and her family well.
Staff News
Congratulations to Mrs Jennifer Piddock and her husband Stephen on the birth of their son, Edward John.
Congratulations to Miss Katrina Head and her partner Shane on the birth of their son, Ruari Michael Daniel, in January.
Congratulations to Mr Matt Fieldhouse and his partner Kirsty on the birth of their daughter, Bella Hope.
Congratulations to Mr Matt Shales and his partner Britt on their engagement this summer.
Congratulations to Mr Dev Patel and his partner Rav on their engagement this summer.
Upper Sixth Leavers - University Places
University Course
Bournemouth University
University of Bristol
Cardiff University
University for the Creative Arts
Durham University
The University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
Hartpury University
Criminology
Economics and Finance, Physics, Psychology in Education, Psychology
Business Management, History
Film Production
Accounting
Fine Art
Finance: Investment Banking, Geography, History, History and Politics
Business Management, Sports Business Management
King’s College London, University of London Physics
University of Leeds
Leeds Beckett University
University of Liverpool
Liverpool John Moores University
Loughborough University
University of Manchester
Manchester Metropolitan University
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
University of Reading
Royal Holloway, University of London
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
Swansea University
University of Warwick
University of York
English Language and Literature, Environment and Business, Product Design
Landscape Architecture & Design, Sport Business Management, Business Management with Marketing
Music and Technology
Software Engineering
History, Accounting and Finance
Physics
Film and Media Studies
Marketing
Economics, Finance and International Business
Building Surveying, Business and Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), Finance (Investments)
Business and Management, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), History, Law, Music and Sound Design for Film, Television, and Interactive Media
Politics and International Relations
Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science), Physics, Psychology
Law, Sport and Exercise Science
Sport and Exercise Science
History and Politics, Mathematics
Business and Management