A Celebration of Honour and Achievement, Written by Every Harrovian

This week, Harrow Beijing’s Kindergarten, Lower School, and Upper School each held their own warm and dignified Speech Day.

As a longstanding Harrow tradition, Speech Day is not only a moment to mark the conclusion of the academic year, but also a meaningful occasion for the entire school community to come together and celebrate the achievements of the 2024–2025 school year. At each ceremony, many students were awarded certificates of honour for their outstanding performance, and the whole school joined in applause and celebration for the growth they have shown.

Looking back on this year, every student at Harrow Beijing has pushed their boundaries and grown in their own way. In this vibrant and diverse community, students have made steady academic progress and developed holistically across many areas. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of our teachers and the unwavering support of our parents.

Headmaster’s Address
Mr. Philip Akerman

Today, we gather to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey our students have taken this year—and to honour those who have shown excellence and made meaningful contributions in a variety of ways.

Today, we shine a light on achievement and applaud those who walk across the stage to receive their awards. But let us remember: these awards are just the tip of the iceberg.

Behind each award lies a deeper force—early mornings, quiet discipline, focused effort, and the courage to try again after setbacks. Whether it’s mastering a complex mathematical concept, rehearsing for a performance, preparing for a debate or speech, or training for a competition—our students have demonstrated self-discipline, determination, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

To our students: you inspire us. You show us that excellence is not a moment, but a mindset. You support each other, challenge yourselves, and live out Harrow’s values with grace and perseverance.

To our parents: thank you for your trust and encouragement. It is a privilege to walk this journey of growth alongside your children.

Today, while we celebrate individual success, we also celebrate the collective spirit of Harrow Beijing—a community that upholds high standards, values character and achievement, and believes in the quiet power of persistence.

We sincerely thank all Harrow parents, students, and staff for the unity, resilience, and trust they have shown throughout the year. It is this spirit of partnership that has allowed Harrow Beijing to continue shining, even in the face of challenges. We are incredibly proud of every student’s progress, no matter how big or small, and feel truly honoured to have accompanied them on this rewarding and transformative journey of growth.

Head of Upper School’s Address
Ms. Shellie Gibbons

Today is a day worth celebrating — a moment to honour your hard work, your progress, and the strong sense of community that defines Harrow.

To every student here today: congratulations. Whether or not you stepped onto the stage to receive an award, each of you has challenged yourselves, grown, and contributed meaningfully to school life over the past year. You have embodied the core Harrow values in your actions, and every step you’ve taken forward is something we are all incredibly proud of.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated academic and pastoral teams. It is your unwavering commitment to the holistic development of our students that has made today possible. Your guidance — in academics, in character-building, and in life — is the foundation upon which the Upper School continues to strive for excellence.

To our parents, thank you as well — for your encouragement, your trust, and your continued support. You play a vital role in the growth and success of our students here at Harrow Beijing.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We firmly believe that our Harrow students are planting the seeds of hope for a brighter future through their actions every day.

Head of Lower School’s Address
Ms. Sarah Davey

Today, we gather to reflect on the incredible journey of growth our Lower School students have experienced over the past year at Harrow Beijing. We celebrate their many achievements across academics, character development, the arts, and sports. These accomplishments are the result of our students’ dedication, and they would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and unwavering support of every parent and teacher.

Dear students, watching you grow day by day has been the greatest joy of this journey. Your curiosity, resilience, and kindness are truly inspiring. You’ve shown me that learning is not just about books and classrooms – it’s a courageous journey of exploration: to try, to fail, and to try again. While the awards and applause are worth celebrating, what I admire most are the small moments you demonstrate every day – persevering through challenges, offering a helping hand to a friend, and choosing integrity and kindness when it matters most. These quiet acts of strength shape your character and paint a picture of the wonderful individuals you are becoming.

I would like to thank every teacher and member of our Lower School admin team. Your professionalism and dedication, both in the classroom and behind the scenes, have made all of this possible. To our parents – thank you for your trust and ongoing support. Your presence has been a driving force behind your children’s progress. The journey continues, and I have every confidence in the bright future ahead for each and every Harrow student. May you move forward with courage, kindness, and confidence as you continue writing your own inspiring stories of growth.

Head of Kindergarten’s Address
Dr. Tina Stephenson

Today is a truly special and joyful day! We come together to celebrate our beloved Year 1 children as they graduate and prepare to embark on their exciting journey into Year 2. This is a moment filled with pride and happiness for all of us.

Dear children: you have grown so much over the past year. You’ve learned to read and write, to solve problems, to make friends, and to explore the world with curiosity and kindness. Even more touching is how you’ve demonstrated Harrow’s core values — not just in your learning, but in the way you care for and support each other every day. This growth is truly admirable, and we are incredibly proud of each of you. Keep being curious, keep being kind, and keep being your wonderful, unique selves. Your adventure is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next. Congratulations, Year 1!

Dear parents: thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and trust. It is your presence and partnership that have made this year such a meaningful and fulfilling experience for your children.

Amid applause and warm wishes, the 2024–2025 Speech Day has come to a successful close. We celebrate the growth and perseverance of every Harrow student, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust shown by our teachers, students, and parents.

As a new journey begins, we hope each child will continue to dream boldly, move forward with courage, and write their own brilliant chapter ahead.