HABERDASHERS’ Monmouth School gathered for their annual Prep School Speech Day.

Mr Neil Shaw highlighted the news that the school has been named Best of the Best School for Teaching and Learning in The Week Independent School for Teaching and Learning in The Week Independent Schools Guide alongside achieving second place nationally for Music.

Mr Shaw noted how 25 per cent of Year 6 pupils have reached a reading age of 17 or above, an impressive benchmark that reflects both high expectations and the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, capable learners.

The ceremony was opened by Headmaster Mr Melvyn Roffe MBE, who warmly welcomed all in attendance sharing how proud he is of the Haberdashers’ Monmouth community and praising Mr Shaw and his team for the exceptional work taking place within the Prep.

Mr Shaw encouraged pupils to take a moment to reflect on how far they have come, reminding them that a school year is shaped not only by academic results but by a effort, kindness, curiosity and personal growth.

That sense of progress and pride was perfectly captured by Head Boy Sam and Head Girl Anwen, who reflected warmly on their final year: “Right from Moving Up Day, we knew that we were going to have a great year,” they said, capturing the energy and enthusiasm that has carried pupils through a packed and rewarding calendar.

Sport has once again been a defining feature of the Prep experience. The Year six boys’ football team enjoyed an outstanding season, progressing to national finals and returning as Bowl winners, while pupils across the school excelled in hockey, cricket and swimming.

Sam and Anwen reflected on the breadth of success, noting there had been “many” sporting achievements, including a memorable football triumph at Millfield and strong performances at IAPS competitions.

Looking to the future, Sam, said: “We will definitely be taking these acts of teamwork and unity to the senior school,” a sentiment that neatly captured the confidence being built at every stage of Prep life.

The Head Boy and Head Girl reflected fondly on the experiences that have shaped their year- from the much-anticipated French trip to the ever-popular Monmouth Science Fair =, described as “an exciting experience of innovation and creativity,” where pupils can truly express themselves.

Music and drama also remain central to life at the school, with pupils themselves saying “music is a very important element of our school,” and celebrating highlights such as concerts, ensembles and the Prep production of All The King’s Men.

Each year group has flourished in its own distinct way: Year three through their curiosity, creativity and love of discovery; Year four through their kindness, teamwork and community spirit; and year five through a growing sense of independence and quiet confidence.

For Year six, this final year has been full of memorable milestones, from leadership opportunities to trips at home and abroad that have broadened horizons and built independence.

A highlight of the morning was the presentation of prizes by Past Master Richard Glover – an Old Monmothian and brother of the school’s Patron of the Performing Arts, Dame Jane Glover.

Across the school, pupils were recognised for their achievements, including:

Year six prizes awarded to pupils such as Flora E (perseverance), Anwen T (accomplishment), Ozzie N (Good Egg), Chloe-Mae P (Art), Delilah W (Music) and Sam M (Science).

Subject awards including Azaan I (Maths), Rufus B (English), Steffan B (Performing Arts) and Max J (Languages).

Special honours such as the Joan Prothero Prize for Music (Scarlett T), Handel Prothero Prize for Art (Hannah B) and the Colter Prize for Contribution to Music (Leo W).

House competitions were also celebrated, culminating in Imbert Terry being named Overall House Cup winners.

A particularly moving moment came as Sam and Anwen awarded the Head Boy and Head Girl’s Prize to Hannah B and Barnaby W-M, recognising them as “great friends to everyone” and true unsung heroes of the school community.

In their closing words, Sam and Anwen summed up the year beautifully, describing it as “filled with growth, laughter and learning,” and thanking staff and wider community for making it so memorable.