As ever, this reflects brilliantly on the commitment and hard work of our pupils, the inspirational teaching of our Common Room and the huge efforts made by all members of staff to help identify and support those individuals who elsewhere might have fallen by the wayside. We judge our success not just by how we help the most able but by how we lift up and enthuse those for whom academic work is more demanding. That is really what a Brighton College education is all about.
One other thing I would add is that this was a year group more than any other that devoted huge amounts of time to sport, music, drama, dance and, above all, to charitable work and outreach. Their work with the homeless, refugees and the terminally ill was the main theme of my Speech Day address simply because those efforts were so pervasive and inspiring. That they managed to do all that and still achieve such wonderful results is truly humbling.
And as for those children who might have done less well than they might have wanted, their teachers and parents are encouraging them not dwell on it for too long. They have all done brilliantly by national standards and my colleagues and I stand ready to help each and every one of them to find a place at a really good university on a valuable course - if that is what they want. But university is not for everyone. Just ask Richard Branson.
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