The threat of storm Goretti did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of staff, students and pupils as the school prepared to open the doors to prize-winners and their parents for our 67th Annual Speech Night. The event celebrates the achievements of Year 11 pupils and Upper Sixth (Year 13) students from 2024-25. It was a night of reflection, inspiration, and pride for the entire school community.
The occasion was presided over by the Chair of Governors, Canon David Arnold, who spoke of the importance of the values of the Christian school, and the importance of taking the Good News of Jesus out to the world. In the absence of the Headmaster, Canon Richard Jones, the Deputy Heads delivered a review of the year bursting with information about triumphs and successes, as well as some more reflective parts. We spent a moment in prayer for Kiara Ainsworth, from Year 9, who sadly died last year, and whom we remember with fondness.
We were pleased that Iain Parks, who is the Director of Education for the Blackburn Diocese Board of Education, was able to join us to present the certificates, trophies, and commendations to students who had excelled academically, athletically, and in community service.
The evening also featured musical interludes performed by the Senior Vocals, with some beautiful singing that brought a smile to the faces of the attendees.
The highlight of the night was the presence of the distinguished guest speaker, The Rt Revd Dr. Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley. The awards ceremony followed, with the Bishop presenting certificates, trophies, and commendations to students who had excelled academically, athletically, and in community service. Among the notable recipients were Molly McCarthy from Year 11, who received the ‘School Prize for Academic Merit’, and Elliott Moseley, who was presented with the ‘Alasdair Coates Award for Best Academic Results’ for his tireless dedication to his studies in the Sixth Form.
The evening also featured musical interludes performed by the Sixth Form Cantores, with some beautiful singing that brought a smile to the faces of the attendees.
Ex-pupils and their families filled the hall with applause and laughter, sharing memories and marvelling at the accomplishments of the current generation. For many alumni, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends and mentors while reflecting on the enduring legacy of the school.
The event concluded with the school hymn ‘Christopher’s Story’ and a vote of thanks by the current Head Boy and Head Girl of the Sixth Form, followed by refreshments in the dining room, where conversations buzzed with pride and nostalgia. As the crowd dispersed, there was a shared sense of belonging to something greater—a community rooted in faith, learning, and a commitment to excellence.
For St Christopher's CE High School and Sixth Form, our Annual Speech Night is not just a celebration of achievements, but a reaffirmation of our mission to inspire and equip our children for lives of purpose and impact.
In the words of our Foundation scripture (Psalm 1:3):
‘That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.’
You can view more photos from the night on our Facebook page via this link to the album.