Our 2023 Remembrance Service was led by School Chaplain Mike Wildsmith and attended by some of the schools’ former student ‘Old Boys’, including former students who are currently in the cadets and serving in the forces. Students from St Elphins CE Primary School also attended. Current students who are cadets wore their uniforms.

The first part of the service took place in the schools’ Peace Garden, which is decorated by a poppy cascade donated by St Barnabas CE Primary School, clay poppies made by our students and Union Jack donated from Bridgefoot cenotaph. The service then continued in the school hall with performances from students, leading to a 2 minute silence at 11am. Year 11 student Hayley Ng played the Last Post on her trumpet. The Flute group played ‘Air on a G String’ and Edna Chan played ‘Kiss the Rain’ on the piano. The poppy dress which Head of Art Mrs Sam Joice created in 2017, made from over 900 individual poppies made by students across all year groups, again made an appearance being worn by Year 11 student Neve Boswell. Neve also sang a solo, ‘The Rose ‘. The front of the stage was decorated with poppies with words of thanks – every student in our school community had written one.

Headteacher Mrs Scott-Herron commented: “It was a very moving service. As the Boteler Family, today was about remembering those who are with us and those who aren’t with us anymore. It is vital that our young people experience reflection within a service and understand the impact that war and conflicts have on society. The level of respect shown in the service and around school really does demonstrate our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. To be able to come together and to remember and reflect is very powerful.”