The return to school was celebrated in two wonderful ways on Friday 6^th January; with beautiful Epiphany services for all students during the day, and our inaugural Graduation Night for the Class of 2022 in the evening.

Our Class of 2022 left us after finishing their A Levels in the summer, and, as our newest Old Georgians, have been settling into university life or gap years over the last few months.

We welcomed them back to College with the red carpet treatment, starting with a champagne and canape reception in the Red House, before seating students and their families in the Chapel for the service. With over 350 students and their families attending, it was fantastic to see so many friends reunited, and the buzz of excitement that they filled the reception with.

The service was a tour de force, full of joy and celebration and uplifting hymns. It was led by Mr Jon Carr, Head of Sixth Form, with an address from Headmistress Mrs Rachel Owens and an outstanding speech from OG Matthew Johnson. Matthew left St George’s in 2019 after what he describes as a ‘great six years’ to study Economics at the University of Nottingham. He graduated last summer with a First Class degree and has since joined Haines Watts in London as an Audit and Accounts Trainee, where he is currently working towards his ACA qualification. His speech was funny, inspirational, and relatable. Students, staff and parents alike were rapt.

As the service moved onto the important presentation of A Level Certificates and Prizes, Matthew was delighted to help Mrs Owens present, shake hands and celebrate all our students’ achievements. In addition to the A Level Certificates for all, 55 well deserved Prizes were awarded, including the VC Ethos Cup, which went to Maddie Berenson and Anthony Menezes.

Father Martin concluded the service with a blessing before everyone joined in a rousing rendition of the School Hymn. Finishing with the line, By AMORE ET LABORE, that we may live in peace, it sounded exactly the right end note to a truly uplifting evening.

Many of the students then went onto a local pub for their first OG reunion event. We look forward to hearing from them as OGs long into the future.

“It was an honour to be invited back as the first Upper Sixth Graduation Guest Speaker and see so much engagement from the newest cohort of Old Georgians." Matthew shared after the event. "I enjoyed speaking with them and hearing about the exciting plans they have ahead of them. I wish them the best of luck."