Pupils, parents, staff, governors and members of the alumni community from Westcliff High School for Boys gathered on Thursday 9 November for the School’s Annual Speech Day.  This formal occasion, and a highlight of the School year, is an event which formally acknowledges and celebrates the remarkable achievements of its pupils over the past academic year.

This year’s Guest of Honour was Sir Graham Brady, distinguished MP for Altrincham and Sale West, and Chair of the 1922 Committee.  Sir Graham, a grammar school pupil himself, addressed students, presented public examination certificates and celebrated individual remarkable achievements by awarding prizes for academic success, progress and service to the School.  Other distinguished guests attending were the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Cllr Stephen Habermel and Mrs Anna Firth MP.

Headmaster, Mike Skelly commented “It is always a pleasure to see the School Community come together to celebrate another year of success at WHSB at this wonderful event in the School year.  We thank everyone for joining us for the evening, to celebrate the achievements of our pupils.  I congratulate them and the many prize winners on their well-deserved awards. We thank our Guest of Honour, Sir Graham Brady MP, for his special contribution towards our celebration, and we are also most grateful to the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Stephen Habermel, Mrs Anna Firth MP and to the pupils, parents, governors, staff, Old Westcliffians and friends of the School, who joined us for this occasion.”

Those in the accompanying photograph from left to right are: Will School Captain, Max Deputy School Captain, Mrs Anna Firth MP, Sir Graham Brady MP, Mike Skelly Headmaster, The Mayor of Southend Cllr Stephen Habermel, Jacob Deputy School Captain, Moboluwarin Deputy School Captain and Maximilian Deputy School Captain.