Speech Day 2025 brought the Campbell Community together to celebrate a year of achievement, to honour service, and to mark a significant moment of transition in the life of the College.

The event opened with a welcome from the Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Jamie Andrews, who reflected on the strength of Campbell College and the dedication of its staff. He expressed gratitude to the teaching and operational teams and the senior leadership for their unwavering commitment to the boys and the values of the College. He also acknowledged the retirement of Headmaster Mr Robert Robinson, MBE, thanking him for 13 years of distinguished service and leadership. Looking ahead, he welcomed Mr Jonathan Anderson, who will become Head of Campbell College, and Mrs Christine Haslett, who will take up the role of Head of Campbell College Junior School, in the coming academic year.

A formal tribute to Mr Robinson was delivered by His Honour Judge AFW Devlin, former Chair of the Board of Governors. Judge Devlin spoke of Mr Robinson’s transformative impact on the College, from raising academic standards and broadening the curriculum to overseeing major capital projects and enhancing pastoral care. His steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noted, as was his ability to balance tradition with innovation. Judge Devlin described him as a man of integrity, humility and vision, a Headmaster who leaves Campbell stronger than he found it.

In his final address as Headmaster, Mr Robert Robinson reflected on his 13 years of service to Campbell College. He described the school not merely as a place of work, but as a home and a calling. He spoke of the growth in pupil numbers, the expansion of the boarding community, and the steady rise in academic achievement. He recalled the introduction of new subjects, the restructuring of the school day, and the investment in facilities, from the restoration of the clock tower to the development of the new sports centre. He reminded the audience that education at Campbell has never been solely about examination results. It is about preparing boys for life, helping them grow into young men who are resilient, thoughtful, and ready to face challenges with confidence. “It’s about how to cope with life,” he said, “how to make the right decisions when the ball drops at your feet.” He shared memories of key moments: the CS Lewis Festival lantern parade, the 125th anniversary celebrations, the Schools’ Cup rugby victory in 2018, and the quiet pride of seeing pupils show grace in defeat.  Mr Robinson offered a heartfelt thank you to the boys, saying they had often taught him as much as he had taught them. He expressed his gratitude to parents for entrusting their sons to the College, to his colleagues for their friendship, and to the governors for their steadfast support.

In closing, he quoted Robert Burns, a poet he often referenced during his time at Campbell:

“Then let us pray that come it may,

As come it will for a’ that,

That man to man the world o’er

Shall brothers be for a’ that.”

He reminded pupils that the best is yet to come and thanked them for allowing him to be part of their journey.

The Chief Guest’s Address was delivered by Old Campbellian Mr Gareth Reid (7664), an internationally acclaimed portrait artist. Mr Reid shared a compelling and deeply personal account of his journey from the Campbell College art room to the National Portrait Gallery and beyond. He spoke candidly about overcoming fear, embracing challenges, and the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities that lie outside one’s comfort zone. Reflecting on his time at Campbell, Mr Reid credited the foundational influence of his art teacher, Robert Bottom, and the inspiration he found in artist Mark Shields. He described how these early experiences shaped his creative path and instilled in him the discipline of drawing from life, lessons that would later underpin his success. He recounted his rise to prominence, including winning Sky Portrait Artist of the Year and Portrait Artist of the Decade, and shared remarkable stories, such as discovering a family connection to TV presenter Graham Norton and his recent work painting British and Irish Lions players. His message to pupils was clear and powerful: practice hard, embrace the difficult, and be ready for when the luck shows up.

The ceremony also featured outstanding musical performances that showcased the depth of talent across the school. Year 9 pupil Caleb Lawrence, a gifted violinist, delivered a remarkable solo performance. At just 13 years old, Caleb has already passed his diploma exam with distinction and has been recognised as Junior Instrumentalist of the Year. His performance, featuring works by Tchaikovsky and Crow, was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. This was followed by a moving choral performance led by Year 8 pupil Johnny Gad and the Middle School Choir. Their rendition of Suo Gân, a traditional Welsh lullaby, offered a moment of calm reflection amid the day’s celebrations.

Before the closing address, the audience enjoyed one of the most anticipated moments of the day: the distribution of prizes. This extensive celebration of achievement recognised academic excellence and extracurricular success across all year groups.  From the youngest pupils in Year 8 to the Year 14 students preparing to leave, the prize winners exemplified the values of Campbell College. Their achievements, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the arts, or through service, were a testament to the hard work of pupils and the dedication of staff. The atmosphere throughout the ceremony was one of pride and celebration, as families, staff, and peers applauded the efforts and successes of the boys. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of the Campbell Community and the bright future that lies ahead.

The final word of the day came from Head Prefect Jed Dornan, who addressed the audience on behalf of the pupils. Jed delivered a heartfelt and articulate reflection on his time at Campbell College, speaking with maturity, warmth, and sincerity. He paid tribute to the staff for their unwavering support and guidance, and to his fellow pupils for the camaraderie and shared experiences that define life at Campbell. Jed spoke movingly about the values instilled in him during his time at the College: resilience, respect, and responsibility. He acknowledged the legacy of Mr Robinson, thanking him for his leadership and for creating an environment where boys are encouraged to grow not just academically, but as individuals. He also spoke about the importance of community and the unique spirit of Campbell, encouraging younger pupils to make the most of every opportunity and to support one another. He offered a special thank you to Mr Mukula for his support as Head of Year, describing him as someone who led with humour, care, and consistency, and who always made time for the boys. Jed noted that Mr Mukula’s steady presence and approachable leadership had made a lasting impact on his year group. His speech served as a fitting close to a memorable day.

As the College looks ahead to a new chapter, Speech Day 2025 served as a tribute to the people, values and traditions that continue to shape Campbell College.

A range of photographs from the day is available in the gallery and more will be added by the end of the week so please remember to check back!