Speech & Prize Giving Day 2025
Celebrating Excellence and Community – Hallfield Speech and Prize Giving Day 2025
Published
10 July 2025
Category
#Special Feature
School
#Whole school
On Friday 4 July, the Hallfield community gathered in the grandeur of the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham for our annual Speech and Prize Giving Day – a celebration of excellence, character, and community spirit.
With pupils, parents, staff, governors and special guests in attendance, the morning began with a joyful musical showcase from across the year groups. From the uplifting voices of Years 1 and 2 singing “Every Brand-New Day” and “This Is Our School”, to the powerful performances of “Unwritten” and “Sing” by Years 5–8, The hall was filled with pride and the atmosphere was energetic. Our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Rosie Edgar and the music team for preparing such a memorable programme.
Vice Chair of Governors, Ms Kirsty McEwen, opened the ceremony before handing over to Head Master Mr Keith Morrow, who reflected on what has been an extraordinary year for Hallfield.
From awe-inspiring residentials in Iceland, Cranedale, and Gulliver’s Kingdom, to the seamless rollout of iPads across the school and the incredible success of the Hallfield Challenge, the last academic year has truly exemplified our values of happy, inspiring and purposeful. The Head Master also highlighted the exciting developments underway including the expansion of Hallfield Seniors to Year 11 and the development of a new-multi-purpose theatre as part of the Hallfield 150 Strategic Plan.


Following speeches from our Head Boys and Girls – Adam Khan, Sofia Tzouramani, Maxwell Cullen, and Mia Dulay – the audience welcomed our keynote speaker, Mr Nicholas McCarthy. An internationally acclaimed concert pianist born without his right hand, Nicholas shared his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity to pursue his passion for music. His words resonated deeply with pupils and parents alike, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and self-belief. We look forward to cheering him on at his upcoming Proms debut.
Introducing our new Head Children
Zachariah – Head Boy 2025 – 2026
Amelia-Mia – Head Girl 2025 – 2026
Rosh Nader – Deputy Head Boy 2025
Isabella – Deputy Head Girl 2025 – 2026
Qais Ali – Head of Seniors 2025 – 2026
The much-anticipated prize giving followed, recognising academic excellence, outstanding effort, leadership, and contributions to the life of the school. Among the many worthy recipients were:
- Aarav Parekh, who was awarded both the Allday Cup and Chess player of the Year alongside Arnav Dasari.
- Iyla Azim, recipient of the Derry Bowl and Drama Award.
- James Edgar, honoured with the Head Master’s Award for all-round outstanding contribution.
- Siyana Fazal, awarded the Kathryn Cartwright Community Spirit Cup.
We also celebrated the achievements of our leavers, who are heading off to a wide range of top senior schools, including King Edward’s Schools, Edgbaston High School, Solihull, Bromsgrove, and Eton College. We are especially proud of the many scholarships awarded this year across academic, sporting, music, and art disciplines.
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a clear sense of celebration and gratitude. Hallfield continues to be a place where tradition and innovation thrive hand-in-hand, and where every child is given the opportunity to discover their brilliance.
To our leavers – we wish you every success and happiness in the exciting adventures ahead. You will always be part of the Hallfield family.
To those returning in September – enjoy a restful summer break. We look forward to another incredible year together.
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