1. HOYEON, leaving Senior Grecian

Hoyeon has a place at Oxford University to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Being Senior Grecian has been more than I ever imagined. I had looked up to Senior Grecians over the years, but I never dreamt that one day it would be me, enjoying all the remarkable opportunities that come with the role.

Stand out moments and Speech Day

There have been many standout moments. Taking part in the school’s visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, marching the whole school through London and delivering a reading were all extraordinary. Another unexpected highlight was a trip to Korea. I offered, half in jest, to accompany the trip as a translator because I had lived there until I was seven. To my surprise, I found myself in Korea, helping to promote the school. It was surreal.

Speech Day was a particularly significant occasion. I delivered my oration immediately after the Head Teacher and before the Lord Mayor’s response. I was extremely nervous in the lead-up, but on the day, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had worked hard and it all came together.

Leadership and responsibility

The public-facing events that come with being Senior Grecian are only the tip of the iceberg. The real responsibility lies in leading the Monitor team, a group of 18 students. Although I had held other leadership positions at CH, such as serving on the School Council and as Vice House Captain, it was the first time I had properly led a team. I could not have done it without Abigail, our Second Monitor, and we worked extremely well as a unit. I learnt so much: team management, problem-solving and how to utilise people’s strengths effectively. It has been a valuable experience and I am proud of what we have achieved.

Combining music and academia

Music has been central to my life here. I play the violin and saxophone, and I have been part of the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, quartets, Big Band, Concert Band and, for a time, the choir. The Angus Ross Gala Concert was particularly special as I performed Remembrances by John Williams. Big Band solos have also been a personal highlight, but nothing compares to winning the house singing competition, not once but twice, and then again as a Grecian. Encouraging a group of 18-year-old boys to sing A Whole New World is no small feat, but we did it and we had great fun.

Balancing my musical commitments with rigorous academic demands taught me about time management and selfdiscipline. Music gave structure to my day and kept me grounded. Academically, reaching the finals of the Ethics Cup was another memorable achievement. We remained undefeated through to the national final, where we lost on a coin toss. It was a tough loss, but a fantastic experience.

An incredible journey

CH has provided me with opportunities I never anticipated, from music to leadership and travel. The variety of experiences, the sense of community and the freedom to try new things have all shaped who I am. I shall miss it all. It has been an incredible journey.

2. ABIGAIL, leaving Second Monitor

Abigail has a place at Leicester University to read Economics

Being Second Monitor has been an amazing experience such great fun. At the beginning, it was certainly a leap in terms of confidence. I wanted the role, but I was both surprised and deeply humbled to get it. I am imm ensely grateful for everything that has come with the position.

I remember, as a younger student, seeing the Monitors as towering, slightly intimidating figures. I certainly never imagined I would one day be one myself. But these days, I feel there is a stronger connection between Monitors and the younger students. The Monitor role feels more approachable and accessible. In turn, knowing that younger students take your words to heart makes you far more thoughtful about what you say.

On a personal level, being Second Monitor has taught me that I am capable of far more than I ever thought. Communication, teamwork and simply checking in with others have become an instinctive part of how I conduct myself, both within and beyond the Monitor team. The role has helped me grow in confidence and encouraged me to reflect on all that CH has given me.

When I arrived at CH, I was incredibly shy. I barely spoke during my first two weeks in Second Form, but our house parents were wonderful and our year group became very close-knit. In Upper Fourth, when I was struggling a bit, my house parent took the time to talk to me and that conversation helped me to pause and reflect. It was a real turning point.

Faith and friendships

Being part of the Gospel Choir has brought me closer to my faith and built my confidence. I have formed deep, lasting friendships through the choir and it has taught me to be comfortable in my own skin. The sense of community it gave me helped me realise that I could carry that confidence into every area of my life. Performing at the Royal Albert Hall was unforgettable.

Representing the county

In Upper Fourth, I took up discus and discovered a real love for the sport. It helped that I had an excellent coach and plenty of one-to-one time. I kept training and eventually qualified to represent the county and compete at Nationals in Manchester, an achievement of which I am very proud.

Looking back

Reflecting on my time here, it is the little moments that have mattered most. Having real conversations with people and that sense of belonging are what I shall miss the most. I met my best friend at the residential, before I had formally started my time at CH. We are still incredibly close and, to me, that says everything about CH. It gives you lifelong friends and the space to grow.

3. RAFFY, leaving Grecian and Monitor

Raffy has an offer to read Geography at Cambridge University

When I saw the bands here, Marching Band, Big Band and everything else, something just clicked. If I had gone to a different school, I doubt I Being Second Monitor has been an amazing experience and would be involved in music at all...

I have loved my time at CH. I have been a boarder and a day student. Boarding is fun and you get incredibly close to your friends. There is always something going on. It is full-on and I have many great memories of Saturday nights, random adventures around the site and hilarious moments with friends. CH has allowed me to be busy, challenged and connected all at once.

Music and sport

I arrived focused purely on sport, but CH has helped me discover music, develop academically and gain a broader view of life and the world. When I saw the bands here, Marching Band, Big Band and everything else, something just clicked. If I had gone to a different school, I doubt I would be involved in music at all, but here, it has given me structure, discipline and joy. I’ve loved performing. The Lord Mayor’s Show, where we performed in front of thousands of people in London, was a real highlight, but I also loved our Big Band concerts, especially one in Greater Erasmus where I had a solo.

Being Head Drummer last year was a big challenge, but also incredibly fulfilling. It has taught me leadership and how to bring people of different skill levels together. Similarly, being a Monitor helped me refine my time management skills and gave me new friendships, although one of the most rewarding aspects has been engaging with younger students.

Cricket has also become a real passion. I have been Captain of the First XI, which has been challenging but fun. We have not always won, so when we did, it was especially sweet. I am also really proud of my Steeplechase wins. I won in Upper Fourth, Deputy Grecians and in Grecians. Running was not something I came here loving, but I have really embraced it.

TikTok fame

After chapel one day I got asked to help film a video. I agreed, and somehow that five-second TikTok clip went viral. It now has more than 55 million views. It is fascinating to see what goes viral and why, although I do not actually use TikTok myself.

Last words of advice

My advice to anyone just starting at CH is to take every opportunity. Not everything will work out, but the more you put yourself forward, the more you will gain, from friends to skills to experiences.

4. MICHELLE, leaving Grecian and House Captain

Michelle heads to Exeter University to study neuroscience

The last two years of A levels have been the most formative for me. They have helped me become more independent, organised and disciplined. I really value the strong sense of community here.

The power of leadership roles

I have really enjoyed my House Captain role. I like being in a leadership position and acting as a link between staff and students. It’s a great way to help the house run smoothly. Organisation is key. Balancing meetings, School Council and academics is a juggling act. Communication and confidence are important too.

When I first joined CH, I was quite shy. Taking on leadership roles helped me grow, especially being voted in by my peers. That gave me the confidence to speak up and engage.

Musical contrast

I play the flute and I was in the Marching Band. Joining the band was one of my best decisions at CH. I took part in the St Matthew’s Day Parade and the Lord Mayor’s Show. It has been a brilliant contrast to academic life and helped me develop self-discipline and time management.

Challenge and encouragement

The French trip to Normandy in Third Form was a highlight and the French teachers have always been incredibly supportive. The chemistry department has also been amazing. The teachers are very passionate and their enthusiasm is infectious. They offered me lots of one-to-one sessions, which was a huge help. The challenges they gave me have been motivating. They believed in me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I could.

5. TRISTAN, leaving Grecian

Tristan is going to Southampton University to read Economics

The first time I visited CH, it was for a History Mystery Drama Day when I was still at primary school. It made a big impression on me and was part of what attracted me to the school.

Drama and singing

I have thrown myself into drama here and at the start of last year, I was very proud to be awarded a drama scholarship.

I have been in two major productions. Last year, I played Anthony in Sweeney Todd, which was my first time singing solo on stage. I had been in the choir for seven years, but I had never done solo performances before. I received singing lessons as part of the preparation. It was nerve-racking but incredible. This year, I had several smaller roles in Les Misérables as well as supporting the overall production and helping things run smoothly.

A lifelong love of sport and the great outdoors

I have also tried rugby, squash, hockey, Rugby Fives, golf, football and, of course, cricket. During a cricket match last year, I hit the winning runs off my own coach. It was such an amazing moment. Walking Hadrian’s Wall was another great experience. We stayed in barracks, got to know the teachers and each other better, and experienced all kinds of weather.

Boarding life and balance

When I arrived at CH, I was very loud. One of the first things they encourage here is to find your balance. If you are loud, learn to listen. If you are quiet, find your voice. That really stayed with me. CH taught me to step back sometimes, to reflect and to appreciate different perspectives. Being in a boarding house has taught me independence, responsibility and how to live alongside others.

6. VIERAN, leaving Grecian and Monitor

Vieran will be reading Biomedical Engineering at Sheffield University

Other schools felt more pressured to be the best, but here it is more about being your best, which I really value...

I have had an amazing five years here. It’s going to be hard to leave, but I know I am taking a lot with me. At the start, what stood out about CH was the environment. It seemed nurturing and supportive. Other schools felt more pressured to be the best, but here it is more about being your best, which I really value.

Becoming Captain of the squash team in Deps was my first real position of responsibility. It taught me I could manage tasks, lead a team and stay on top of everything else. It gave me the confidence to go for more opportunities and I have kept that mentality ever since. Now I say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. As a result, I have been House Captain and a Monitor. Those roles have taught me networking and peer management skills and I have learnt to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Young Carers Society and South Asian Society

I am a young carer and so I know home life can get hectic as a result. That is part of the reason I wanted to board. I founded the Young Carers Society as a way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Even if our numbers have not been huge, the option to come together is important. It’s better to have a space available than not.

I founded the South Asian Society for similar reasons, in that it offers a place to share and explore cultural experiences and challenges. Issues around race or identity can be hard to talk about with people who don’t understand or share your background. These societies create a supportive space where people just get it. I will definitely try to stay in touch with the people I have connected with through these groups.

Public speaking and trying new things

I would never have tried public speaking if I had not come to CH, but I have now given several assemblies. Similarly, in Greater Erasmus, I applied for something called the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. I didn’t know much about it, but it sounded interesting and I was successful. That led to work experience with DePuy, a Johnson & Johnson company, at their Leeds facility. I have even been in touch with their Head of Knee Research.

Advice for students just starting at CH

Challenge yourself, even if you are already doing well. And do not be afraid to fail. That is how you grow. If you find schoolwork easy, look for something harder. And take every opportunity you can, even if it seems small. You never know what it could lead to.

7. ALEXANDER, leaving Grecian

Alexander has a singing scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music

I’ve been playing the cello since I was about five or six. Music has always been part of my life. I had always enjoyed singing, but I only started taking lessons around Upper Fourth. That is when I realised just how much I loved it. Since then, I have sung in the Chapel Choir and the Schola Cantorum.

Exceptional opportunities

I was part of the Symphony Orchestra from about Third Form and the Chamber Orchestra from Lower Erasmus. Performing with the Symphony Orchestra, especially for Evensong services, has been a real privilege. The musical opportunities here are exceptional. Outside of a dedicated music school, I don’t think there is anything better. You have access to choirs, orchestras and regular hymn services. It is quite unparalleled.

Musical highlights

A big moment for me was performing Schubert’s Winterreise as part of my EPQ. That was in March 2024 and it was a really powerful experience. The Christmas carol services over the years have also been amazing, with such a magical atmosphere.

But the upcoming Shostakovich concert at the end of the summer term, where I played the solo cello in his First Cello Concerto, was a huge deal for me.

I’m going to really miss the music here at CH. The performances, the rehearsals and the people. The musical community is incredible. I will also miss the traditions, as well as the friendships and connections I have made.

8. FLEUR, leaving Grecian

Fleur is going to the Royal Marines School of Music’s Band Service

Music was one of the reasons I came to CH and I have grown a lot as a musician here, more than I would have elsewhere. The access to musicians from different industries and backgrounds, like Mr Carter and Mr Bates from the Royal Marines, or Mr Jones and Mr Bartlett from the choral world, has been invaluable.

CCF and the role of Band Captain

I joined CCF a year late, but I completed my basics and ended up as second in command of the Navy section. That is where I really felt in my element. We even got to watch the Trooping the Colour rehearsals recently and that was an amazing experience.

Becoming Band Captain has probably been my most enjoyable role. It involves giving the marching signal and sometimes leading the band. There is also behind-the-scenes admin and organising, like arranging music or sorting out tour hoodies. It’s a real privilege. One of the most memorable moments recently was being given a necklace by a former Band Captain. It is a quiet tradition where they pass something symbolic to the next female Band Captain.

Life as a Monitor

I have been Chapel Monitor and also looked after music and theatre. The Monitors’ Showcase last term was definitely a highlight. It was full of skits and music and we got the teachers involved. We had a Britain’s Got Talent-themed act, bands and even a hot wings interview with staff. The questions got harder as the wings got spicier. It was a lot of work but a great evening.

9. JUDITH, leaving Grecian and Monitor

Judith is heading to Brighton MET to do an Art Foundation course

I’m going to really miss the friendships and the community here. It’s a unique school, but it’s the people who make it so special...

When I arrived at CH in Second Form as a day student, I was really quiet and timid. At first, I felt like I was missing out when I had to go home at 4 p.m., but that feeling soon faded. And when I later joined CCF, it gave me a voice and the confidence to lead.

I’ve been a Monitor, a senior cadet in the CCF and Captain of the first hockey team. Being a Monitor adds a different dimension as you connect with younger students and help create that sense of community. It’s a great way of giving back.

Music and marching

Remembrance Day was a powerful moment. We also got to see a rehearsal for the King’s Birthday Parade, which was a cool blend of my interests in CCF and music. Oh, and walking Hadrian’s Wall. That was one of my first big expeditions. It completely took me out of my comfort zone.

Music has become something I love. It’s a great feeling to be playing in a band surrounded by others who also love it. It can be chaotic, but when it all comes together, it’s brilliant. At first, you rely on older students for guidance, but eventually, you become that guiding figure. You’re mentoring younger players, even if you don’t have a formal role.

Art and Mandarin

Art has been a huge part of my life here. There’s a lot on offer and so many different mediums. The Art School is always open and accessible and it’s a fantastic resource.

I’ve particularly enjoyed ceramics and textiles and I like the more tactile processes. You can really carve your own path here and the teachers don’t tell you what to do step-by-step. It’s more about helping you realise your vision. They guide you and then let you explore through trial and error. It’s very self-directed.

I also took Mandarin, which is not easy, but the teaching is great, especially at A level. Again, there’s a lot of support and I used to go to two or three speaking sessions a week. The teachers always match the effort you put in.

Looking back and forward

I’m going to really miss the friendships and the community here. It’s a unique school, but it’s the people who make it so special. My advice to any students just starting at CH would be to take every opportunity, both academic and extracurricular. You build different communities through different activities. I’ve got my band group, my CCF group and I’ve also helped lead the LGBTQ+ and Mixed Heritage societies. They’ve given me new perspectives and helped me grow.

10. SASHA, leaving Grecian

Sasha is off to Oxford University to read Medicine

Biology at Christ’s Hospital has been brilliant. I have always enjoyed STEM subjects, but during my time here I realised I’m more drawn to chemistry and biology than maths and physics. Some of my teachers really nurtured that interest, going beyond the curriculum, talking about ecology and other areas they are passionate about. That enthusiasm is infectious. In Grecians, I had Miss O’Connor, and we both love human biology, so it was great to stay after class and have proper conversations about the subject.

Olympiads

The school runs lots of Olympiads. I’ve taken part in the UK Maths Challenge, the Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiads and the Biology Olympiad. It’s a very different way of approaching a subject by way of problem-solving and applying your knowledge, rather than just learning content. Based on your score, you get a gold, silver or bronze. I made it through to the second round in the Biology Olympiad, which involved analysing a scientific article and answering questions. It was a real challenge and a fun experience that complemented what we do in class.

Climbing and music

Outside the classroom, CH has given me so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. I’m not naturally sporty, but I got into climbing. We’ve been off-site to centres in East Grinstead and Brighton, and we also went on a number of amazing outdoor trips.

There have been so many musical opportunities too. I have taken part in the Lord Mayor’s Show, St Matthew’s Day Parade, Beating Retreat, Concert Band and Big Band, which is more jazz-focused. Standing up to play a short solo was something I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do a few years ago.

11. TANI, leaving Grecian and Monitor

Tani is taking a year out before studying optometry at Cardiff University

On my very first visit to CH, I absolutely fell in love with the place: the ethos and the uniqueness. I loved how different CH was from any other school, even down to the uniform. The teachers here are really supportive and my house parents have been like parents, keeping me grounded, always there for me, supportive, fun and approachable.

Leadership and music

I have had a really busy time at CH. I have been a Monitor and Assistant Band Captain. I play the trumpet and have played in the Marching Band and Brass Ensemble, which are the groups I really connected with. I also sang in the Gospel Choir and performed at the Royal Albert Hall last November. Music has been a form of escapism. When you’re not in the classroom, music gives you a different kind of freedom, collaborating, performing and simply enjoying the moment with others.

The Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS)

I was also the Food and Finance Coordinator for ACS. I helped organise our Culture Shock event. It was stressful, but I learned a lot about project management and teamwork. It has definitely helped build skills I will use if I run my own business in the future.

Sport and teamwork

I had never played rugby before CH, but I gave it a try and the coaches told me I was good. That encouragement pushed me to keep showing up and work hard, and eventually, I became Captain, something I am really proud of.

Looking back

Stand out memories at CH for me include coming second in the Royal Chemistry Challenge in Upper Fourth and taking part in the Baltimore Exchange Trip. I made a lifelong friend and I am going back to visit him this summer.