Rose Day
Held in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 21st June 2025, Rose Day is an annual event that stands at the pinacle of Clifton High School's calendar. It is an occasion that unites our community, signifiing a sense of belonging for each and every community member as we gather together in a service that celebrates all our pupils, most especially those reaching the milestone of Year 13. It s a poignant opportunity to wish our departing students well on their future journeys and leave them with a final reminder of the traditions and values that stand tall at Clifton High School.
This year, we welcomed special guest, Clifton Rosarian and Head of Programmes at BAFTA, Miss Mariyah Kaderbhai. She addressed the congregation with a reflective and inspirational speech, touching upon her own education at Clifton High School and the impact it has had on her vibrant career. We are incredibly grateful for affording us her time and participating in this year's service.
Our Head, Mr Will Phelan, spoke about our collective and shared experiences at Clifton High School; memories that will forever transport pupils and students back to School days wherever they find themselves in the future. He endearingly referred to those leaving the School as 'stardust' - flying off into the world, travelling in separate pathways with the love and light of their time at Clifton High School held within them. He also shared a poem that had touched him personally - Pessimism is for Lightweights by Salena Godden, which drew upon the theme of 'saving the heart of a community and the soul of humanity'.
Thank you to all our guests, parents, dignitaries, Rosarians, students, pupils and staff members who made Rose Day 2025 such a special occasion.
PESSIMISM IS FOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Think of those that marched this road before
And those that will march here in years to come
The road in shadow and the road in the sun
The road before us and the road all done
History is watching us and what will we becomeThere is power and strength in optimism
To have faith and to stay true to you
Because if you can look in the mirror
And have belief and promise you
Will share wonder in living things
Beauty, dreams, books and art
Love your neighbour and be kind
And have an open heartThen you're already winning at living
You speak up, you show up and stand tall
It's silence that is complicit
It's apathy that hurts us all
Pessimism is for lightweightsThere is no straight white line
It's the bumps and curves and obstacles
That make this time yours and mine
Pessimism is for lightweights
Pessimism is for lightweights
This road is never easy and straight
And living is all about living alive and lively
And love will conquer hate
(c) Salena Godden. Arnolfini version. January 2018
Rose Drinks Reception
After the Rose Day service at Bristol Cathedral, Year 13 students, their parents. Rosarians and special guests were invited back to the Lawn at Clifton High School for a celebratory Drinks Reception. It was a reenactment of years gone by and a beautiful event to take forward in future years that enabled famlies the opportunity to relax in the sunshine (with a lucky sprinkling of rain), mingle with other families and toast our Year 13 students. Rose Drinks was a warm and social experience with many Rosarians being welcomed back to reminise and tour the grounds, filling Clifton High School with the chatter of past, present and future tales.
Rose Ball
On the evening of Saturday 21st June, Year 13 students, their parents and invited staff members arrived at Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel adorned in their glamourous outfits and black-tie suits for our annual Rose Ball. Guests enjoyed a three-course evening meal, drinks and dancing to celebrate in style the Class of 2025. This year's theme was 'A Night Under the Stars' which was perfect for the balmy summer evening that only enhanced the evening.
The last in the Trio of Rose events, this was the culmination of the tireless efforts and coordination of our Events Team. We thank them for creating such special memories for all our community members.
Senior Prizegiving Ceremony
On Monday 23rd June. our Senior Prizegiving Ceremony, held at Clifton Cathedral, was an event that recognised the achievements and journeys of all our Senior School pupils and Sixth Form students. Their commitment to academia, sports and the arts is commendable and as we approach the end of this academic year, it was the perfect event to applaud them for their ambition in striving for success.
It was a pleasure, once again, to welcome Clifton Rosarian and Head of Programmes at BAFTA, Miss Mariyah Kaderbhai, to present the awards to pupils and students and we thank her for her time and inspiring words.
Our thanks also extend to all our speakers, readers and performers at the Senior Prizegiving Ceremony for their collective energy in creating such a special and memorable event for guests.
Junior Rosette Day
Our Junior School families joined us for a wonderful afternoon of celebration on Wednesday 25th June 2025. Starting with an engaging awards ceremony, interspersed with pupil performances at Christ Church Clifton, the true joy of Junior School life at Clifton High School shone through. A warm thank you to our Music Department for their dedication in supporting the children to demonstrate such confidence throughout the event.
Families were invited to return to School for a Drinks Reception; providing them with the opportunity to mingle with other parents and staff members whllst enjoying a cooling glass of fizz or soft drink.
Infant Rosette Day
Our Infant Rosette Day was, as always, a well attended affair that showcased the pure joy of our Infant School children as they performed to their parents and extended family members. Held in the Main Hall on the morning of Thursday 26th June, all children received an award, certificate or rosette in recognition of their hard work and efforts in all aspects of their School life. Their enthusiasm and happiness was clear for all members of the audience to see and these are the small moments that we truly value at Clifton High School.
