On Thursday 7th May 2026, the AKS community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 at the Upper Sixth Celebration Evening in the OAKS Hall - a memorable occasion marking the end of the students’ time at AKS before the beginning of study leave and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Guests were warmly welcomed by Senior Deputy Head Allan McKeown before the evening opened with a beautiful piano performance of No Surprises by Radiohead, performed by Jacob B.
In his address to students, families, staff and governors, Mr McKeown reflected on the significance of this important turning point in the students’ lives. He reminded the year group that while examinations are important, they do not define them. Instead, he encouraged students to recognise the many qualities and life skills they have developed throughout their time at AKS - resilience, kindness, gratitude and the confidence to believe in who they are becoming as they move forward into the next stage of their journey.
The evening’s guest speaker was former KEQMS pupil and AKS alumna Hester Cox (Class of 2016), who returned to school to share her inspiring story and advice with the departing students. Hester joined KEQMS in Year 5 and spoke fondly of the friendships and support networks she built during her school years, as well as the resilience she developed through experiences such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Reflecting on her own journey after leaving AKS, Hester explained how her passion for acting first began during her time at school, before studying Geography at the University of Bristol. She spoke about how the transition from Senior School into Sixth Form at AKS helped prepare her for university life, where she immersed herself in drama productions alongside her studies.
Hester graduated in 2019 just before the Covid-19 pandemic brought much of the country to a standstill. Speaking candidly about the uncertainty of that period, she explained how the resilience and adaptability she had developed during her school years helped her navigate the challenges ahead. Through family connections and professional networks, she secured her first voiceover opportunities, producing work for National Grid, whilst also working with the National Youth Theatre and gaining experience in producing through opportunities linked to the Edinburgh Film Festival.
Sharing her advice with the Class of 2026, Hester spoke about “the power of the network” and the importance of building meaningful relationships and connections throughout life. She also encouraged students to embrace resilience and self-belief, reminding them that it is perfectly normal not to have every step of the future mapped out.
Heads of School Alfie K and Harper C delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to Hester for her inspiring and honest words. Alfie then addressed the audience on behalf of the Class of 2026, reflecting on the bittersweet emotions of leaving school and the immense impact AKS has had on their lives.
Speaking with warmth and humour, Alfie thanked the teaching staff for their unwavering support and guidance, while also reflecting on the many trips, tours and unforgettable experiences shared throughout the years. He spoke about the important role sport and performing arts had played in
many students’ lives and expressed sincere gratitude to parents and families for the opportunities and encouragement they had provided. Above all, he thanked his fellow students for the friendships and memories they had created together, describing their time at AKS as “the best possible start” for life beyond school.
Head of Sixth Form Kevin Maund thanked Hester for returning to inspire the year group and praised Jacob B for his exceptional musical performance. The audience was then treated to a stunning vocal performance of Ad Astra by Jacob Narverud, beautifully performed by Eve C, Jen R and Kirtika S.
As part of the celebrations, each member of the Class of 2026 was invited to the stage to receive a commemorative gift from the school, marking both the occasion and their contribution to the AKS community.
Kevin Maund then led a wonderfully entertaining and nostalgic reflection on the students’ journey through school, sharing photographs, memories and humorous stories spanning their years at AKS - whether students had joined in Nursery, Prep, Senior School or Sixth Form. He reflected on the unique challenges the year group had faced, including the disruption caused by Covid-19 and lockdowns during their early years in Senior School, and praised the resilience and positivity they had shown throughout.
From sports tours and performing arts productions to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, charitable initiatives and co-curricular activities, the Class of 2026 had embraced every opportunity available to them. Mr Maund also highlighted the students’ commitment to community and wellbeing through initiatives such as AKS Action, Bring Me Sunshine and the student-led VENT wellbeing programme.
Describing the cohort as “a successful, confident and industrious year group who have been a joy to work with,” Mr Maund expressed how proud the entire school community was of all they had achieved as the evening drew to a close