Tradition was broken in St Mark’s Parish Church on Friday 19th September when the school held its first Speech Day for decades. Usually, this event is held on a Thursday night, but the move to Friday afternoon proved popular with an excellent attendance of pupils and parents. The time and day were the only departures from tradition, though, and all other main elements proceeded in time-honoured fashion. Following the academic procession, the ceremony was opened with the singing of Lord for the Years, and with prayers from the Rector of St Mark’s, Rev. Canon M.T. Kingston, and the Head Boy, Finlay Starrett. The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Archbishop John McDowell, was unable to be present, and his role was ably performed by Mrs K.M.E. Taylor, the chairman of the board’s Management Committee. She welcomed all present, especially the Chief Guest and speaker, Mr Rory Best O.B.E. Mr Best is well known as one of Ireland’s most respected rugby captains and a leader who truly stood out. In his career, Mr Best earned 124 caps for Ireland. He captained Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations, leading his team to that historic third Grand Slam and Triple Crown, as well as defeating England to win the tournament at Twickenham on Saint Patrick’s Day.

In her opening comments, Mrs Taylor thanked the governors and staff who had worked so hard throughout the year and commented positively on the level of pastoral care and high academic attainment in school.

Mr Rory Best O.B.E., Chief Guest at Speech Day 2025, delivers an inspiring and humorous address to pupils, staff, and parents.

The Choir, bolstered by leavers for whom this occasion marked the last chance to sing together, sang In His Hands by Tim Osiek. The music was led by Mr Boyd. The organist was Old Armachian Mr Andrew Glenny.

The Headmaster then delivered his report to the school. He stated that the school remained committed to its historic twin aims set out in the letters patent granted by King Charles I in 1627: “the increase of learning and good manners.” He emphasised that it remained the case that academic achievement and the development of good character and a life well lived were fundamental to the mission of the Royal School.

Mr Montgomery acknowledged and thanked parents for their special contribution to the success of the school and its pupils. He paid tribute to staff who had left school following decades of service, and welcomed all those who had arrived this year.

Regarding academic achievement, Mr Montgomery reported that the 2025 A Level attainment had been very strong. He reported that while across Northern Ireland 30% of all A Level grades awarded were A* or A, at the Royal School an impressive 37% of entries achieved those grades, and over 65% of all grades were within the A*–B range.

With regard to individual achievement, an impressive 23 pupils achieved three or more A*/A grades, representing approximately 16 percent of the year group. The percentage of pupils achieving three A Levels at the top grades A*–C surpassed 73%.

He referred to AS success as a crucial foundation for A Level, reporting that just over a third of all the grades awarded were As, with attainment in the A–C category reaching just under 80%. Mr Montgomery said that GCSE attainment had been historically high. Forty-seven percent of all entries achieved A* or A grades, and 75% of all grades awarded to the school’s pupils were within the A*–B range.

Overall, the percentage of pupils achieving at least seven GCSEs, including English and Mathematics, at grades A*–C rose to 94%, the highest it has ever been. An impressive 31 pupils achieved at least eight A* or A grades in the courses they studied.

All this success, said Mr Montgomery, was a credit to the young people who studied hard and performed well, but also a tribute to the commitment and professionalism of school staff, and clear evidence of the encouragement, support, and cooperation of parents and families.

The Headmaster reported that interest in the boarding department remained strong, with 70 young people from across the globe calling the Royal School “home.” The strength of boarding, observed the Headmaster, was that it had a truly international flavour, with pupils drawn from across Ireland, Europe, and the Far East. The Preparatory Department remained a dynamic and welcoming place. Last year, pupils had been engaged in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a trip to Paris.

Mr Montgomery, Headmaster of the Royal School, delivers his annual report at Speech Day 2025, highlighting the school’s academic and extracurricular achievements.

The Headmaster referred to the vital importance of trips and extracurricular activities at the Royal School, which the school believes to be essential in developing sound character, leadership capacity, and resilience. These included local, national, and global service opportunities, such as the work of the Charity Committee, which supported more than a dozen charities throughout the year. The Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme continued to be significant features of school life.

Mr Montgomery related how, in a year of highlights, one of the most memorable was the school play, The Sound of Music. This play involved well in excess of 100 pupils and staff and played to a packed house for three nights in December.

Sport continued to be important in school, with the 2024–25 season being very successful. Hockey had yet another strong year, with the Girls’ 1st XI winning the Stevenson Senior League and reaching the final of the Belfast Telegraph Ulster Senior Schoolgirls’ Cup, before travelling south to finish runners-up in the Daphne Hall All-Ireland League Winners Tournament. All other teams were highly placed in their competitions.

In rugby, the 1st XV were finalists in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Cup, with teams at various age grades reaching the advanced stages of numerous competitions. Girls’ rugby sevens continues to develop strongly at school.

A range of other successes, including music, swimming, dance, and Taekwondo, were also reported on.

In bringing his report to an end, Mr Montgomery stated that pupils of The Royal School “lead active, productive lives designed to facilitate individual achievement and to complement rather than detract from academic success.” In concluding, he thanked the leavers for how they had contributed to school life and wished them well for the future.

Rory Best then addressed the school. His interesting, humorous, warm, and honest speech drew lessons from his career. He also spoke passionately about his involvement with the Cancer Fund for Children. In his final remarks, he encouraged his listeners not to give up when things don’t go their way but to stay focused and keep trying.

Mr Best then distributed the certificates, awards, and prizes. One prize was awarded by a visitor. The University of Aberdeen Prize is sponsored by Professor and Mrs Roderick Paisley. Professor Paisley is the Professor of Scots Law at the University of Aberdeen, and he was here this year to present the award in person, resplendent in kilt and full academic regalia.

A vote of thanks was then very ably proposed by Alicia Salt, the Head Girl. Alicia thanked Mr Best for giving of his time to be present at Speech Day and drew specific attention to aspects of his speech. Rory was then presented with a gift on behalf of the school by the Head Boy, Finlay Starrett.

After the ceremony, parents of leavers and prize-winners enjoyed refreshments with staff and Governors in the Crozier Hall, rounding off a special afternoon for everyone involved.