Clifton College Marks Remembrance Day

Tuesday 10 November 2026

This past weekend was a special moment for our College community. Joining together in the Chapel alongside parents and guests, we paused to remember and express our gratitude for all those who gave their lives in service to others.

On Saturday, Prep School pupils read the names of the 896 OCs on the Roll of Honour in Chapel, before the Remembrance Service which included the choir delivering a beautiful performance of Isaac Watts’ ‘Give Me the Wings of Faith,’ reminding us that faith offers strength even when life feels broken. On Sunday, the Upper School Choir provided three contemplative pieces: Tavener’s ‘Funeral Ikos,’ Guest’s ‘For the Fallen,’ and Vaughan Williams’ ‘O Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge.’ The latter weaves Psalm 90 together with Watts' famous hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (set to its customary hymn tune St Anne), using slow, measured pacing to express God's timelessness. Composed just after the First World War, its reminder of an "eternal home" felt relevant both historically and against the backdrop of today’s world.

We were also honoured to hear from The Revd Adam Beaumont on both days. He spoke powerfully about courage, fear, and how God’s unconditional love empowers us to love others, even when it is difficult. He left us with an inspiring challenge to think about the world we want to build and how we can help shape it.

The Remembrance proceedings concluded with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Arch, led by Dr Stevens, Executive Head; Neil Sachdev, Chair of Council; Vikki Jones Parry, Chief Operating Officer; Simon Reece, President of the OC Society; and a senior cadet. The Revd Mel Parkin, Chaplain, then closed the ceremony with a final prayer.

The College will mark Remembrance Day on Wednesday 11^th November, with, for the first time, the Pre-Prep, Prep and Upper Schools coming together with teaching and operational staff to mark the two-minute silence.

Red remembrance poppy wreath leans against a stone bollard by an entrance, with more wreaths visible near the black gate in the background.

Cadets in navy uniforms stand in formation at an outdoor ceremony, with onlookers and a green Clifton College CCF flag beside them.

Young man in academic gown plays a silver trumpet outdoors with historic brick buildings and autumn trees in the background.

Military cadets, students, and officials stand in rows at a remembrance ceremony outside a historic college building with flags raised.

Group of cadets in camouflage uniforms stand in formation outside an old stone building, with a large green flag blurred in the foreground.

Cadets in camouflage and navy uniforms stand in formation around a statue in front of a historic brick school building.

Large crowd of students and cadets lined in formation outside a historic brick school building beside a green sports field.

Clergyman preaching from an ornate wooden pulpit in a church, with stained glass windows and a seated congregation below.

Young cadets and congregation stand in rows inside a church, holding flags and hymn sheets during a formal remembrance service.

Young people in camouflage uniforms with red poppies sing from service sheets in a crowded church during a remembrance ceremony.