What to expect from Clifton College Commemoration Days

Commemoration days across the Preparatory and Upper Schools are a highly anticipated event of the Summer Term.

They mark a celebration of the year and all it has entailed, from academic achievements to sporting successes, musical feats and artistic talents. The Preparatory school and Upper school each has its own dedicated ‘Commem’ day, held consecutively in the final week of term in May. These days provide a chance for pupils, parents and staff to come together and reflect on a fantastic year.

Each school takes a slightly different approach to their day, with an overall theme of celebration and community: for the Preparatory it signifies achievements made so far and the bonds they have established; and for the Upper it’s a chance to unite and celebrate those leaving to embark on their next chapter at the end of the school year.

There is a full line-up of events for each day and guests are encouraged to dress to impress (think lounge suits and smart dresses, with hats or fascinators as optional extras). Parents of pupils in Year 2 - 8 are invited for the Preparatory event on Friday and Upper School parents to the event on Saturday. Whilst the programme differs between each school, they both include a service in Chapel, everyone gathering for speeches in the marquee (from the Head of their school and a guest speaker amongst others) and a delicious sit-down lunch on The Close. Around the schools, pupils’ work is showcased across different departments for parents to view, and there are a range of activities on offer to cater for all interests. All of this will be shared in a programme circulated at the event.

On the Friday evening the Upper School hold a magnificent concert in the Chapel, followed by the incredibly popular Upper School House Dance Competition.

For our Upper School, the Commemoration celebrations conclude with an evening ball on the Saturday night with a dinner and live band, topped off by an impressive fireworks display! An event not to be missed by our Year 13 pupils and Upper School parents. Details will follow closer to the time.

To find out more about our programme of Commemoration events across the college, see roundups from the previous year and photo gallery below.