Reach for the stars – and remember to be kind

Britain’s favourite character actress sent the class of 2025 on their way with this challenge: that they should try to follow their dreams, make an impact in the world, but also be kind to others.

Alison Steadman, a multiple award-winning actress familiar to several generations for roles on TV, stage and film, was guest of honour at the Valediction for Year 13.

The final-year students gathered in the Shearly Hall with their families for an afternoon ceremony that combined a formal farewell with some lighter moments, followed by afternoon tea outside.

In his welcome, Headmaster Neil Enright took up a theatrical theme, quoting from the famous Shakespearean monologue in As You Like It: “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts…”

Mr Enright told the assembled leavers: “Today marks your curtain call as pupils; but whether you exit stage left, or stage right, we sincerely hope that you will soon re-enter in your new role as Old Elizabethans. In your time you still have many parts to play here, as active members of our alumni community.”

He added that they were “a year group full of individual character and good humour: you have consistently been free-thinking in your scholarship and, just occasionally, in your interpretation of School rules. You have helped us develop the QE experience still further and served as great role models to those following you – excelling in so many different aspects of School life.”

Before reminding them that they would always be welcome at QE, he, too, alluded to the importance of being kind: “I hope that many of you will choose to take forward values of service to others and society, of kindness and empathy, alongside your desire to perform professionally and personally at the highest level.”

The afternoon then continued with a ceremony involving all Year 13 graduands and the presentation of prizes to award-winners. Last year’s School Captain, Chanakya Seetharam, who is among the leavers, gave a vote of thanks. These elements were punctuated with music: the Barbershop group singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight and the Jazz Band performing I Want You Back, made famous by The Jackson 5.

The String Quartet’s playing of the theme from Pride and Prejudice was particularly apt: not only did Alison Steadman play an unforgettable Mrs Bennet in the 1995 television adaptation of the novel, but the role of Mr Bingley was played by Crispin Bonham-Carter – now QE’s Assistant Head (Pupil Involvement).

In her address, the guest of honour said she knew how daunting it can be to step into the post-school world: having grown up and attended a state grammar school in Liverpool in the 1960s, she then applied to the East 15 drama school in Essex, and she recounted the story of how bewildering that process was. Yet her audition was successful, and this set her on her way.

She is now forever associated with that county through her role as Pam Shipman in the record-breaking comedy Gavin and Stacey – the finale of which was watched by over 19 million people last Christmas.

Her talent for mimicry – first practised at school when she impersonated her teachers – was put to use in radio shows such as Week Ending.

The recipient of numerous awards and several honorary degrees, Alison Steadman was awarded an Order of the British Empire in the Millennium Honours List for ‘services to British drama’.

In her address at QE, she encouraged the leavers to reach for the stars – to try to follow their dreams. Life has its challenges, but is precious, she told them, saying they should try to look to the positives, and urging on them the importance of kindness. “We all come into the world the same way and all exit it the same way, so for the bit in the middle be kind to others.”

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