Speech Day 2025

This year’s Leavers have done extremely with offers from some of the world’s finest universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia University, Imperial College London, University College London, UC Berkeley,  UCLA, University of the Arts London and more! A full 50% of our leavers will embark on their next chapter at top-tier US institutions. Their achievements reflect not just personal brilliance but Wellington Shanghai’s enduring global reach.

Dr. Charles Debieux, Head of Secondary School, opened the ceremony by reminding us that Wellington’s spirit stretches across borders, tying students past and present into something greater.

“Speech Day is a powerful reminder that we are part of something much bigger, a global Wellington family, united by tradition, excellence, and shared values.” 

With heartfelt pride, Martin O’Brien, our Head of Sixth Form, paid homage to the journey of all 64 leavers—each one a reflection of our Wellington values:

“We have all watched you grow up from children into hugely impressive, compassionate and talented young adults. You are more than ready, so go, and Be You!”

Judy, Brandon, and Nicole from the class of 2025 distilled their journey into heartfelt advice for their peers, about the compass that would guide them beyond these gates.

“I hope that no matter what happens, you keep listening to that inner voice, that you always put yourself at the centre, that you love yourself more than pleasing anyone else.”

 - Judy

“I believe a great way to Be You and Be More is by helping others, without thinking about how they might get back to you as a result.”

 - Brandon

“Class of 2025, may we always have the courage to dream big and be grounded enough to start small. But most importantly, have faith and confidence in ourselves.” 

- Nicole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing the ceremony, Brendon Fulton, Master of Wellington Shanghai, offered straightforward advice for the road ahead.

 

“Take risks and always ask the question ‘what if?’ Stay connected, stay true to yourselves. Your future starts today, make it extraordinary!”

 

Deputy Heads of College,  Amdo and Christina, reflected on their Wellington journey.

“Never compare your life to anyone else’s. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon, they both shine when it’s their time. Class of 2025, our time to shine is right now!”

 - Amdo

"After two years of this intense diploma, I've really learnt how to go with the flow, to understand that things to happen for a reason, that memories last forever, and they shape me into who I am."

 - Christina

Alex, Head of College and founding pupil, traced his Wellington journey which started a decade ago with a class of 24 pupils in Year 3, to today standing side by side with 64 of his peers.

"I’ve given countless speeches on this very stage over the years, but when it came to this one, it was impossible to fit all my ideas and stories from the past decade into this 5-minute speech.”

Congratulations to Wellington’s Class of 2025!  

As the ceremony ended, our leavers took part in the traditional passing out ceremony. Each pupil marked the moment in their own way, a nod to individuality within a shared legacy.