Highfield’s Longest Serving Staff Member Honoured at Final Speech Day
After nearly 30 years of service, the retiring Lorraine Simcock was front-and-centre at the last ever Highfield Prep School Speech Day.
(L-R): Highfield Head Boy, Lorraine Simcock, James Savile, Highfield Head Girl.
Mrs Simcock began her journey at the school in 1997 and is a much-loved member of the Highfield Pre-School community.
I have been so fortunate to work alongside such wonderful people. So many of my friends are colleagues I have worked with here, many of them are lifelong friends. I am very privileged to have been with so many children at the very beginning of their learning journeys and I hope they have had as much fun as I have.
Highfield’s longest serving staff member, Lorraine Simcock
The annual Speech Day, which saw Highfield pupils receive prizes for their academic and extra-curricular success from the 2025/26 academic year, held extra significance as it was the school’s last Speech Day as Highfield Prep, before becoming Duchy College Prep in September.
As we look ahead, we do so at a particularly significant moment. The transition to Duchy College Prep marks not just a change of name, but a moment to step forward together with confidence and ambition. It is not a departure from who we are. It is the continuation of a story that has always been about growth, courage and belief in young people.
Head of Highfield, James Savile
Alongside awards for performing and creative arts, sport, drama and Forest School, Speech Day also featured speeches from the Head Boy and Head Girl.
Highfield has taught me how to be kind and compassionate, curious and attentive but most of all, every staff member and peer has helped me feel valued. This school shows us the beauty of a community: the sense that everyone is looking out for you and provides a safe place to problem solve and explore your strengths and curiosity
Highfield Head Boy