OIC Graduation 2026

Families travelled from across the world to join staff, governors, and alumni in a packed hall, an unmistakable reflection of OIC’s international spirit and the shared pride in this exceptional cohort.

The ceremony opened with a powerful address from the Principal, Dr Sarah Watson, who reminded students that this moment was “not simply a ceremony it is the culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, growth, and becoming.”

Grounded in OIC’s defining attributes: Exceptional, Pioneering, Tenacious, and Compassionate -the speech celebrated not just outcomes, but character: students who have already begun to shape the world around them.

A highlight of the afternoon was a keynote speech from Steve Munday, Education Leadership expert, who spoke passionately about the importance of simply “showing up” and learning from experience. His message resonated deeply encouraging students to embrace challenges, reflect on their journeys, and recognise that growth is often found in the moments that test us most.

The heart of the ceremony came as students crossed the stage to receive their certificates and prizes. Proud parents looked on, applauding not just results, but the dedication, perseverance, and personal growth behind every achievement.

Student voices brought a deeply personal dimension to the celebration. Will Brito, President of the Student Council, reflected on the shared ambitions that brought the cohort together—and the friendships that defined their time at OIC. From lively boarding life and late-night moments with friends to the memories that will last far beyond results day, his speech captured the spirit of the year group with warmth and humour.

Serena’s speech offered a powerful and reflective counterpoint—capturing the quieter, often unseen side of the OIC journey. She spoke about the reality behind the results: the late nights, the setbacks, and the resilience required to keep going.

Recalling everything from demanding weekly SCITS to midnight study sessions and revision plans that “never quite went to plan,” she brought honesty and relatability to the moment. Her reflection that “excellence isn’t the absence of struggle, but the ability to tolerate it, and keep going” resonated deeply across the hall—acknowledging the perseverance that defines success at OIC.

Beyond her words, Serena’s impact on the OIC community has been truly pioneering. She played an instrumental role in raising awareness around supporting others and strengthening outreach within the local community, introducing weekly sessions with a local school for children with autism and severe learning difficulties. Through this initiative, she helped create meaningful connections beyond the classroom—bringing OIC’s values of compassion and contribution to life in a tangible and lasting way.

She also recognised the importance of community—those who stayed through the long nights, the friends who shared the pressure, and the collective determination that carried the cohort forward. In doing so, she captured something essential: that while achievements may be measured in grades, growth is built in the moments no one sees.

A particularly heartfelt moment came with a student-led tribute to Dr C (Dr Mona Chaudhury), recognised not only as teacher and Head of Year but as a constant source of support behind the scenes—symbolising the dedication of OIC staff who shape each student’s journey.

The ceremony concluded with a defining OIC tradition: the cap toss. In a single, powerful moment, the graduating class celebrated everything they had achieved—captured in an unforgettable image that reflects both joy and possibility.

This was more than a graduation. It was a moment of transition from ambition to action.

The Class of 2026 now steps forward as part of a global community of pioneers, ready to define their futures and make their mark on the world