Emma has been an exemplary Bradfieldian, involved at the very highest level of Bradfield drama, singing and sport throughout her time at Bradfield. Here we share her speech at Commemoration 2026...

'... The night before my last exam, I was contemplating how I could best describe what a Bradfield journey is like, when all of our experiences are as individual as we are.  I thought perhaps I might compare our time at Bradfield to some sort of object, relationship or experience.  And the most fitting felt like the growth of a flower, a perfect representation of the personal development and transformation that we all experience in this wonderful community.

Starting from buried seeds, representing dormant talent, internal strength and unseen possibilities, maturing as we grow, leaves representing the memories and steps we take along the way, and finally self-discovery as we blossom into the incredible people who sit around Greeker today. It has been an honour to be a part of this community, and I cannot wait to see and hear about all you accomplish in future years, or for those leaving once the Bradfield chapter is closed, and the Old Bradfieldian chapter begins. 

To briefly touch on my fellow upper sixth who leave today. I am sure we all agree that we could not have imagined growing up with any other group of people, the talent, sense of humour, and wildness of our year group has made the last 5 years of our lives unforgettable, and full of lots of memories, which have been made on the pitches, stages…even in the classrooms of this beautiful place. So we give huge thanks to all of those who have supported us along the way .

Afterall, to continue with my metaphor… those who have supported us form the stem of the flower, the support system that provides everything we need to grow. The only calibre of person able to fulfil this role is the incredible staff. Whether you’re an academic teacher, operational staff, co-curricular teacher or coach, HSM, matron, or tutor, or all of the above, you have all made an unquantifiable impact on our lives during our time here...

For any strong flower, you must have secure roots – a solid foundation, and based on this a massive thank you must go to my parents. Mum, dad, thank you for all your support throughout the last 5 years, for encouraging me, tolerating me, and pushing me to be everything I hope to become. Standing here today and looking out at a sea of families we can all be reminded of the importance of family ties and we do not take for granted the sacrifices and support that go into enabling us to attend this wonderful school.

The bud of the flower just before it blooms is perhaps the time in our Bradfield journey where we are at our most vulnerable, most exposed to whatever life may throw at us. For me, it took a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin - where I didn’t have the elaborate, loud flowers to hide behind. I’ve never liked people seeing my weaknesses. We all share doubts at times but thanks to the Bradfield community in particular our friends, staff, family and so many more, those doubts quieten – perhaps we become confident to be a bud, no petals, no masks, our full authentic selves.

Now no flower is complete without its leaves – for each leaf is memory of our time at Bradfield. Larger leaves hold the most significant memories and will be different for everyone. These may include events like the ISFA Finals, the Moulin Rouge concert, receiving your most recent exam results, participating in a performance such as the Greek play or Jazz on a Summer’s evening, debating, the netball national finals, or in my case getting a golden duck at Lords. These memories may be the ones that you re-call first.

However, they are also surrounded by smaller leaves, which in my eyes are the tiny things that make Bradfield the wonderful place it is. Whether it is a trip to stunt with friends to then watch a cricket match on Pitt, or having a good training session, completing a difficult prep, winning a round of chess against the Rev (trust me, he loves chess!) or perhaps even chicken fajita night…  it is normally the small seemingly inconsequential things that make each flower different, and distinguishable from the rest.

'Every single person’s memory and experiences when put all side by side, produce a veritable flowerbed representing the range of experiences, personalities and qualities that fill the field of the Bradfield community, brought together with our shared values.'  

... In summary, this place really is incredible, and although I, and many others, will miss it, our flower has blossomed and it is now time to take on the next chapter of our lives.

But, if there was any advice I could offer – and if I could labour the metaphor further - those who are lucky enough to still have many years at Bradfield ahead of them, it would be this. You are the gardener, expose yourself to all the challenges of growing up here, nourish your talents, weed out the doubts and grow alongside the people that you love, that in my eyes is how a a beautiful Bradfield flower is produced, one that I am many others will hold onto dearly as we move on to the place that has provided us with so many incredible opportunities, which we will forever be grateful for!

Emma Salter (M 21-25)