‘When I was offered a place at Christ’s Hospital, I was over the moon. I had heard good things about CH from my brother and sister, who came here and after seeing and hearing endless photos and stories, it was the only place I wanted to go. I remember when I found out I had been offered a place, I was reading in bed when my parents came in to tell me. I was then too excited to sleep for hours!’

Inspiration

‘The first thing that inspired me was the marching band. The first time I marched out with my house and then when I marched in the band, I was truly in awe. Even to this day, marching out with some of my best friends is a highlight. When we perform in the Lord Mayors Show or Beating Retreat, I get a magical feeling that’s not quite like anything else.’

Photo: Raffy marching with the CH Band in the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Show, London

‘I have been inspired throughout my time here in all the subjects I have taken. Each one has been a favourite at one point, which is a testament to how interesting the teachers make our lessons. When I first joined Christ's Hospital, the thought of doing science made me queasy and I had never heard of classics. Fast forward seven years and I have taken two scientific subjects (physics and maths), as well as geography and ancient Greek. Being encouraged to pursue whatever I find interesting has been hugely beneficial and has led to a thoroughly enjoyable education.’

Achievements

‘Sport has been a real inspiration for me at Christ's Hospital and it has kept me motivated to work hard. There is no better feeling than winning a match with friends and going back to house discussing the game. I have represented CH in over 5 different sports, all to a competitive standard. My biggest achievements are captaining the 1^st XI cricket team and breaking the school steeplechase record.’

Photo: Raffy with fellow sports captains in 2024

Photo: Steeplechase 2024 – Raffy breaking the school record for the Senior B race, completing the 6.2 km course in 22 minutes 45.15 seconds.

‘I am a keen drummer; I have achieved my grade 8 and been made head drummer for the CH Band. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have written and led drum statics, learnt how to maintain drums, and work with my team as a leader.’

Photo: Raffy performing with the Christ's Hospital Band at Beating Retreat 2023

Fond Memories

‘Many of my best memories come from the boarding house, with my friends. In lower years, having more free time led to activities such as, ‘how many people we could fit under a bed’. I especially remember the final evenings of the term, where the whole boarding house would come together and have fun. Having such close friendships at CH has made all the difference to my time here, because I have always had people to fall back on, and to make me smile.’

Future Aspirations

‘I have received an offer from the University of Cambridge to read geography, which is one of my biggest achievements.

I am not sure which field I would like to take yet and I am interested in a wide range of subjects, but I would like to pursue green energy further and find sustainable solutions to modern day problems. My plan is to see what area takes my interest at university.’

Gratitude

‘I cannot thank donors enough for their donations to Christ’s Hospital. Their generosity has allowed me to experience a first-class education and develop and grow as a person. Christ’s Hospital has become my home and a place I will always be fond of, which is down to supporter donations.

Donating to Christ's Hospital can change lives like mine and open doors for people who would otherwise not have the chance to a CH education. Your donation also sets us on a platform for life, to go on and help future CH students and keep the cycle of generosity going. ‘

Professional photos by Toby Phillips Photography. All rights reserved.

(April 2025)