8 May 2026
8th May 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s been election week!
On Tuesday 5 May 2026, Llanishen High School hosted a highly engaging and thought‑provoking mock election debate that brought together students from Years 7 through to 13 in a powerful example of democratic participation in action.
Chaired with professionalism and composure by Year 13 student Ruben Kelman, who admirably assumed the role of Fiona Bruce, the event reflected both the intellectual curiosity and civic awareness of our learners.
Representatives from six major political parties, drawn from Years 10 to 13, articulated their positions with confidence and conviction. The audience, including members of the School Council, played an active role, posing challenging and topical questions. The debate opened with a perceptive question on the future of the NHS, prompting informed and, at times, robust exchanges on issues such as waiting times, women’s health and social care provision.
As the discussion developed, students demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the complexities shaping modern society. Key themes included the cost of living, housing and rent control, rising council tax, and the need to address inefficiencies in public spending. Importantly, the debate also reflected our Welsh context, with thoughtful consideration given to Welsh identity, values and the role of the Welsh language in public life.
Education emerged as a particularly significant focus. Students explored issues around funding, equity and standards, alongside the challenges of supporting learners affected by poverty and low literacy. The discussion highlighted both the resilience of young people and their clear expectations for a fair and inclusive system.
The debate concluded with a passionate exchange on climate change and economic sustainability, underlining the urgency of environmental action alongside the need for strategic investment in infrastructure.
Throughout, students challenged one another with respect and purpose. The event exemplified our commitment to developing informed, articulate and socially responsible young people, ready to contribute meaningfully to the future of Wales and beyond.
A massive well done to the following students who assumed the role of political candidates. Please note, the views and manifestoes they presented do not necessarily represent their own views.
- Eleanor Hopkins for the Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Eric Smyth for the Green Party
- Ali Nehan Khan for Reform
- Dylan Nicholas for Welsh Labour
- Milan Sulaiman for Plaid Cymru
- Cayden Smith for Welsh Conservatives
Our thanks go to LHS TV who recorded the live debate. You can follow this link to see the event in full!
Credits:
Host – Ruben Kelman
Director & Editor – Hayden Watkins
Cameraman – Corey-Lee Wilmer
Producer: Mr Mann
As the Senedd election takes place on Thursday (7th May), we will be holding our very own ballot here. Tuesday and Wednesday have seen our candidates campaigning and ‘door knocking’ as well as circulating with poster campaigns.
Watch this space next week for the outcomes of our LHS ballot. Will it compare with the outcomes decided by the nation?
Happy 70th Birthday to Cardiff East Rotary Club!
Next today, we were delighted to be part of the big birthday celebrations for Cardiff East Rotary Club!
On the evening of Wednesday 29th April, some of our very talented performers were invited to perform at the stunning setting of the New House Hotel for the Cardiff East Rotary Club, celebrating the club’s 70th birthday. Our choirs have worked with Cardiff East in the past, including raising money for various charities during our annual Christmas sing-songs in Llanishen village.
The evening performance began with Emma Brown, who sang ‘Not For The Life of Me’ from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, performed wonderfully with bags of character and style. This was followed by another Year 9 GCSE Music student, Seren Davies, who gave us an extremely moving performance of ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ as heard in the film Moulin Rouge. Ruby Flower in Year 12 gave stunning performances of ‘If I Were a Boy’ and ‘Die on this Hill’, showcasing her vocal range and riffing abilities.
Emma and Seren beautifully duetted on ‘Make You Feel my Love’ before Ruben Kelman in Year 13 closed the set with ‘Empty Chairs and Empty Tables’ from Les Miserables. This already emotional piece was enhanced further by Ruben’s rich and powerful voice. The set was compèred perfectly by Mrs Brown.
Both Mr Grimstead and Mrs Brown were incredibly proud of our students and how well they performed at such a formal event to a packed room. It was also a fantastic showcase for the singing talent we have in the school; the four students are also main roles in our summer production of Shrek the Musical on 7th to 9th July. Details on tickets will follow soon….
Year 11 Cup Final
On Tuesday 5th May our Year 11 football team (featuring some Year 10 students) played in the Welsh Cup Final against Whitchurch High School at Ocean Park. For some, this was their last ever game representing the school! They won this competition back in Year 7 and also played against Whitchurch in their first ever game so it’s come full circle that they played each other in their last!
Although they didn’t get to lift the trophy on this occasion, they played with team spirit to the end. A magnificent team. We are extremely proud of their performance and how they conducted themselves throughout. The PE department are proud of every single one of them. We wish them all the best for their upcoming exams.
Thank you to everyone who turned out to support the team. It was an amazing atmosphere.
Celebrating success the LHS way!
We finished this week in true LHS style, coming together to celebrate achievement, commitment and character at our annual Senior Sports Awards Dinner. Hosted by the PE Department on 6 May at Cardiff Golf Club, the evening was a wonderful reflection of the phenomenal range of participation and success across our thriving sporting community.
The event recognised students who have contributed to school sport both as individuals and as members of teams. From leadership and dedication to perseverance and teamwork, the awards highlighted not just performance, but the values that sit at the heart of everything we do at LHS.
One award that holds particular significance for us is the Sam Ford Award for Resilience. This is presented annually to a student who has overcome adversity, demonstrating courage, determination and strength of character. It is always a powerful reminder that success is not only measured in results, but in the ability to keep going when challenges arise.
The evening was full of memorable moments, including a team photo celebrating our Year 11 boys, the senior netball team proudly presenting the President’s Cup, and Lexi receiving the Key Stage 4 Girls’ Cup. Each moment captured the pride, unity and mutual support that define our school.
Events like this remind us why sport is such an important part of school life. It builds confidence, resilience and lifelong values. I am incredibly proud of our students and staff, and grateful to the PE Department for organising such a fitting celebration of what it truly means to be LHS.
So, that’s a wrap for this week. Well done to our GCSE students who are now fully immersed in the summer exam season. AS and A-Level will follow in quick succession. So, a reminder again that we are here for you.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher