Aureus School holds moving Remembrance Service and joins 'Poppies to Paddington' tribute

Aureus School came together as a community to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces, during a moving Remembrance Service held on school grounds.

The service at the Didcot school featured heartfelt speeches from service children and service partners, offering a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice shown by those who serve - and by the families who support them.

Students who are part of uniformed organisations proudly wore their uniforms for the occasion, taking part in a formal drill in front of the whole school. Their display of respect and discipline was a fitting tribute to the spirit of service and remembrance.

The entire school then gathered in the playground to observe the two-minute silence at 11am. The atmosphere was one of reflection and unity as staff and students stood together to remember those who gave so much for our freedom.

Kirsty Rogers, Headteacher at Aureus School said: “Today’s service was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance. We are immensely proud of our students for the respect, understanding, and gratitude they showed throughout the event.”

She added that the service not only paid tribute to the past but also helped students reflect on the values of peace, service, and community that continue to shape our world today.

Meanwhile, Aureus student Roy Hehea had the honour of laying a wreath on a special train at Didcot Parkway Station as part of the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ remembrance event.

The initiative, organised by Great Western Railway, sees wreaths from communities across the region carried by train to London Paddington, where they form a collective tribute for Remembrance Day.

Roy was chosen to represent Aureus School in this meaningful act of remembrance. The moment was especially significant for him, as his mother serves in the military - making the occasion both a personal and community tribute.

Roy said: “I was honoured to lay the wreath on behalf of Aureus School for the Poppies to Paddington remembrance event. This day is very special to me as my mum serves to help keep the country safe.”

Mr Hayde, Head of PE at Aureus, added: “We are incredibly proud of Roy for representing Aureus with such respect and maturity. Taking part in ‘Poppies to Paddington’ is a wonderful way to honour those who have served and to show gratitude for their sacrifices.”

Roy's wreath travelled alongside many others to London Paddington, symbolising unity, remembrance, and respect across the region this Remembrance Day.