On Union Day, 24th May 2026, our new School Captain was announced – the senior student that will lead the student leadership team in through the school’s 213th year.
As Simon Ward took the stage to accept his position, flanked by his Vice Captains Alex Evans and Vincent Hardiman, it was clear that the boys were popular choices!
We sat down with Simon to learn about him, his family’s history with Clongowes and his aims for the year ahead.
Simon, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Simon Ward and I am the School Captain of Clongowes for the 2026/27 academic year. I am from Westport in Co. Mayo. I joined all the way back in 2021 in Elements.
Your family has a long history with Clongowes – tell us about that.
My grandfather Eugene left Clongowes in 1952, my Dad and Uncles are OCs, as are my four brothers.
Before joining I got a lot of exposure to the school through my dad and my brothers. Having four brothers go before me in a school like this is always a major bonus!
Simon with his grandfather, Eugene Ward, OC ’52 on Union Day.
Did you get any advice from your brothers or Dad as you started in Clongowes
Some advice that I really valued was to just be yourself, do what you like and don’t let others decide what’s cool or uncool.
How did it feel being named School Captain on Union Day?
Being named School Captain (as you could probably guess) was a highlight of my Poetry year. As all the graduates gathered into the Sports Hall, as well as the incoming House Leaders, there was a certain buzz around as to who was going to be elected. When the time came to it being announced, I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous, so much so that when I heard Mr Lumb call my name out I didn’t even hear it nor believe it. In a state of shock I gathered myself and walked up onto the stage. This moment will forever be one of my most treasured memories.
After the fact, I then began to realise my role as School Captain. As someone who doesn’t get up in front crowd with ease, it hit me that I would have to address the school on many occasions which was worrying at first. But after a while and a lot of practise I would say I’m pretty well versed in the area now.
Who supports you in your role?
In my role I have a huge amount of support around me, starting with Vice Captains Alex Evans and Vincent Hardiman who support me with decisions whenever I’m put up to a challenge. The entirety of the staff are also very supportive. We have bi-weekly meeting with Mr Lumb to update him on school progress, and he briefs us on widerschool news. Mr Gray (Head of Boarding) is a great help to me especially when it comes to public speaking as he always has a great variation of vocabulary for me to use throughout.
Vincent Hardiman, Simon Ward and Alex Evans.
What do you plan to achieve during your year as School Captain?
My goal as School Captain this year is to make the most of the opportunity I have been given and to leave a positive mark on the school. I want to help create an environment where everyone feels included and proud to be part of Clongowes, while also making sure that the student voice is heard. I hope to encourage participation in school life, whether that be through sport, music, academics, or simply getting involved in the many opportunities that Clongowes has to offer.
Most importantly, I want to be a School Captain who is approachable and someone that younger students feel comfortable coming to for any reason. I want to look back at the end of the year knowing that I helped make the school a better place for those coming after me.
