Musical boys livened up their annual Prize-Giving event with a surprise flash mob to wish their headmistress a happy retirement after 19 years of inspiring boys at The Grange, Monmouth Preparatory School.

Every pupil wowed parents, teachers and governors by going off-piste to sing, dance and clap along to their own version of ‘You’re Going to Miss Me When I’m Gone’ for their beloved Head, Mrs Elaine Thomas.

The heart-warming surprise was the result of hours of dedicated practice by the boys leading up to Speech Day, which marked the end of Mrs Thomas’ incredible 41-year teaching career.

As well as congratulating the pupils on their many academic, chess, sporting and musical achievements throughout the year, Mrs Thomas thanked Friends of The Grange for their continued support, which has recently enabled the school to buy a new bouldering wall.

With her two sons in the audience, she also thanked her husband Kevin for always supporting her work.

She told pupils: “I’m delighted that you boys are who you are, just as you are.

“I wish you all the best for the future – it will be what you make it.

“From my point of view, it genuinely has been an honour and a privilege.”

Mrs Thomas also read out a letter from the President of Afghanistan which was sent to Head Boy, Kit, to thank him for leading fundraising work for the Afghanistan Charity.

Kit demonstrated such awe-inspiring leadership qualities as he addressed the guests, it was easy to imagine him following in his father’s military footsteps.

Moved by lessons on World War II’s Head of the Special Operations Executive, Brigadier Sir Colin Gubbins, Kit said: “General Gubbins said as an inspirational leader you should know something about everything, everything about something and play a musical instrument.

“I talk to every boy and have tried to become an expert in something – but I’m still working on that one.

“I do play the piano, but I think what General Gubbins meant was that we should take an interest in something else and make the most of the opportunities that come our way.

“I suggested raising money for the Afghanistan Charity partly because my dad is there, but also because it gives children in a war-torn country something we take for granted: an education.

“£3,000 gives 100 children the chance to go to school – thank you to the boys and parents who have helped us raise so much money.”

Boys delighted everyone with a stunning rendition of Alleluia from their recent community opera show, Noye’s Fludde, and Kit S played a flawless version of If I Were a Rich Man on the trombone

There were also wonderful speeches by Richard Glover, Master of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, and Headmaster of Monmouth School, Dr Andrew Daniel.

Prizes were handed out to boys for a variety of outstanding achievements in academics, art, sport, music and exemplary behaviour.