STUDENTS from across the years at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley were rewarded for their achievements in all areas at the annual Prince Henry’s Celebration Evening at the Leeds City Museum Central Arena.

Over 500 students, invited guests, proud parents and carers and staff enjoyed the experience, as guest speaker and ex-student, Christopher Bevan, Barrister from Fountain Chambers, handed out awards.

In his speech, Christopher, who joined the school as a child in care, spoke about his journey at Prince Henry’s, urging students to embrace the challenges that life throws their way and use them to achieve their dreams, “Prince Henry’s was my springboard. Prince Henry’s is where I began to breathe, find myself and find my voice,” he said.

The prestigious Kerr Scholarship, awarded to the student with the best A Level results, was received by Farah Mackey.

Louisa Kotzee and Omar Haider shared the Foundation Governors Leavers exhibition for Outstanding Performance at A Level.

The Walter Robinson Award for Top Performance at GCSE was shared by Lois Cameron-Young and Jack Cumming, who earned 20 Grade 9s between them.

Awards are given to students for attainment and progress, but also for excelling in other areas which are also central to the ethos at the school, such as citizenship and caring for others. As well as last year’s GCSE and A Level students, students from all years are recognised for their contribution to school, progress and achievements.

The Prince Henry’s Association award for Service to Community and School was awarded to Evie Scholefield and Hannah Bellamy.

The Alice MacGill Memorial Shield, awarded to a student displaying thoughtfulness, helpfulness and compassion, went to Tiger Romaine.

The Jack Hurst Memorial Award for Support for Fellow Students, which was awarded for the first time in 2018, went to Benjamin Smith.

As well as speeches from Headteacher Sally Bishop and guest speakers, the packed event also heard a review of the year from current Head Students Seanna Pease and Wahab Atif Saleem.

Headteacher Sally Bishop said: “As we look back at the last academic year at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, and particularly within the last week, since we have had our long-awaited inspection from Ofsted - it is clear that we continue to go from strength to strength, bringing us much to celebrate as a school as well as individual achievements. Tonight, we are on a high. It is incredibly difficult to select students for these awards. As a community, we are proud to promote equality and most importantly inclusion at all levels to ensure that all can participate and grow. There is no doubt that these values are reflected in the awards we will give to our students this evening and this is no coincidence – our aim is for all of our students to share these values, because we want our students to have the ingredients to be the best that they can be.”

As well as the Awards themselves, guests were treated to performances from students: pianist Isaac Shivtiel and saxophonist Isobel Wilks.