Prizegiving 2023

Celebration of year-long effort

Last week Southborough saw one of the most important occasions in the school calendar take place in the main school hall – the annual Prizegiving event, where students are recognised and rewarded for their achievements. This special night was held to celebrate the success of our wonderful students, whether for attainment, endeavour, extra-curricular involvement, community engagement or for excelling in a particular subject.

 Following a reception in the library for special guests including Councillor Thay Thayalan, our Chair of Governors, Clare Henderson, and other members of the Governing Body and Student Leadership Team, hundreds of guests gathered in the hall; being entertained by Angus Y (Year 11) who was playing a range of classical piano pieces.

After delivering a warm welcome, Headteacher Mr Smith took great delight in awarding students from Years 7-10 for Endeavour and Attainment. A wonderful musical interlude followed with Darren H (Year 10) playing Chopin’s ‘Military Polonaise’. Councillor Thayalan then awarded the ‘John Enstone Award for Endeavour leading to Achievement ‘to students from Key Stage 3, 4 and 5, followed by the Special Achievement at GCSE and A level awards.

This was followed by the Chair of Governors presenting a plethora of awards to students, which included Subject Prizes, Extra-Curricular Awards and Community and Charity Giving Prizes.

Two very special prizes were also awarded to students: the Andy Taylor Memorial Award to Harrison G-C and the George Pantziarka Memorial Award to Ahmed K.

Once the prize giving was complete, our Head Girl, Hannah A, gave a thoughtful ‘Vote of Thanks’ and invited guests to the school dining hall for some refreshments that included a delicious selection of both savoury and sweet buffet fare.

Of course, evenings like this don’t ‘just happen’ and special thanks must go to Mr Burns who not only organised the event itself but was the perfect host and speaker throughout the evening.Many thanks also must go to Mrs Humphreys and the office team for their support, together with our brilliant canteen staff, who catered wonderfully for the evening.