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, Thornton Tasker, Founder and MD of YourLocal.com, handed out awards.

In his speech, Thornton spoke about his time at Prince Henry’s, urging students to work hard, embrace their dreams and make them reality - “I’m not a film star, I’m definitely not a model, I’m not a professor. I am a window cleaner from Otley and I’m from Prince Henrys and very proud of that. Whether you dream of being a marine biologist, an accountant, a bus driver, a teacher, lawyer or whatever you choose, there is a dream for everyone -work hard, and it can come true.”

The prestigious Kerr Scholarship, awarded to the student with the best A Level results, was received by Rhuaridh Turner. Harrisen Crowder, Jake Powell and Joshua Carter shared the Foundation Governors Leavers exhibition for Outstanding Performance at A Level.

The Walter Robinson Award for Top Performance at GCSE was shared by James Lunn, Tom NG and Yunhan Wu, who earned 24 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 Emma Walters for her work on sustainability and active travel, while Holly Sluman won the Otley Rotary Club Prize for Service to Community and School. The Alice MacGill Memorial Shield, awarded to a student displaying thoughtfulness, helpfulness and compassion, went to Thea Cummins.

The Watson Bainbridge Prize for Attitude to Sixth Form went to Saba Rahmani and the Kirkgate Arcade Award for Perseverance in Academic Endeavour was shared by Christopher Martin and Emily Willett.

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 Noah Dockar and Zachary Robinson.

Headteacher Sally Bishop said

 “As we look back at the last academic year at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, yet again 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.   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 flourish. There is no doubt that our vision to become internationally recognised as an exceptional school with a culture of respect, where we can all flourish and achieve is central to how we approach life at Prince Henry’s.  This vision, along with the aligned values of honesty, kindness, confidence, independence, ambition and resilience are reflected in the awards we will give to our students this evening – our aim is for all of our students to exemplify these values and to have the qualities and skills to be the best that they can be.”

As well as the Awards themselves, guests were treated to performances from students: a duet from Hannah Young and Emma Walters and then guitarist Robin Marsh.