When our annual Awards Evening arrives, we don’t just host a ceremony; we open our hearts and celebrate the very best of who we are. And this year’s event was a powerful, inspirational testament to the dedication, resilience, and phenomenal talent fostered right here at The Wilnecote School. We were deeply proud to share this evening with our students, their families, and our staff.

The evening began with a captivating showcase of musical excellence. Our talented performers, Charlie Moorman, Harriet Hitchman, and Jaime Kelly, set the bar incredibly high. Their passionate singing wasn’t just entertainment—it was a stirring reminder of the creativity and confidence we celebrate. They truly embodied the ambition and pride of our school, and their uplifting performance was the perfect start to the proceedings.

The main part of the evening was dedicated to celebrating the daily achievements and dedication shown by our current students. Teachers from every single subject took immense pride in recognising pupils who demonstrated excellence in two key areas:

1. Academic Achievement: Honoring students who secured the highest attainment and demonstrated superior knowledge in their subject.

2. Outstanding Progress: Recognising students who showed the most significant improvement, effort, and commitment, regardless of their starting point.

These subject-specific awards underline our commitment to celebrating every pupil’s journey—whether they achieved the top mark or made the most impressive stride forward.

Following the subject awards, we took the opportunity to welcome back and celebrate the achievements of our previous Year 11 cohort who left us last summer after completing their GCSEs. These awards recognise the hard work and determination required to succeed at the culmination of secondary school:

The Endeavour Award

This award honours pupils who showed outstanding commitment, perseverance, and resilience throughout their GCSE courses.

This year’s deserving recipients were:

• John Cooper Percival

• Logan Thomas

• Joey Chau

• Molly Paterson

The Achievement Award for Exceptional GCSE Results

This award celebrates the highest-achieving students from the Class of 2024 who secured exceptional results in their examinations.

Congratulations to the winners:

• Ruben Sanders

• Sofia Nelson

• Lacey Perryman

• Sam Williams

• Dan Owen

• Elisha Kwegyir-Afful

Mr. Foskett, our Headteacher, captured the collective pride we all felt. He told the assembled audience:

“This evening is the most important date in our calendar. It allows us to pause and reflect on the enormous successes achieved by our students, not just academically, but in their development as confident, compassionate young adults. Seeing their passion—whether on the stage like our wonderful opening performers, or on the sports field, and especially in the classroom as they strive for achievement and progress—reminds us that Wilnecote is a place where dreams are truly nurtured.”

The evening culminated in the presentation of our most prestigious school-wide awards:

• Richard Thornton Sportsman of the Year: Oscar Rushton

• Lydia Bennett Memorial Sportswoman: Sophie Potter

• Lyndie Palmer Award for Performing Arts: Neve Depledge

Finally, the most inspirational moment of all was the presentation of the Pride of Wilnecote Award. This honour is reserved for the student who truly makes our school a better place, embodying kindness, respect, and positive contribution. We were thrilled to see Oscar Rushton return to the stage to receive this ultimate recognition. His success proves that being a champion requires both skill and outstanding character.

It was an evening of immense pride, proving once again that The Wilnecote School is not just an institution for learning, but a vibrant community dedicated to building successful, ambitious, and caring young people.