We began with a focus on subject specialities, with head of year Mrs Godfrey presenting the Year 11 Outstanding Academic achievement awards. Students were awarded for their consistent hard work, dedication and success within their subjects, the perfect ending to a successful GCSE Results day.

We then had an inspiring address by Guest Speaker Lucas Lyko, previous alumni and an Oxford University Graduate, who encouraged students to keep up their passions and congratulated them on their fantastic achievements.

The spotlight then turned to the presentation of the prestigious Special Awards. These honours recognised students who demonstrated exceptional commitment across the academy. 

We welcomed local community members to present these achievements to our students: The Poppy Goaman Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts: Presented by Ismail Anilmis, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire.

The Botterill Award for Outstanding Personal Qualities: Presented by local Member of Parliament Alistair Strathern.

University of Bedfordshire Achievement Award for Outstanding Academic Progression: Presented by Deborah Johnston, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire.

The Governors Community Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community: Presented by School Governor Chris Hubbard.

The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement: Presented by Principal Nick Martin to celebrate top GCSE performance.

The evening concluded with a reflection on their journeys throughout their GCSE years and final “Hooray!” on their achievements.

We wish them the best of luck as they transition into their future studies and cannot wait to see where they go next!

Head of Sixth Form Lee Huckle and Assistant Head of Sixth Form Susie Hoad led the presentation of Awards shining a light on the fantastic achievements. Students received subject awards acknowledging top academic performance across the academy. 

The evening then moved on to the Special Awards ceremony, presented by notable community leaders and partners, including Chair of Governors Flora Burt, Director of People & Culture at ACO Technologies Tamasine Hickey, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Bedfordshire Adrian Dutch, Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Barr-Jones and Charles Whitbread.

Key award recipients included: The Barbara Tye Award for Outstanding Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Awarded to Alfie H for his determined positivity, selfless tutoring support for younger students in Mathematics, and leadership despite personal challenges.

The Jonathan Kitulagoda Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science: Presented by Principal Nick Martin to Dylan C for his relentless pursuit of scientific understanding bridging Biology and Chemistry.

The Ben Whishaw Cup for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts: Presented by Adrian Dutch to Rose S for her five-year dedication to school musical productions, choirs and lead performances in Retroplay.

The Lynda Tailor Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sports: Awarded to Daniel K for completing over 200 sporting appearances for the academy and representing the England Schools U18 Football squad.

The Robson Award for Outstanding Personal Qualities: Presented by Colonel Barr-Jones to Michael D-B for his warmth, respect and positive presence throughout his time at the academy.

The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement: Awarded to Liam B and Theo W, who both achieved straight A* and Distinction* grades across their A Level and BTEC courses.

A special thanks to our guest speakers, Ex-Head Student Rosie R and Ex-Deputy Head Student Dylan C who closed out the evening with their kind and encouraging words.

As these exceptional young adults prepare to embark on university courses, apprenticeships, and career pathways the entire Samuel Whitbread Academy community extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes for their future endeavours.

Wishing Our Year 13 Leavers Every Success.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Year 8 Open Evenings this September! It was such a pleasure to open our doors and welcome so many families to explore everything that Samuel Whitbread Academy has to offer.

The atmosphere throughout the evening was incredible. Our Principal presentations had a record number of attendees, where prospective students had the opportunity to hear from our Head students, current Year 9s and Mr Martin himself. Visitors gained insights into our Academy's core values, ambitions and education. 

Throughout the evening, students and families toured our departments and facilities - which were buzzing with activity. Prospective students were offered an immersive experience into the subjects they would be learning across the school. From market mapping to titration experiments, to gymnastic performances in the activities hall. It was wonderful to see so many young people getting a true taste of life at Samuel Whitbread Academy.

An event like this depends on the enthusiasm and hard work of our whole community. A huge thank you goes to our dedicated staff team and our brilliant student volunteers, whose warm welcome and pride in our school made the evenings a fantastic success.

We are incredibly excited about the journey ahead and look forward to welcoming the next generation to the Samuel Whitbread Academy family!

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Article Written by Year 12 students Abigail M and Lily S