Kicking off awards season in style the academy came together for our Annual Year 13 awards evening, reflecting on two years of hard work and dedication. Welcomed by a live musical performance by student Abbie H, the ceremony then opened up with joint welcome remarks from Head Students Ella H, Beth D and Jessica Sarll alongside Principal Nick Martin.

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.