We launched the Alumni Award in June this year, excited to establish a new tradition that will recognise exceptional former pupils from across all our Foundation schools who have made a real difference, in their careers, their communities, or through their continued support of the College and our wider Foundation. Whether they’ve reached the heights of their profession, gone above and beyond to help others, or shown remarkable commitment to giving back, this award is all about celebrating the very best of what it means to be a Princethorpian. 

We opened a twelve week nomination window during which we invited members and friends of the Princethorpe Foundation to put forward a former pupil they believe deserves to be celebrated, and the nominations were put to the OP Committee to whittle down a winner. 

We were delighted with the many thoughtful nominations, all worthy, but it was John Dawkins who emerged as a deserving recipient for this inaugural award, an OP who has clearly made an impact in his professional field, in his community and through his continued support of the College and wider Foundation.

On Friday 28 November, John attended Princethorpe College's Prize Giving ceremony to receive his award. Before the ceremony commenced, the Old Princethorpians Committee hosted a special Drinks Reception for the returning Class of 2025 and their parents, providing a welcome opportunity for last year’s cohort to get together and catch up. John was able to enjoy mingling with the newly minted Old Princethorpians and even catch up with his former classmate, OP Jide Olanrewaju, who attended with his son to present the Biodun Olanrewaju Memorial Award.

As the ceremony got underway, Headmaster Grove du Toit introduced the Alumni Award and invited John to the stage with the following message:

"One of the joys of Princethorpe is that our community stretches far beyond the College gates. Tonight, we celebrate that connection with the launch of a new tradition, the Princethorpe Foundation Alumni Award, honouring an Old Princethorpian who has made a meaningful contribution in their field and remained part of our story. 

Our very first recipient is Class of 1998 OP, John Dawkins. John is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Various Artists Management, representing leading UK talent including Tom Grennan, Charli XCX and rising star Rose Gray, and earning wide respect within the music industry. What makes John stand out to our community, though, is his generosity. He has returned to speak with pupils, offered genuine insight into the music business, and even judged our House Singing with trademark good humour. We’re delighted to recognise his achievements and his continuing connection to the College."

You can read John's full profile here: John's Profile

John was gracious in his response, sharing his own memories of Princethorpe and reflecting on the influence his Princethorpe education has had on his life and career. He paid tribute to specific teachers who had a significant impact on him, Mr Adams, Mr Price, Mr Kitterick and Mrs Minehane - and thanked the College for giving him the confidence to believe in himself and follow what he loved. John immediately connected with the students and leavers of 2025 in the audience, encouraging them to appreciate the opportunities afforded to them by the school, and even giving a shout out to one particular 2025 Leaver in the room, whom he recently took on as an intern at his London office. John advised them to appreciate and honour their parents, acknowledging the sacrifice made to facilitate a Princethorpe education, and giving a heartfelt thanks to his own parents who had accompanied John for the evening, and were watching proudly from the audience.

It was a wonderful occasion and a fitting opportunity to celebrate our alumni community, which is full of incredible individuals quietly achieving amazing things, alongside current families and recent leavers. The Alumni Award gives us the chance to recognise and celebrate such brilliance, and, in doing so, inspire today’s pupils with stories of what’s possible beyond the classroom.

Congratulations, John - Alumni Award Winner 2025!

We hope this new award becomes a proud tradition for the Princethorpe Foundation, one that reflects the talent, generosity and spirit that makes our OP community so special. Look out for the launch of the 2026 Alumni Award season, and start thinking about who you will nominate!

You can read more about the Prize Giving Ceremony here.