Princethorpe College’s annual Prize Giving Ceremony took place at the Butterworth Hall, at Warwick University Arts Centre on Friday 28 November.

Before the ceremony, 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.

Chair of Trustees, John Fisher, opened the proceedings, warmly welcoming parents, friends of the College and Princethorpians old and new to the occasion and then Father Alan Whelan MSC then led the assembled community in an opening prayer. In his formal address, the Headmaster, Grove du Toit, gave thanks to all those who make Princethorpe the special place it is. He reflected on all that has happened this last year and encouraged us to celebrate and appreciate the journey of our pupils. He reminded pupils that they are, and always will be, a part of the Old Princethorpian family and encouraged them to stay in touch.

This year marked the introduction of a new award, the Princethorpe Foundation Alumni Award, to recognise alumni who have made an exceptional contribution in their field. It was with great pleasure that Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, presented John Dawkins, Class of 1998, and Managing Director of Various Artists Management, with the award.

All evening the atmosphere was joyful and celebratory and there were superb musical interludes from the school String Orchestra, Concert Band and the Year 7 Chorus. Listening to the citations for the awards was truly inspiring and humbling. The talent in evidence, the grit and determination, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment were all applauded and honoured. The final award, the Princethorpe Shield, presented annually to the student who is seen to embody the spirit and ethos of the College, was presented to Jemima Teeton. It was a very popular decision, with the audience cheering as a delighted and surprised Jemima came up to receive the Shield.

Foundation Principal, Ed Hester then spoke echoing Mr du Toit’s congratulations, before the current Heads of School, Francesca Kelly and Will Gower, gave an eloquent vote of thanks.

As is traditional, the evening then came to a close with the singing of the College Hymn, Here I Am Lord.