2018 proved to be another exceptional year for the College – full of achievement, progress and success on so many levels. What better way to celebrate than at the annual Prize Giving Ceremony on Friday 16 November when Princethorpe was delighted to welcome pupils, parents, staff and Old Princethorpians to a wonderful new venue, the IXL Events Centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club.

Before the ceremony the Old Princethorpians Committee hosted a special drinks reception for the returning Upper Sixth, their parents and VIP guests, providing a welcome opportunity for the class of 2018 to get together and catch up on their news since the summer.

The evening began with a screening of the College’s new film Princethorpe College – What’s It All About, before Chair of Trustees, Mrs Liz Griffin, officially opened the proceedings, warmly welcoming parents, friends of the College and Princethorpians old and new to the special occasion.

In his formal address the Headmaster, Ed Hester, gave thanks to the Princethorpe family who make Princethorpe the special place it is - the staff, the pupils, the parents and the wider Old Princethorpian community.  He talked about the many special and amazing people who are a part of that community, reflecting especially on the support and guidance of the late Mrs Mary O’Farrell.  His warm words paid tribute to all that she had done in support of the College and he announced that a new prize would be awarded in her memory.

Mr Hester congratulated last year’s Year 11 and Upper Sixth on their exceptional examination results and reflected that the results were the best in the College’s history.

The atmosphere throughout the evening was joyful and celebratory and there were superb musical interludes from the Year 7 Chorus, College Orchestra and College Jazz Band.

At the ceremony Mr Hester presented GCSE and A-level Examination Certificates and then a myriad of well-deserved trophies, cups and shields. Watching the stream of young people coming across the stage and shaking Mr Hester’s hand was truly inspiring and humbling. The talent in evidence, the grit and determination, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment were all applauded and honoured.

Some of the young people took to the stage with confidence, others more self-consciously, some made us laugh, and some brought a tear to our eye as we listened to, Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie’s citations.

The College was especially honoured to welcome on stage John O’Farrell to poignantly present the Mary O’Farrell Prize to Upper Sixth leaver, Daniel Dziurzynski.

And then it was time for the recipient of the final award, the Princethorpe Shield, the College’s oldest and most prestigious award to be revealed. The Shield is presented annually to the student who is seen to embody the spirit and ethos of the College in many facets of their school life. It was a very popular decision, as to resounding applause former Head Girl, Miriam Isaacs, was welcomed back to the stage to receive the Shield.

To close the proceedings Head Girl, Elizabeth Carr, and Head Boy, Tom Warne, gave an eloquent vote of thanks, before the evening finally came to an inspiring end with fervent singing of the College Hymn, ‘Here I Am Lord’ by the assembled throng.