Upper Sixth Prizegiving 2025

To mark the end of the 2024-25 academic year, Upper Sixth students, parents and staff gathered in the majestic surroundings of Chester Cathedral for a celebratory prizegiving ceremony. 

Prizes were awarded for individual subjects, as well as for excellence in sport, drama and music, and for contributions to school life. The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize and Westminster Medal, the school’s top academic award, was awarded to Alice Downey.

Guests were entertained by musical excerpts from this year’s hugely successful production of Bonnie & Clyde, performed by the leads from the show, Imogen Aldridge, Grace Fawcett, Lukas Pold and Matthew Burman. In addition, Piya Saha, Joseph Buckley, Neha Sharma and Zach Hard Af Segerstad-Smith performed a moving version of Abba’s Slipping Through my Fingers, and Alfie Parkinson read The Road not Taken.

Our guest speaker was Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo and King’s School Governor. 

Mr Christon talked about the twists and turns of his own career journey and imparted valuable advice to the students. Most of all, he advised them to look after themselves, be kind to themselves, take time for themselves and to guard their mental health.

Headmaster, George Hartley, addressed the students and thanked them for their good humour, hard work and for their significant contributions to life at King’s. 

Head of School Jonni Ashton reflected on his own time at school, noting that although pupils don’t always recognise it at the time, teachers are usually always right about what is best for them!

Full citations are listed below.

Subject Prizes

The Reidford Art prize (donated by a former pupil)	Elizabeth Melhuish-Bolton KS
The Chester City Guilds’ prize for Biology (donated by the Barbers Surgeons Wax & Tallow Chandlers Company)	Robin Jones
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Business	Libby Milne
The King’s School Mothers’ Guild prize for Chemistry	Felix Adey KS
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Classical Studies	Gemma Christie
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Computer Science	Bradley Nzubontane
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Design and Technology	Flora Plass
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Drama	Imogen Aldridge
The Robert Houston memorial prize for Economics	Jonni Ashton KS
(in memory of the former pupil who became a lecturer in business studies)
The J T Davies memorial prize for English Language (in memory of the former headmaster)	Imogen Aldridge
The Stanley Weyman prize for Literature	Gemma Christie
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Enrichment	Nathaniel Murphy
The King’s School Mothers’ Guild Prize for French	Zak Taylor
The Addiscott Prize for Geography (donated by the Addiscott family)	Estella Lally
The Charles Hagon Memorial Prize for German	Joseph Buckley
The Thomas Hughes memorial prize for History (in memory of a former pupil)	Jonni Ashton KS
The Daniel Falle prize for Mathematics (in memory of the former mathematics teacher)	Alice Downey
The Ward-Jones prize for Music	Zach Hard Af Segerstad-Smith
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for PE	William Pritchard
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Philosophy	Freya Kimmance
The T W Thomas Memorial Prize for Physics (in memory of a former physics teacher)	Adam De Rycke
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Politics	Thea Stewart
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Psychology	Lucy Caldwell
The W & G W Haswell memorial prize for Religious Studies	Lukas Pold
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Spanish	Jonni Ashton KS

 

Upper Sixth – Sports Awards 

The CAOKS Trophy for Netball	Lotta Jackson
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Eliza Chesworth
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Alfie Parkinson
The CAOKS Trophy for Rowing	Finlay Montgomey KS
The CAOKS Trophy for Girls’ Rowing	Lucia Poletti
The CAOKS Trophy for Cricket	Roman Franco

Sportswoman of the Year – Grace Spender

Throughout her senior school years Grace has participated wholeheartedly in many sports. Always available to play and always enthusiastic. Her passion, however, clearly lies in hockey where she has excelled; a dedicated player for school, her club and country, Grace firmly deserves this award.

Sportsman of the Year – Jago Gitz

Jago has represented the school in several sports throughout his time at King’s, culminating in him being part of the National Cup winning football team. Jago’s willingness to play in goal rather than his preferred outfield position demonstrates his team spirit and this award is a fitting tribute to his time at King’s.

The Wright Prize – Arabella Gardiner

Arabella has thrown herself into every sport since she joined King’s. She has always been willing to help in any way to support the staff and her teammates, and she has clearly got a great deal out of her time playing sport at King’s.

The Finn Abberton Medal – Finlay Montgomery KS

Finlay Montgomery has been awarded the Finn Abberton Medal in recognition of his outstanding commitment, endeavour, and kindness at the Rowing Club. His positive influence on the club has been both significant and inspiring. Finlay consistently goes above and beyond; he is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, always ready to lend a hand and support those around him. His actions reflect the true spirit of the rowing club and set a powerful example for others to follow.

Upper Sixth – Special Awards and Prizes

The Canon Maurice H Ridgeway Library Prize – Gemma Christie and Lily-Ella Barnard

Gemma has been an intrinsic part of our library team since she joined in Removes. Her inquisitive nature, love of books, and boundless enthusiasm have made her a joy to work with. Lily has been a dedicated and valued member of the library team, always encouraging others and supporting everything we do. Her commitment and reliability have made a real impact. Gemma and Lily, you will both be so greatly missed, thank you for everything.

The Worden Prize for Conservation – Dominic Egan KS

Dominic has been an active member of the Chester Sustainable Schools network in addition to attending Youth Conferences at Chester Zoo.

The Boswell Medal – Alvern Qian

Alvern has been a dedicated and enthusiastic cadet throughout his six years in the CCF. He has embraced every opportunity, from flying days and range days to fieldcraft exercises, always contributing positively to the contingent. Over the past three years, he has played a leading role in the RAF Section, bringing energy, organisation, and impressive leadership. His commitment, initiative, and spirited approach have left a lasting impact. Alvern is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Boswell Medal.

The Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting – Grace Fawcett

This year’s Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting is awarded to Grace Fawcett. Her outstanding performance skills and instinct as an actor, combined with her ability to physically embody a character and fearlessly push beyond the limits of naturalistic performance, have led to some truly memorable work. Her beautifully nuanced portrayal of Conor’s mum in A Monster Calls was a particular highlight, showing a depth and maturity well beyond her years. Grace’s mesmerising stage presence is matched by her strong directorial skills, and she has been an excellent Drama Prefect and Drama Club leader this year. Grace is a true ambassador for the subject who has inspired others with her creativity and passion for theatre.

The Arts Committee Prize for Drama – Caragh Fletcher

Caragh is the hugely deserving recipient of this year’s Arts Committee Prize for Drama. She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the life of the department, generously giving her time to productions, as a selfless and supportive Drama Prefect, and in helping to organise events such as the Drama Dinner. She has also put her excellent choreography skills to great use, assisting with dance rehearsals across a range of shows. Despite only joining King’s in Thirds, Caragh has performed in Bonnie and Clyde, A Monster Calls, Les Misérables, Grease and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, making a fantastic contribution to the co-curricular life of the school and setting a wonderful example to others through her positivity and resilience.

The Joan Saint Memorial Prize for Singing – Imogen Aldridge

Imogen Aldridge has been a committed member of Schola Cantorum since joining in Removes and key member of the Senior Girls Chorus. Imogen passed her Grade 8 singing with distinction. She has a beautiful voice with a mature quality that enables her to sing with emotional depth. We wish Imogen all the very best for her future studies.

The Tom Clamp Memorial Prize – Caragh Fletcher

Caragh is a student who gives a great deal in almost every aspect of the school and does so with cheery optimism and energy, whether it is school drama, music or on the sports field. She complements this with her leaderships roles, including Head of House.

The Rotary Club Prize for Public Service – Kate Edgerley

Kate quietly and humbly has given a huge amount of her time in terms of volunteering both prior to and after her Medical application.

The Owen Jones Award for Service to the Community – Musa Raza

Musa was the Lead Prefect for Charities and organised and supported a huge range of activities in school. He also has worked for charities outside of school.

The Rohan Ingley Memorial Prize – Lana Dawson

Lana joined us at the start of the Sixth Form and quickly settled in, achieving well academically and subsequently receiving an offer to study Veterinary Science at Bristol. She has managed this alongside a difficult situation where she has to support her parents at home.

The Kearton Prize – Fabio Franco

Fabio is not only one of our top academic students, having received four offers to study medicine but he is also one of our top cricketers. New to the school in the Lower Sixth he has approached all aspects of life at King’s with a real sense of vigour and intellectual interest.

The Brotherhood Trophy – Zach Hard Af Segerstad-Smith

Zach is possibly the nicest young man out there and it was no surprise to see his year group vote him as the student who has contributed most to the life of the Sixth Form. He is, quite simply, outstanding

The Edwards Memorial Prize – Elin Halpin

Elin is not someone who pushes herself into the limelight. Content to go under the radar, we should not ignore the fact that, at every stage of her Sixth Form life, her results and achievements in class have been extraordinary. She quietly gives in other areas of the school such as on the netball court but again, will likely be horrified that she has to go up and collect this award!

The Cook Forster Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Piya Saha

Piya has been part of a superb Head of School Team and brings the irreverent energy and honesty to the triumvirate. A real leader in the year, she has managed the demanding position with great maturity and charm and leaves highly regarded by all who have encountered her.

The Kapur Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Adaora Ekwueme KS

Adaora is the quietly thoughtful member of the Head of School. She seems little flustered by what goes on around her and her serenity balances the slightly more manic energy of both Piya and Jonni. She has pushed her projects clearly, is unafraid to speak her mind and has represented her year group and the wider school with great diligence.

The Head of School’s Prize – Jonni Ashton KS

Jonni has been a quite outstanding Head of School and has proved many wrong who remember the slightly naughty Third Form student, on the fringes of trouble! Ferociously intelligent and thoughtful, he has been critical, forthright but also recognised and been proud of the honour that the position bestows. Hugely popular and trusted within the year, he has worked superbly alongside Piya and Adaora in terms of representing the whole school.

The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize & the Westminster Medal – Alice Downey

Alice joined the school at the start of the Sixth Form on the back of a sterling set of GCSE Results and was very quickly regarded as an academic force to be reckoned with. The data is extraordinary; the best set of Lower Sixth results, the best set of mock results and an offer to study Maths at Oxford; pretty much the most competitive course in the UK. She carries all of this with a real sense of humility. To win this award from such an outstanding year group with such a depth of academic ability is quite an achievement.