Upper Sixth Prizegiving 2026

To mark the end of the 2025-26 academic year, Upper Sixth students, parents and staff gathered in Chester Cathedral, the original and spiritual home of The King’s School, 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 Evie Mallison KS.

Students, parents and staff were entertained by this year’s hugely talented musicians. Connie Dawson KS and Hector Walsh reprised their roles as Maria and Tony from this year’s triumphal production of West Side Story as their performed a moving rendition of Tonight, before the Leavers’ Band upped the tempo with two feel-good pieces – Man I Need and Footloose. In a first for King’s Prizegiving, the band has every member of the audience on their feet, dancing, singing and clapping along, something our guest speaker, Harry Brightmore OKS 2012, commented that he never saw during his time at King’s!

Harry Brightmore, Olympic Gold Medalist and former King’s pupil, encouraged the students to “find your calling, be tenacious and never quit” and his words about navigating the long and rocky path to success resonated strongly with them as they prepare to take their next steps into the world.

Head of School, Rory Mallinson, reflected on seven years at The King’s School with great fondness, noting that many of the moments he holds in such affection – music performances, football matches, Dungeons and Dragons Club in Removes – happened outside the classroom with fellow students whom he is lucky enough to call friends. 

This year’s leavers’ service was particularly poignant as we also said farewell to our Head, Mr Hartley. In his address, he reflected on nine years of leading King’s with the purpose of ensuring that every pupil at King’s embraces each opportunity to ensure that they live happy, successful and fulfilling lives, and urged the students to embrace every opportunity. 

Full citations are listed below.

Subject Prizes

The Reidford Art prize (donated by a former pupil)	Grace Adshead
The Chester City Guilds’ prize for Biology (donated by the Barbers Surgeons Wax & Tallow Chandlers Company)	Emma Johnson
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Business	Sophie Pinnington
The King’s School Mothers’ Guild prize for Chemistry	Finn Leonard
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Classics	Eleanor Rogers
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Computer Science	Jake Bywater
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Design and Technology	Benjamin Cooper
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Drama	Alice Henry KS
The Robert Houston memorial prize for Economics	Louis Hayter 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)	Lily Darke
The Stanley Weyman prize for Literature	Evie Mallinson KS
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Enrichment	Jayden D’Costa
The King’s School Mothers’ Guild Prize for French	Sophie Browne
The Addiscott Prize for Geography (donated by the Addiscott family)	Eleanor Williams KS
The Charles Hagon Memorial Prize for German	Connie Dawson
The Thomas Hughes memorial prize for History (in memory of a former pupil)	Evie Mallinson KS
The Daniel Falle prize for Mathematics (in memory of the former mathematics teacher)	Oliver Billings
The Ward-Jones prize for Music	James Phillips
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for PE	Libby Greenberg
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Philosophy	Olivia Das
The T W Thomas Memorial Prize for Physics (in memory of a former physics teacher)	Vlad Balutiu
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Politics	Lucy Greenhill
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Psychology	Jack Nash
The W & G W Haswell memorial prize for Religious Studies	Thurka Gunaraj
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Spanish	Harry Paul

 

Upper Sixth – Sports Awards 

The CAOKS Trophy for Netball	Lucy Greenhill
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Anna Walker
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Oscar Wallis
The CAOKS Trophy for Rowing	Harry Paul
The CAOKS Trophy for Girls’ Rowing	Eleanor Williams KS
The CAOKS Trophy for Cricket	Harry Graham KS

Sportswoman of the Year – Naomi Bracegirdle KS

Naomi has been one of the most consistent players on the netball squad for many years. Her dedication to training has been outstanding and her calm and unassuming manner on and off court has earned her the respect of the squad. A much deserved prize.

Sportsman of the Year – Finn Leonard

Finn has made a tremendous impact since joining King’s for Sixth Form, establishing himself as a key figure in the school’s hockey success. An exceptional goalscorer, he has netted an outstanding 110 goals in just 37 appearances. His talent has also been recognised at the national level, having represented England at Under-18 level.

The Wright Prize – Maddy Davies

Awarded to the U6 pupil who has shown determination, drive and perseverance in sport throughout their time at King’s, supporting school values and recognising the impact of sport on life.

The Richardson Prize – Jacob Pavel-Knox

Awarded to the 1st XI Football player of the year

The Mummé-Young Hockey Cup – Jack Nash

Donated by the Mummé-Young family for the 1st XI player of the year

Upper Sixth – Special Awards and Prizes

The Canon Maurice H Ridgeway Library Prize – Alice Henry KS

Alice is everything you could hope for in a scholar, intellectually curious, widely read, and driven by a desire to understand the world around her. Alongside her voracious appetite for reading and learning, she has shown generosity in sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Since Removes, Alice has been a valued member of the library community, constantly reading and giving her time freely to support the library. Her commitment, kindness, and love of learning have made a lasting impression on all who know her and we will miss her.

The Worden Prize for Conservation – Andy Guan

Andy has delivered assemblies to all three schools and been a very public face of sustainability initiatives in the school. He has been an integral part of the whole school Eco Committee and helped secure the Green Flag award for the school; congratulations!

The Boswell Medal – Micah Ellinson KS

Micah has been an outstanding and enthusiastic cadet since joining the CCF in Shells. He has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of commitment and integrity. He is always clear about what he can do, and he always does what he says he will do. That reliability has made him a key pillar of the Contingent.

As Senior Cadet, Micah has led with great energy, maturity and commitment. He has set an excellent example to younger cadets, supported the staff, and contributed fully to the life of the CCF. He has also been thoroughly good company throughout.

For his service, leadership and character, Micah is awarded The Boswell Medal.

The Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting – Hector Walsh

Since his early appearances on the King’s stage in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Alice in Wonderland, it was clear that Hector possessed something special. However, it was his extraordinary portrayal of Conor O’Malley in A Monster Calls that truly revealed the remarkable depth of his talent. Hector approached this challenging role with a sensitivity and razor-sharp instinct that one might expect from someone who had already completed three years at RADA. Since then, Hector has continued to flourish as a performer, rediscovering his exceptional singing talents as Buck in Bonnie and Clyde before most recently taking on the iconic lead role of Tony in West Side Story.

What makes Hector truly special, however, extends far beyond his obvious talent. He is one of the most generous actors imaginable, endlessly supportive, encouraging and giving of his time to others. This was particularly evident this year when, despite being amid A Level revision, he still found the time and energy to direct the Drama Club production of Peter Pan. Hector has been a true ambassador for the Drama Department throughout his time at King’s. His boundless energy and have enriched every production and rehearsal room he has been part of, and he will be hugely missed.

The Arts Committee Prize for Drama – Alfred Lloyd

Alfred is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this year’s Arts Committee Prize in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to the Drama Department over many years. Audiences will have seen Alfred shine in numerous productions including Les Misérables, A Monster Calls, Bonnie and Clyde, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and, most recently, as the fiercely charismatic Bernardo in West Side Story.

Alfred has also been an exceptional Drama Prefect this year, giving so much of his time to support younger pupils within the department. In particular, he has co-run Drama Club and helped direct a truly joyous production of Peter Pan; a lovely full-circle moment given that Alfred himself once appeared as Smee in the Junior School production many years ago. Alfred possesses immense passion and talent as a performer, something that extends far beyond the walls of King’s. It was an absolute pleasure to see him recently perform at Storyhouse as Lord Farquaad in Shrek. 

We are also delighted that Alfred has successfully gained a place with the National Youth Theatre; a thoroughly deserved achievement and one which reflects both his talent and dedication to his craft.

The Joan Saint Memorial Prize for Singing – Connie Dawson KS

Connie is a truly outstanding soprano whose musical talent and dedication have distinguished her as one of the finest young singers in the school community. She possesses a remarkably mature voice with exceptional clarity, warmth, and control, alongside an impressive vocal range that allows her to perform challenging repertoire with confidence and sensitivity.

As a valued soprano in Schola Cantorum, Connie has consistently demonstrated outstanding musicianship, commitment, and leadership within the ensemble. Connie further showcased her remarkable vocal abilities in her performance as Maria in West Side Story, where she captivated audiences with both her expressive interpretation and commanding vocal performance.

In recognition of her extraordinary talent and potential, Connie has recently been awarded a prestigious Choral Scholarship to the University of Cambridge — a fitting achievement for a singer of such exceptional calibre. Connie is thoroughly deserving of this singing prize, and I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great success in her musical career.

The Sarl-Williams Instrumental Prize for Strings – James Phillips

James has been an extremely dedicated musician during his time at King’s. He took up the viola in Removes and has recently progressed to a fine result in his Grade 8. As any player of a niche instrument realises, on picking an instrument like the viola you are immediately classed as one of the best in the school! As such he has kept up the important middle role mostly single handedly, with aplomb, and with the quality and volume of a regular section of players. He may actually hold the record for the most rehearsal attendance by any individual. He has continued to attend throughout mocks and has even played with string orchestra throughout his A level exams. James is heading off to Cambridge to study Music and we wish him every success in his future studies.

The Sarl-Williams Instrumental Prize for Woodwind – Daniel Goharriz

Daniel has proved himself an exceptionally talented and hard working musician in his time at King’s. This academic year has been particularly strong musically, as a member of Chamber Orchestra, and in particular Big Band, culminating in an unforgettable rendition of Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto, which will stay in memories for a long time. Away from King’s, he has represented the school as a clarinettist in the prestigious Hallé Youth Orchestra.

The Tom Clamp Memorial Prize – Alice Henry KS

Alice is one of the ever-present characters in the school and gives and gives and gives.  Academic clubs, societies but mainly school drama, it is questionable as to whether she ever leaves the building. She is the absolute embodiment of some who says ‘yes’ more than she says ‘no’, sometimes to her detriment, but always because she wants to get the most out of her time in school.

The Rotary Club Prize for Public Service – Jenny Lobato Jones

Jenny’s application to study Medicine was always going to involve service beyond the school walls but she has gone above and beyond for this which has taken a huge amount of time and dedication.

The Owen Jones Award for Service to the Community – Eleanor Williams KS

Eleanor was unanimously nominated for this prize due to her commitment and engagement as Head of Charities with all the work that goes on in school. She has been a dedicated and regular presence, always leading from the front and setting the tone for the school’s charity work.

The Rohan Ingley Memorial Prize – Lewis Howe

Lewis ‘Easyrider’ Howe calmly gets on with life, performing highly academically in spite of a less than straightforward life. Tramping through the Sixth Form in full motorbike kit has taken a little getting used to but is now a feature of daily life!

The Kearton Prize – Charlie Beyeler

Charlie is akin to a young Henry VIII, the all-round Renaissance Prince. Exceptional on the sports field, playing both 1st XI Football and Hockey, he marries this with relentlessly excellent academic grades. He is also unfailingly polite and pleasant.

The Brotherhood Trophy – Rory Mallinson

Rory was the very comfortable recipient of the prize voted for by the Upper Sixth to the student who has contributed most to school life. Musical, sporting and academic, his role of Head of School displayed the old maxim that ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’.

The Edwards Memorial Prize – Ella Catherall

Ella was new to the school in the Sixth Form and her positive, breezy presence was a real breath of fresh air. She has coupled this with simply getting her head down and working hard, making the most of all of the opportunities in front of her. The result has been academic excellence.

The Cook Forster Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Libby Greenberg

It is rare for a student new to the school at the start of Sixth Form to find themselves on the leadership team of the students, but Libby made a very quick impression. With her questioning nature and can-do attitude she has been an outstanding foil to both Ava and Rory and a hugely appreciated Deputy Head of School.

The Kapur Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Ava Hardstaff

Ava’s ceaselessly cheery and optimistic demeanour has made her a superb Deputy Head of School. She clearly loves school, is very popular and goes out of her way to listen to and support others. Very much the gentle member of the Head of School Team, one should not underestimate her steeliness and determination in all that she does.

The Head of School’s Prize – Rory Mallinson

Rory has been a quite outstanding Head of School, respected by the Sixth Form, the wider student body and the staff. Calm and efficient in all that he does, his leadership qualities are evident. Managing the role alongside a busy academic, musical and sporting life has been particularly impressive. He is someone who has given a great deal to the school and the school is very much richer as a result of his presence.

The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize & the Westminster Medal – Evie Mallinson KS

Evie is an outstanding student of the literary subjects. She gained the highest set of Lower Sixth Exam results in the year and the highest set of U6 Mock Results and takes great pride in all that she does, setting herself incredibly high standards. Humble and willing to learn, her intellectual curiosity will be well suited to Cambridge where she hopes to study History next year.