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We were thrilled to welcome so may parents and loved ones to this year’s Prize Giving ceremonies for both our Prep and Senior Schools.
Held in our purpose built marquee on the Upper Close, the annual event is a much anticipated highlight in the school calendar. It provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our pupils and this year was no exception. The day was filled with joy and pride as we recognised pupil accomplishments across academic and co-curricular life, with our talented students showcasing their musical and dramatic talents throughout.
The day began with the Prep School Prize Giving, led by School Governor Mr Williams and Head or Preparatory School Mrs Thomson. Our Prep pupils delighted the audience with performances from their school productions of Wind in the Willows and Finding Nemo, as well as musical interludes from our young musicians, school orchestra and Speech and Drama pupils. Their confidence, skill and enthusiasm shone through as they took to the stage.
Pupils from Year 3 to 6 shared reflections of their year, highlighting their key moments and milestones:
“Maths was tricky sometimes, especially when we first started fractions. Then I got the hang of my times tables, and now I’m quite fast at that. It felt amazing when I finally beat my own record!”
– Year 3 student
“Our time in Year Six has been busy and full of exciting opportunities, although most importantly, we have been able to become the best possible versions of ourselves through being allowed to express ourselves in so many different ways. As we take our steps into the future, we will remember the friendships we have made, the lessons we have learnt, and the kind-hearted teachers that paved the way for us.”
– Year 6 student
In her address, Mrs Thomson praised the determination and spirit of our Prep pupils:
“So many of these achievements didn’t start with a trophy or a podium, but with a simple decision to turn up to try to improve. That is what endeavour looks like to every pupil who competed, trained or lifted a teammate. You are what makes sport and are so special. Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win, it is.”
In the afternoon, attention turned to our Senior School and Sixth Form students. Led by Head of Governors Mr Wallbank and Headmaster Mr Getty, the ceremony celebrated a wide range of achievements – from academic success to sporting triumphs and co-curricular contributions. Subject prizes were awarded to students in Year 11 and the Upper Sixth, recognising excellence and commitment across the curriculum.
The audience was treated to outstanding musical performances from our school orchestra, individual musicians and singers, as well as a spectacular showcase by the cast of Little Shop of Horrors.
To close the Senior School ceremony, our 2024/25 Head Boy and Head Girl, Angus and Nisha, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. Their reflections captured the essence of life at Newcastle-under-Lyme School:
“This school has been more than just a place where we studied, it’s been a space where we’ve grown, made mistakes, learned lessons — both in and outside of the classroom — and created memories that will be carried with us for a lifetime. If there’s one thing you could take away from this speech, it is to take every single opportunity the school offers and cherish each moment.” – Nisha, Head Girl
We are incredibly proud of all of our students and are grateful to our staff and families for their continued support in making these events so special. Prize Giving 2025 was a true celebration of dedication, talent and community spirit, a fitting end to a remarkable school year.
Louis Bond: “The site of the camp was much larger than I had ever expected. Much of the camp was destroyed, but there were the cabin like structures at the front of the complex which were tiny in comparison to the number of people who were forced to stay in them. At the rear of the
Mount Pleasant, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1DB
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