A Celebration of Excellence and Character at Annual Prize Giving Ceremony

Finborough School’s annual end-of-term Prize Giving ceremony once again brought together the entire school community in a vibrant celebration of achievement, character, and creativity.  

Held in two parts, one for Pre-Prep and Prep pupils, and another for Senior and Sixth Form students, the event welcomed between 700 and 1,000 pupils, parents, and staff at each session, making this year’s turnout one of the most well-attended to date.

The Prize Giving ceremony is a much-loved tradition at Finborough, honouring not only academic excellence and progress but also sporting achievements, performing arts, and Duke of Edinburgh award accomplishments.  At its heart, however, lies a deep commitment to celebrating the character and values that define the school’s ethos.

This year’s keynote address, delivered by Headmaster Mr. Steven Clark, was met with enthusiastic and spontaneous applause.  He took the time to champion the school’s pupils and staff body, while also delivering a powerful message on the enduring importance of character in a rapidly changing world.

In his thought-provoking speech, Mr. Clark challenged both pupils and parents to embrace the “Three B’s” over the summer break:

• Busy – Encouraging families to engage in real-world activities and adventures, including everyday chores, which help build resilience and character.
• Boredom – Highlighting the value of unstructured time as a catalyst for creativity and imagination, and urging parents not to over-schedule their children’s lives.
• Books – Emphasising the critical role of reading in academic success and personal growth, and encouraging everyone to make reading a daily habit.

The address struck a chord with many in attendance, particularly in its call for adults to guide young people away from screen dependency and toward more meaningful, self-directed experiences.

Following the formal ceremonies, the celebrations continued with the much-anticipated Summer Ball for Years 11 to 13 and all school staff, a joyful conclusion to a year of hard work, growth, and community spirit.