Henley College Celebrates Student Achievements

Over 50 students aged 16-19, were recognised for their work both in terms of academic performance as well as their effort, personal endeavours and persistence. Awards were presented by the Henley Mayor, Councillor Sarah Miller and covered many aspects including, Biology, Law, Art, Sport, Classical Civilisation, and Engineering. Two students received the Principal’s Award.

Notably, a number of students have already secured places at Universities across the country including Oxford and Cambridge, and a number of students have attained sporting success in triathlon, rugby, football and basketball.

Mike Ashton, Chair of Governors, said ” For me, this is the highlight of the year to see such talent, and such effort and positive attitude be rewarded”.

The Mayor, Councillor Sarah Miller, said: “Henley College plays a really important role in the Henley community for establishing plans and future training for students. who are both academically fit for work and society”.

The audience enjoyed performances from three Music students, Ella Mathews, Millie Moyler and Cameron Lowe.

Magnus MacArthur who was a student at the College in 1982/3 who was attending as his daughter had won an award in Child Play, spoke of the College and stated how Henley College has been “very good for her and she has done very well, the college has allowed her to grow in confidence and ability”.

Pip Goodman from Henley who came from the Abbey School in Reading won a Principal’s Award and was also the Vice President of the Student Union.  Dan Loumont is also from Henley who went to Gillotts was awarded the Biology Education Award. He has a place at Cambridge.  Dan’s citation read “Dan is an exceptional and intellectually curious biology student, displaying enthusiasm and academic prowess. His proactive and self-motivated nature, along with his ability to collaborate effectively with peers, contributes to his success. Dan consistently achieves top grades and actively engages in discussions, seeking a holistic understanding of biology. He demonstrates a community spirit by sharing study methods with other students and supporting their success. Dan’s achievements, including a Gold award in the Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, and Senior Maths Challenge, highlight his exceptional abilities. With a well-deserved offer from Cambridge University, Dan’s future studies are sure to be successful. Beyond his accomplishments, Dan’s modesty, sense of humour, and fun-loving nature have made him a valuable asset to the class.”

Another of the award winners, Rosie who was praised for her work in Textiles, said her teacher had nominated her and that it was unexpected. Whilst Rosie wants to study photography in the future, textiles has been in her words “an unexpected passion” and one which she really enjoyed doing at the College.

Mike Ashton, Chair of the Governers, summed up the evening by highlighting that with all the academic achievement that has been self-evident, he “kept hearing phrases that include leadership, personality, determination, popular with their colleagues, team players”, and focusing on the importance of these personal qualities, stating  “that they will carry you forward  and wherever you go and whatever you do, your career flame will burn brighter because of those qualities.”