Pupils from Beech Hall School’s 2024 GCSE cohort recently returned to the Tytherington-based school for its anticipated annual Prize Giving ceremony, celebrating their achievements with family, friends and staff members.

 

As well as receiving their Records of Achievement containing academic certificates and hard-earned Duke of Edinburgh awards, 68 accolades were presented to the pupils for ‘effort leading to progress’ across the various subject areas, with a winner and several pupils highly commended in each category.

 

Throughout the evening, several special honours were also bestowed. Presented to the pupil who achieved the best GCSE results, Luke Edwards was the proud recipient of the Year 11 Trophy, after securing an exceptional five grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7. As a result of his impressive academic success, Prestbury-resident Luke secured a place at Fallibroome Academy where he studies Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths at A Level.

 

The Philip Monk Shield, awarded to the pupil who has made the most profound progress throughout the Senior School, was presented to athletic superstar Isaac Inwood. Following a unanimous decision by the judges, Isaac was recognised both academically and in the world of sport, notably for his monumental successes as a 6-metre-plus long jumping legend.

 

Matt Carling was presented with the Hanson Plate, an accolade for a pupil who in the words of Ralph Emerson shows themselves ‘to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.’

 

The Sawas Trophy, presented to a pupil or pupils who have demonstrated ‘active and enthusiastic participation and contribution to the life of the school’, was jointly awarded to Head Boy Blake Lyons and Sports Captain James Barlow. The duo was recognised by the judges for their energy, commitment and dedication to everything they did – whether that be playing football or swimming the English Channel, grafting in Galápagos, mentoring younger pupils, or speaking in public and representing the school.

 

James Allen, Headmaster at Beech Hall School, commented: “The 2024 GCSE Prize Giving evening was a truly joyous event. Beech Hall’s largest cohort in the last fifteen years have completed their most important years and the occasion offered the perfect opportunity to honour those pupils – a group which has collectively achieved the school’s best GCSE results, certainly in the last ten years.

 

“With a 100% pass rate in English Language and 97% in Mathematics, this was a group that proved a combination of hard work on their part and fierce commitment to the very best programmes of teaching on the part of our teachers.”

 

Notably, a 100% GCSE pass rate was also secured in Art, Chemistry, Food Technology, French, English Literature, Music, Media Studies, Physics and Physical Education.

 

James added: “The achievements of our pupils are a testament to their resilience and our support, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. The event was not just a chance to celebrate their academic successes, but so much more. To those who have overcome significant adversity, to those who have grown in confidence maturity and attitude, to those who have played sport to a high level, who jumped farther, swam faster, climbed higher… it was a chance to revel in success and so we did.”