This week, Scarborough College had the pleasure of welcoming back recent leavers, celebrating their achievements as well as the accomplishments of current students at the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony. The occasion gives the College the opportunity to highlight the talents of its community, bringing together students, staff, families, the Charter Mayor of Scarborough, and alumni to honour the previous academic year.
Last Saturday’s ceremony recognised prize winners from across the school, spanning from Year 7 to Year 13. Among them were students proudly collecting their GCSE and IB certificates, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The day began with a warm welcome from Mr Guy Robinson, Chair of Governors, who inspired everyone with the school’s ambitious new five-year vision. He also touched on the current political climate, helping contextualise the ever-evolving landscape in which we find ourselves. Additionally, he offered gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Dr. John Renshaw, who received a heartfelt token of appreciation for his years of service and dedication to Scarborough College.
The ceremony featured a performance by the senior choir of “Eternity” by Michael Bojesen. It was a lovely moment of harmony, with both staff and students joining in to create a truly special moment. Following the choir, Headmaster Mr Guy Emmett took the stage to deliver his Annual Report. Reflecting on the 2023-24 school year, Mr. Emmett highlighted the school’s many successes, from national sports victories like the U15 Boys’ Cricket team, who were crowned national champions, to outstanding performances in drama with our productions of Matilda and The Importance of Being Earnest. He also commended the impressive IB results and strong GCSE grades. His thanks and gratitude were extended to all teaching and operational staff for their unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inspiring environment for their students.
We were honoured to have former Scarborough College student, Mr Waveney Crookes, as the day’s guest speaker. Since his days at the College, Mr Crookes has built an impressive career, serving in the armed forces, working as a deep-sea diver, and now leading SeaGrown, the UK’s first offshore seaweed cultivation company dedicated to improving ocean health and mitigating climate change. Mr Crookes shared invaluable life lessons on the importance of failure, resilience and the growth that comes from adversity – a unique perspective that included a memorable story about jellyfish!
Current Head of School Toby gave the Vote of Thanks, echoing Mr Crookes’ admiration for our Yorkshire Grit programme, which builds resilience and character. The College was delighted to welcome back last year’s Head of School, Jacob, who reflected on his journey through Scarborough College, expressing gratitude to the staff who had supported him from his early days in the Prep School to leading the student body in Year 13.
The ceremony concluded with a rousing rendition of “Jerusalem” and the national anthem, marking a powerful and fitting end to the day. It was made even more special by the attendance of Mr Phil Wilson, Former Head of Middle Tier, who joined us to say a fond farewell to last year’s Year 13. His presence was a moving reminder of the deep connections that make the College community so extraordinary.
Sincere thanks to Holroyd Howe, the College’s catering team, for the impressive lunch that followed, capping off a fantastic event. It was a wonderful day for the school community, celebrating the accomplishments of all students and the strong relationships that define Scarborough College.
To see the photos from Prize Giving, take a look at our Google Photos album.
