Three Northamptonshire schools take home top prizes at annual awards
Grange Primary Academy, Kettering Buccleuch Academy (KBA) and Montsaye Academy – all of which are part of United Learning – are celebrating four wins between them at this year’s Best in Everyone Awards.
Delivered by United Learning, the Best in Everyone Awards is an annual prize giving event, designed to mark the exceptional achievements of students and staff in schools across the Group, as well as the contributions they make to their school and wider communities.
The winners of National Awards – which were open to secondary students and all staff – were:
Rhiannon, a Year 13 student at KBA who picked up the History Award (Year 10-13);
Laura, a Year 13 student at KBA who won the Modern Foreign Languages Award (Year 10-13);
The Year 11 Football Team at Montsaye Academy who were named ‘Sports Team of the Year’.
The students were celebrated at a special, in-person ceremony held at Boughton House in Kettering on Friday 19th June. Bespoke videos announcing the National Award winners were shared on the Group’s social media platforms to coincide with the in-person ceremony, enabling family, friends and colleagues at home to join in the festivities.
Montsaye Academy’s choir also performed at the Awards Ceremony as part of the celebrations.
In picking up the History Award, KBA student Rhiannon was praised for her sophisticated analytical and writing skills and the way in which she contributes enthusiastically and intelligently in lessons, whilst Modern Foreign Languages Award winner Laura, was commended for her skills as an outstanding linguist which has seen her undertake extensive independent learning to achieve an A* in A Level Polish, entirely self-taught.
Speaking of her win, Rhiannon said:
“I’m incredibly grateful and honoured to receive this award. Studying History has been a real passion of mine, and I’ve loved developing my understanding through both my lessons and wider reading.”
Laura added:
“Languages have always fascinated me, so it’s really rewarding to see that interest recognised. I’ve enjoyed challenging myself to go further, whether through independent study or exploring different cultures, and I’m excited to keep building on that in the future.”
In winning the ‘Sports Team of the Year’ Award, Montsaye Academy’s Year 11 footballers were recognised for the resilience, discipline and dedication they show to their sport. This commitment enabled them to reach the semi-finals of the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) Under 16 Schools’ Cup in March, meaning that they placed in the top four teams in the country out of a total of 619 schools.
Speaking of reaching the semi-finals, Team Captain, Mason, said: “It was a pleasure and my honour to captain our team to this achievement. We are all so proud of how far we got in the competition due to the number of top-quality teams we played against. Having fellow classmates on the side of the pitch at every single game played a huge part in our victory and highlights our unity and compassion as a year group. We cannot thank our incredible teachers enough – they gave us advice during the game and, most importantly, stayed after school to help us improve on our weaknesses which really contributed to our success this year.”
Primary pupils across the Group were also be entered into Regional Best in Everyone Awards which saw Amelia, a Nursery pupil at Grange Primary Academy take home the Character Award for London and the South. Amelia was praised for her incredible kindness and the care she shows to all those around her.
Amelia said: “I am really happy to win an award. I have learnt how to be kind from my mum.”
The Principals across all three schools also offered warm messages of congratulations.
Chloe Buckenham, Principal at KBA, said: “Many congratulations to Rhiannon and Laura who are both highly deserving of these national awards. Both students show incredible commitment and determination to their subjects, going above and beyond to develop their knowledge and understanding and to be truly exemplary. All of us at KBA are so proud of their achievements and I have no doubt that they will go on to lead very successful and bright futures.”
Gopal Baria, Interim Principal at Montsaye Academy, said: “Very well done to our young footballers on this national award and on their fantastic success throughout this season. Reaching the semi-finals of the ESFA Cup is a highly impressive accomplishment and couldn’t have been achieved without the team’s strong work ethic, commitment and support for one another, both on the pitch and away from it.”
Chris Latimer, Principal at Grange Primary Academy, said: “What a brilliant and well-deserved award win for Amelia. All of us at Grange Primary have been so impressed by Amelia this year and the wonderful kindness she continues to show to her classmates. Kindness is one of our four school values and to see Amelia demonstrate such behaviour at such a young age is amazing. Amelia is a delightful pupil to teach and is a wonderful asset to our school community, exemplifying every day what it means to be a thoughtful, considerate and compassionate young child. Very well done to Amelia.”
United Learning extends its sincere thanks to Taylor Shaw and Lexington for their generous sponsorship and support of the event.