This year’s Awards Evening took place on Thursday 21^st November.

A large number of students who left Shipston at the end of the last academic year returned to collect their GCSE certificates, subject prizes and special awards, together with our current Year 10 and Year 11 students receiving awards for attitude to study and progress against target.  We were delighted to see amongst the audience parents, staff, governors, the Mayor of Shipston and representatives from local sponsors the Rotary Club, Stour Valley Lions, Shipston Probus and the Royal British Legion.  Our guest of honour was Mr Bob Armstrong who, after many years’ service to the school, recently retired from the school’s Board of Governors.  Mr Armstrong also presented the new “Bob Armstrong Award” to ex-Head Girl Abigail Slatter in recognition of her all-round contribution to the life of the school.

Awards Evenings are always special occasions and this was no exception.  It is always fascinating to learn what our students go on to do when leaving us.  This year one student has taken a place at Shrewsbury School to follow his rowing career whilst another is resident at Repton School on a hockey scholarship.  Many have progressed to local sixth forms to study A levels and a good number have embarked on vocational courses at college in areas such as Animal Care, Bricklaying, Hair and Beauty, Health & Social Care and Sports Science.  A substantial number, too, have taken up apprenticeships in various professions such as Catering, Carpentry, Farriery and Farming.

In all cases, it is good to see that the sound education they have received at Shipston has stood them in good stead to take the next steps forward in their chosen careers.