Our annual Prize Giving took place on Thursday 13th October.

Headmaster Mr Fillingham began the event by taking a look back at the past year at Francis Holland, Regent’s Park. He described the incredible opportunities afforded to the girls, including the many trips available, and emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. This is evidenced by, amongst other things, our annual Summer Camp, during which our students are joined by Looked-After children who may not have a chance to take another holiday. Mr Fillingham also discussed the outward-looking nature of our school, describing the huge variety of guests who have come in to speak, give presentations and run workshops for our students. One such exciting venture is our upcoming Entrepreneurship Fortnight – please click here to find out more.

Mr Fillingham also spoke about the importance of teamwork, and praised the warmth of ethos in our academic and kind school. The standard of teaching in the school is, he said, of utmost importance to the school and he emphasised his commitment to keeping it at its current outstanding standard.

The prize giving then began, with girls clustered at the side of the beautiful hall, eagerly awaiting their turn to walk across the stage and receive their prizes. It was wonderful to hear of the achievements and abilities of each girl, read out by their Head of Year or Department respectively. A huge congratulations to the girls who received awards. Many thanks to Mrs Marie Winckler, Chair of FHST Governing Council, Mr Robert Saunders, member of the Parents’ Association Committee and Mrs Alison Edelshain, Chairman of Quondam for presenting the Longworth Leadership Prize, the Parents’ Association Prize, the Quondam Essay Prizes and the Quondam Prize respectively.

Between prizes, we were treated to stunning performances from the choir and The 15, as well as an outstanding performance of Weiniawski’s Mazurka on the violin. The audience sat captivated during a moving reading of The Hero by Siegfried Sassoon, and clapped and laughed during a joyful performance of Violet M Methley’s Freckles.

Overall, the evening was a wonderful celebration of the girls’ achievements, and a testament to their abilities, dedication and hard work.