Prize Giving 2023

We began the autumn term with a prize giving event to celebrate our students’ achievements from the previous academic year.

Prize winners and their parents gathered in Waterlow Hall to hear from Mrs Paul, our new Head, who thanked the community for giving her such a warm welcome to the school, and reflected on the metaphorical journeys we make through life. “Journeys are so much more important than the ultimate destination. Prizes are a wonderful thing, but what are more important are the actions and attitudes that have brought you to this moment.”   

This year’s prizes were awarded for academic achievement as well as for displaying our school values of Aspiration, Creativity, Kindness, Courage and Commitment, to fully reflect the scope of what we want to recognise and celebrate.  This year’s prestigious Penguin Prize was awarded to Sylvie in Year 10 for her outstanding yet understated contribution to the co-curricular life of the school, from sport to music.

Our Chair of Governors Amanda Dewinter – a former bursary pupil at South Hampstead, now an executive coach and best-selling author – also addressed the audience, before handing over to another trailblazing alumna: guest of honour, Suzy Klein. After graduating with a first-class honours in Music from the University of Oxford, Suzy joined the BBC 25 years ago and was appointed as their Head of Arts and Classical Music TV in 2021. She spoke to the girls about her passion for the arts and explained how a South Hampstead education equipped her with so many life skills. Reflecting on our school values, she shared stories of the courage required to make a programme about her phobias, and divulged that she was tenacious enough to apply to the BBC over 60 times before landing a job. When asked what advice she would give to our pupils today, she added: “Find what you love – and be persistent.” 

Congratulations to all this year’s winners on their impressive achievements.