A wonderful evening was had at Bedford Corn Exchange on Wednesday night (8th July) as the year came to an end with Prize Giving 2015.

Celebrating those girls who have gone above and beyond this year, with a range of prizes ranging from Academic Excellence to the main gong of the evening, the School Dux, Prize Giving was a fitting finale.

A packed out Corn Exchange saw all prize winners, their peers, Years 7 and Upper Sixth parents, as well as parents of the prize winners, trustees and teachers in attendance, with Baroness Sue Campbell CBE, chair of UK Sport who masterminded Great Britain’s London 2012 success, our inspirational guest speaker.

After a performance of He Always from our Year 10 Drama girls and opening addresses from Headmistress, Miss MacKenzie, and Deputy Head Girl, Kate Long, who gave details of Baroness Campbell’s career, the awarding of the prizes commenced.

Years 7-Upper Sixth pupils were honoured in for a wide variety of successes.

After a beautiful performance on the violin from Rebecca Swaney (Upper Sixth) and Talia Sanders (Year 10), further awards were handed out, with Upper Sixth student, Chantal Duchenne, winning the School Dux.

Baroness Campbell and Head Girl, Ellen Lovell, brought the evening to a close, with the latter urging the girls to consider four factors in achieving their goals – compassion, aspiration, resilience and empathy.

Miss MacKenzie said: “Prize Giving 2015 was a truly fitting note to end the year on. We were honoured to have Baroness Sue Campbell CBE as guest speaker, who inspired the girls with her words. This is someone who is at the top of sport administration in our country and is a former athlete and coach, so it’s hard not to be in awe of her.

“Many congratulations must go to all our prize winners. I know how hard they’ve all worked and they’re a credit to the school. This was also the last time we will see our Upper Sixth students, and I’d like to wish all the best for the future.”