In addition to guest of honour, Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of Worcester University, students, parents/carers, staff and governors were joined at this year's Prize Giving by a member of the Ofsted team inspecting the school. All present witnessed a moving and a most positive evening.

Both Vice Chair of Governors, Rod Barker, and Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, in their presentations paid tribute to Lauren Hughes and her family. Lauren's tragic death in May had cast a long shadow over the school. Mr Barker praised Lauren as a commendable young lady and Mr Griffiths said how impressed he had been by the dignity of Lauren's family during this time. Lauren's brother, Liam, and her boyfriend, Luke Clarke, were awarded John Kyrle Princess Diana Memorial Awards for the way they supported the family and the wider school community during this time.

Mr Barker praised the school for its fantastic provision of educational outcomes and experiences for young people. In mentioning all recently-retired members of staff, he made particular mention of Joyce Thomas whose work as a governor had been truly outstanding. Mr Griffiths also thanked all former staff and governors and he said that those present would understand if he made special mention of Brent Vinall who had been his excellent Deputy Head for all of his 12 years as Headteacher of the school.

Following Mr Barker's presentation, Cllr Chris Bartrum in his role as Deputy Mayor, said how proud he was of the school both as a parent and a governor. He knew the community also held the school in similar high regard and they were right to do so.

In his presentation, Mr Griffiths made mention of the highlights of the school year, 2011-2012, and thanked students, parents/carers staff and governors for their dedicated work. Whilst it was difficult for him to list everything, Mr Griffiths said how proud he had been that the school was selected to host the Olympic Torch and what a fantastic ambassador for the school and the town Vanessa Brann had been as she carried the torch. In saying he had been Headteacher of the school for 12 years, Mr Griffiths said he had never been more delighted at what the school has achieved. This summer saw the best set of examination results ever; the school now has its largest student population showing huge parental support for what John Kyrle does and there is a massive investment in capital developments including the soon to be opened £1m new multi gym and new classrooms. Students had been involved in all aspects of music, drama and sport and had been outstanding ambassadors for John Kyrle across the world: in Europe, Africa, Iceland and North America. Mr Griffiths said, "None of this would be possible without my staff and governors, past and present, including all-important support staff who do so much work on behalf of our students. I want to thank them all for their continued commitment."

Having awarded prizes to students for all aspects of school life, Professor David Green said how impressed he had been with all he had seen and heard about John Kyrle. Given his background in higher education, he wanted to stress in particular the school's outstanding A-level results which see students reach universities across the country studying a range of courses. He knew the school would continue to go from strength to strength. In their speech of thanks to Professor Green, Head Girl and Head Boy, Becky Rolfs and Luke Williams, said how impressed they had been with his speech and also his CV showing how he had positively impacted on students across the globe. Becky and Luke said how much they had enjoyed being at John Kyrle with all the new developments they had seen and the high-quality teaching they had received. They were looking forward to working with the many new teachers at John Kyrle and praised past teachers, support staff and paid tribute to Joyce Thomas for all her hard work as a governor.