Jade South, a pupil at John Kyrle High School who was killed while taking part in her favourite pastime, horseriding, earlier this year will be remembered at the school in years to come thanks to a new award.

Headteacher Nigel Griffiths told the audience at the JKHS Prize Giving, on Wednesday, December 17th, that they wanted to remember Jade within the ongoing life of the school.

He said: "Jade was killed whilst undertaking a sporting event at which she was so talented and as sport plays such an integral part in the life of our school Jade's loss is all the more poignant."

He explained that the new Jade South Memorial Prize will not be for sport but for applied learning. He said that this was because Jade had become very focussed on her own learning, she had been planning to take equine studies.

Yasmeen Pagan was the first recipient of the Jade South Award for Applied Learning. She was presented with her award by special guest, Sir Peter de la Billiere, who presented all the certificates and prizes.

Mr Griffiths also paid tribute to Jade's family who dealt with their loss in a dignified way, and her friends in school and Mrs Gill Head of Year 11. He said that despite their shock and sadness they had supported each other and Jade's family.

The prestigious Princess Diana Award, which has been endorsed by Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, was awarded to Nancy Fisk. The award was in recognition of the seamless transition she had made from a small school to JKHS.

Mr Griffiths said: "She was someone who was so shy she would hardly speak is now someone who interacts with friends, adults and the community. A keen member of gardening club and someone with a ready smile on her face."

There were also prizes for students who had achieved in examinations, sport, music, drama; awards for contributions to team success and active participation in the wider community.

Becky Steele, one of the sixth form students will have a painting exhibited at Tate Modern next year.

He praised outstanding sportsperson Vanessa Brann, who recently won a 5km race in an event in Belgium. She was awarded the Herbert Samuel Memorial Cup for School Athlete of the Year.

He added that there has been particular success this year in rugby – with the Under -13 and Under -15 teams both winning the County Cup.

He praised students who have participated in foreign travel. He said they have been excellent ambassadors for their families, their communities and their school.

Mr Griffiths reminded the students that they were future leaders in industry, in the arts in the private sector in education, in health, the military and in government.

He urged them to look at every opportunity that was put to them and consider wisely which to take. Mr Griffiths thanked the Governors who give so much of their give of their time willingly and freely.

He also thanked members of the community represented at the ceremony and all the parents for their support.