Either three or two times a week we run full school assemblies with all 900 students and staff coming together. A common element of these assemblies is that we share the successes of students and staff in a range of academic and extra-curricular pursuits. These include the prestigious CREST Awards for work in Science and Engineering; participation in national and internal level Olympiads in Maths, Physics, IT and Biology, success at each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, completion of Open University ‘YASS’ modules, achievement of ABRSM grade awards for the many students who play instruments and our own, highly prized, Bronze, Silver and Gold Achievement Certificates for students making particularly good academic progress. A number of ‘Service Ties’ are awarded each year to students who have made significant contributions to science, sport or the arts. Another regular feature of assemblies are the ‘match reports’ from the week’s big fixtures and student presentations telling us about their endeavours on trips and expeditions.

The main event of each year is the magnificent Annual Prize-Giving ceremony in December where students who completed their A levels the previous year return to KEGS to celebrate their achievements. A large number of awards and trophies are given for community service, public spirit and success in sport alongside awards for notable achievement in each subject. It is always a wonderful occasion that provides an opportunity for students to share the tales of their first term at university or their gap year activities.