Willingdon Awards Evening shines with inspiration, talent and community spirit

We were honoured to welcome Roger Black MBE, Olympic silver medallist and one of Britain’s most respected athletes, as our guest speaker.

Roger captivated the audience with his story of perseverance, teamwork and self-belief. His message, that success is built on resilience, respect for others and an unwavering ambition to improve, perfectly reflected the values we aim to instil in every Willingdon student. His warmth and authenticity left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

The evening was expertly led by our student body, who demonstrated confidence and professionalism throughout. They guided us seamlessly through the programme and celebrated their peers’ achievements with genuine enthusiasm.

Musical performances added a special touch to the night, featuring outstanding student musicians and several members of our talented alumni band. Their return to the stage reminded us of the strong sense of belonging that continues long after students leave Willingdon.

One of our favourite moments from the Willingdon Awards Evening was a very special reunion!

Our Parish Councillor, John Pritchett, was thrilled to reconnect with his old Willingdon classmate, Michael King, grandfather of Caleb and Zara. Mr King and Mr Pritchett were both students here when the school first opened in 1956. They hadn’t seen each other for over 20 years, and their reunion was a lovely reminder of the strong sense of community that makes Willingdon so special.

From the inspiring words of Roger Black to the talent and leadership shown by our students, the Awards Evening was a wonderful celebration of all that makes Willingdon such a vibrant and caring community. It was a night to recognise not only achievement, but also the values of ambition, respect and togetherness that continue to guide our school forward.