Education Secretary awards Lord Glenamara prize at Imperial

Education Secretary Justine Greening came to Imperial to reward outstanding achievement among young people in the North East.

The annual Lord Glenamara of Glenridding Memorial Prize recognises sixth form students from the region who have excelled in their studies while making profound contributions to their school or wider community. 

Each year, the prize-giving ceremony is hosted by a prestigious London university. The winner and nine runners-up had the opportunity to tour Imperial’s campus, meet with current students, and try their hand in the College’s Flight Simulator facility. 

Addressing the students, Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice Provost (Education) at Imperial said: “It is wonderful to see so many amazing young people who are not just academically bright, but who are doing so much for society. The world needs more people like you to change it for the better” 

Community leaders

Speaking at the event - which was also attended by former Secretary of State, Lord Baker - the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP, said: “Congratulations to all of you. In the end it’s people who change things in our world and our communities. You are here because you’re showing that you’re going to be some of the people who help our country move forward” 

Courteney Ayre receiving her award from Justine Greening MP

Apollo Studio Academy student, Courteney Ayre, was named the winner of this year’s prize. As well as excelling academically, Courteney was recognized for her broad range of voluntary and extra-curricular work - including delivering peer-to-peer lessons at her school, supervisory work with Nissan Industrial cadets, leading Remembrance Day activities as part of the Royal Air Force youth programme, and volunteering her time and talents to various local charities. 

Courteney said: I feel highly honoured to be nominated for, and subsequently chosen, to receive this outstanding award. If it wasn’t for the tireless effort put in by my teachers, family and friends I would still be shy, and therefore unable to even be considered for an award like this.” 

Speaking of what motivates her, she said: “I just like helping people. If other people are happy, then I’m happy.”

Celebrating success

Justine Greening added: “There were so many excellent entrants put forward for this year’s prize and they should all be celebrated. However, having read Courteney’s nomination, it is clear why she stood out - Courteney should be proud of her many achievements. 

Former Secretary of State Lord Baker, Professor Simone Buitendijk. Justine Greening MP and Professor James Stirling

“Getting good grades is vital and it is equally important that pupils leave school with the skills and confidence needed to get on in life. Courteney has demonstrated these qualities in abundance and used them to have a hugely positive impact on her school and the local community” 

Professor James Stirling, Provost of Imperial, said: “Here at Imperial we are passionate about STEM subjects and inspiring students across the UK to take them up. Some of you may have thought about applying to Imperial but have been put off by the thought of moving to London – thinking that it’s an overwhelming and distant place.” 

“In fact we need talented students from all over the UK to apply to come here – particularly students like yourselves from the North East.” 

This is the second time that Imperial has hosted the ceremony – the inaugural Lord Glenamara Prize was awarded at the College in 2013

The runners-up were:

• Lily Clarke, Heaton Manor School
• Grace Copeland, St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy
• Thomas James, Belmont Community School
• Martha Laundy-Blair, Carmel College
• Jack McDermott, Ian Ramsey CoE Academy
• Annalise Murray, Harton Technology College
• Aaron Rowell, St Thomas More RC Academy
• Georgia Topping, Castle View Enterprise Academy
• Niamh Waters, St Thomas More RC Sixth Form