This wonderful occasion gave our staff, parents and wider community the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our students throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. We were also delighted to welcome Francis Holland alumna and Polished Corner, Polly Powell (Class of 1977), as this year’s Prize-Giving guest speaker.

The Head, Mrs Woodcock, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the School’s ongoing strengths, noting our sense of community, commitment to academic excellence, co-curricular offering and outstanding pastoral care. She praised the dedication of our staff body in encouraging every single girl to reach her potential, and thanked parents and governors for their ongoing support.

Following performances by our string quartet and Thirds Choir, FHS alumna and guest speaker Polly Powell delivered a captivating speech reflecting fondly on her time at Francis Holland. Mrs Powell took us on a nostalgic journey, sharing personal anecdotes from her school days, including her unique entrance interview with the headmistress and her adventures commuting to school. She encouraged our students to use their time at school to truly nurture their interests and to boldly follow their dreams, acknowledging how her time at Francis Holland equipped her with the passion and drive to pursue a successful career in publishing. Mrs Powell also reflected warmly on the lifelong friends she made at school, reminding students to cherish and treasure their Francis Holland friendships. We would like to extend our thanks to Mrs Powell for giving her time and wisdom so generously at this year’s Prize-Giving as our guest speaker.

We were also delighted to award a new prize this year, the Naismith Cup, generously donated by alumna Mrs Diane Patten (née Naismith), who left Francis Holland in 1947. The Naismith Cup this year was awarded to Reia P to recognise the School's most promising netball player. 

Between the speeches and the distribution of prizes, we were also treated to outstanding performances from our musicians and actresses. Musical performances included a mesmerising rendition of Uusberg’s ‘Muusika’ by our Chamber Choir, an uplifting performance of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by our Thirds and a rousing closing performance of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. We also enjoyed a spirited excerpt from of our recent Junior Play, ‘Annie’ and a skilfully played extract from Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor’ from our string quartet.

The ceremony was closed with final remarks from Deputy Chair of Governors, Mr Anthony Fincham, who offered his sincere thanks to our parents for their ongoing support of Francis Holland, Regent’s Park. This was another truly wonderful Prize-Giving celebrating student excellence at Francis Holland, Regent’s Park, and we are so grateful to all who joined us. A huge congratulations to all students who received prizes and wishing everyone a restful summer break.