Headteacher’s Commendation – Summer Term 2025

We are delighted to recognise a number of students who have received a Headteacher’s Commendation for the summer term.

Each term, up to two students from each year group are nominated for this award in recognition of their outstanding achievements, either within school or beyond, and for their positive contribution to the wider school community. This commendation is a reflection of their dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have made.

As part of the recognition, students attended a break-time meeting with the Headteacher where they received their certificate and enjoyed a hot chocolate. This informal gathering also provided an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and discuss their aspirations for the future.

Congratulations to all our award recipients - we are extremely proud of you!

Elisa Dunn - Year 7

Elisa is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the wider life of the school. She consistently demonstrates dedication and excellence by balancing her academic responsibilities with a demanding schedule of extracurricular dance activities. Elisa has achieved Grade 4 Ballet with Honours and Grade 5 Acro with Distinction - both the highest marks possible in their respective disciplines. In her first year of competitive dance, she represented herself and her community at three East Midlands festivals, earning two third-place medals and one second-place medal. Despite her significant commitments outside of school, Elisa remains focused in class, maintains high academic standards, and approaches school life with positivity and enthusiasm. Elisa is a valued member of the school community, and this commendation celebrates her positive and valued contribution.

Lauren Bonner - Year 8

Lauren is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of her exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment throughout the academic year. She consistently approaches every task with determination, pride, and a genuine passion for learning. Lauren strives to complete all work to the highest standard, demonstrating resilience, focus, and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm make her a pleasure to work with, and she embraces every challenge with maturity and perseverance. Lauren also contributes meaningfully to group work, particularly in subjects such as English and Drama, where her collaborative spirit and creativity shine. She is a dedicated and inspiring student who fully embodies the values of our school and is a most deserving recipient of this commendation.

 Olivia Bonner - Year 8

Olivia is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of the strength, determination, and maturity she has demonstrated throughout the academic year. She has been a pleasure to work with, showing remarkable personal growth both academically and emotionally. Olivia has faced and overcome physical barriers to her learning with resilience and positivity, adapting with courage and making thoughtful choices to maintain her independence while accepting support where needed. Her confidence has grown as she has engaged more with her peers, particularly in drama, where her voice and presence have become stronger. Olivia approaches her physiotherapy with adaptability and self-awareness, regularly reflecting on her needs and progress. Her resilience, determination, and positive attitude embody the values of our school, making her a truly deserving recipient of this commendation.

Eliza Mulholland - Year 9

Eliza is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation. Since joining us towards the end of Year 8, she has made an exceptional impact, quickly establishing herself as a top performer. This academic year, she has earned the highest number of merits in the year group, a testament to her consistent hard work, dedication, and outstanding attitude towards learning.

Eliza embodies all the qualities we value in a QEGS student. Her attendance is excellent, her behaviour is impeccable, and she approaches every challenge with determination and positivity. Beyond her academic achievements, she is a kind, respectful and thoughtful individual who acts as an excellent role model for her peers.

Her contribution to our school community has been exemplary, and we wholeheartedly believe she deserves this recognition for her commitment, character, and impressive accomplishments.

Tamzyn Priestly - Year 9

Tamzyn is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation. She is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates maturity, kindness, and a strong work ethic across all areas of school life. Her attendance is excellent, and she has earned a high number of merits this year through her sustained effort and positive attitude.

A dedicated advocate for the Arts, she has shown exceptional commitment in Art, Music, and Drama. Notably, she has supported a fellow student who lacks confidence in Art, offering reassurance, guidance, and practical help in a calm, empathetic manner. Her influence has made a real difference to his engagement and enjoyment.

She is a polite, resilient and determined individual who approaches each day with quiet confidence and care for others. Tamzyn leads by example and is a credit to herself and the school.

Oscar Espin - Year 10

Oscar is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the wider life of the school. He has consistently demonstrated initiative, leadership, and a strong sense of community through his involvement in various school and local projects. Oscar is an exceptional volunteer at the St Joseph Banks Centre and a key contributor to the “Future of the Past” project, where his commitment and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact. Within school, he serves as a dedicated Year 7 maths mentor, supporting younger students with patience and encouragement. He has also written and delivered two year-group assemblies, both of which conveyed powerful, thoughtful messages that inspired his peers. Oscar’s character, reliability, and genuine desire to give back make him a thoroughly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Oliver Jennings - Year 10

Oliver is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of his consistent hard work, dedication, and positive attitude towards learning. He embodies all the qualities we value in a QEGS student: resilience, positivity, and integrity. Oliver approaches every challenge with determination, takes pride in his work, and maintains impeccable behaviour at all times. Beyond his academic efforts, he plays an active role in the school community as a tutor representative, where he leads by example, including running assemblies with confidence and maturity. His cheerful outlook and unwavering commitment make him a respected and valued member of our school and for these reasons we believe that he is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Olive Sale - Year 12

Olive is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of the outstanding way she has immersed herself in sixth form life from day one. While balancing her academic studies with dedication and focus, Olive has made a significant contribution to the wider life of the school. She is a passionate advocate for the arts, taking on a lead role in school productions and actively supporting younger students through her involvement. Olive also volunteered to take a leading role in the Sixth Form Transition Day, where she helped new students from other schools feel welcomed and supported. Most recently, she has shown initiative and courage by applying for a senior prefect role. With boundless positive energy and a genuine desire to give back, Olive exemplifies the qualities we most value in a QEGS student. Her contribution to the school community in such a short time has been exemplary, and she is a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Andrew Short - Year 12

Andrew is being awarded the Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the wider life of the school and his dedication to supporting others. A mature, thoughtful, and respectful student, Andrew consistently models the qualities we value most at QEGS. His impeccable behaviour, positive attitude, and quiet determination set an excellent example for his peers. Alongside his A Level studies (in four subjects), he has selflessly given his time to mentor younger students, support the Year 9 Maths Challenge, and recently completed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition. He also took part in the QEGS Swimathon, raising a significant amount of money for the PE department. Andrew’s strong sense of responsibility, generosity of spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference make him a truly commendable young man and a thoroughly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.