St John’s Catholic School & Sixth Form proudly hosted its third annual Virtue Awards Evening on Thursday 26th June, recognising and celebrating the outstanding character of its students in a heartwarming and inspiring event.

The awards evening honoured students for demonstrating key virtues at the heart of the school community, including respect, compassion, resilience, justice, honesty, self-belief, responsibility and confidence. In a unique and inclusive approach, every student in attendance received an award, reinforcing the school’s commitment to celebrating young people for who they are, not solely their academic achievements.

In addition to the main virtue awards, several prestigious honours were presented. These included the Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 Eagle Awards, recognising students who exemplify all of the school’s core virtues and serve as exceptional role models. Special awards were also presented, including the Bishop Kevin Dunn Award, Community Angel Award, Sara Davies Award for Creativity and Innovation, and the Leo Robinson Award, each acknowledging remarkable contributions to school and their wider community.

The evening was made even more special by the presence of Sara Davies MBE, entrepreneur and former St John’s student, who attended as guest of honour. Speaking to students and their families, Sara highlighted the importance of the virtues being celebrated and their lasting impact beyond school.
“That’s what you are being celebrated for tonight. To every single student sat in the audience, well done, not for what you do but for who you are,” she said.

Drawing on her own journey, Sara spoke about how honesty, resilience and confidence helped shape her career, inspiring students to recognise the strengths within themselves. Reflecting on her time at St John’s, she added:
“I know what an impact the teachers in this school had on my personal development and that made me into the person I am today.”

A special video from former student Emil Franci, now a radio and TV presenter, opened the second half of the evening and embodied the ethos of the evening with his address to the winners, "Congratulations for being recognised for someone who stands out, simply for being who you are."

Families filled the hall with pride as students were recognised not only for their achievements, but for their character. The atmosphere was one of celebration, with many parents visibly moved as their children were commended for being positive, kind and resilient members of the school community.

Natalie Rose, Assistant Headteacher said, “The Virtue Awards have become a highlight of our school calendar, and we never take for granted the importance of them. In a society where young people so often face pressures, scrutiny and criticism, it is wonderful to be reminded of how incredible the young adults within our community are. The students are at the heart of St John's and are what makes it such a wonderful learning community, and that is something really worth celebrating!" 

Stuart McGhee, CEO of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, who attended the event, praised the initiative:
“It was an incredible evening, and I am immensely proud that St John’s holds this event to celebrate the fantastic young people within its community. Recognising students for their character and values, as well as their achievements, is something truly special.”

The Virtue Awards Evening continues to be a cornerstone event at St John’s, reflecting the school’s strong ethos and commitment to developing not just successful learners, but compassionate and confident individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.