We were delighted to once again look back over what has been a truly unique and wonderful School year, with our pupils of all ages throwing themselves into the welcome return of school trips, co-curricular activities and of course academic, sporting, art, drama and music pursuits with characteristic FHS spirit, grit and resilience. Every day we are blown away by the level of talent displayed by the girls in so many areas, and even more so by their kindness and support of each other and their strength as a community.

As well as the traditional awarding of prizes, we were wowed by brilliant music, ballet, ballroom dancing and drama performances over the course of the evening. First, we were treated to magical performances of Movements from Mozart’s Hunt Quartet by String Quartet and Nun Danket alle Gott by the Music Scholars’ Ensemble, before being warmly welcomed by Headmistress Lucy Elphinstone. Mrs Elphinstone thanked the parents, teachers and governors for their support over the last year, and congratulated the girls on their achievements, including our best ever results achieved at both GCSE and A Level, before introducing Mr Patrick Sherrington, Chair of the FHST Governing Council, who was to award this year’s prizes. Mr Sherrington gave a moving speech which made us all feel honoured and proud to be part of the FHS Community. The awarding of the prizes began with Years 7 and 8, followed by a hilarious performance of a scene from The Play That Goes Wrong by our Lower Sixth Drama students. Mr Sherrington then awarded the Year 9 prizes before an exquisite ballet performance of Girls Like You by our Ballet Scholars, skillfully choreographed by Miss Stéphanie Ross. This was followed by another stunning dance performance; this time a solo dance to Married Life from Up by Grace Wharton, choreographed by Miss Katie Killick and Grace herself.

Mr Sherrington then awarded the prizes for Years 10 and 11, followed by a beautiful rendition of My Heart is Like a Singing Bird by Chamber Choir directed by our Director of Music Miss Vickery, accompanied by Miss Gajic Murata. It was then time for our final and prizes for our eldest pupils,  Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Form Leavers’ Prizes and Special Prizes, which were awarded to tumultuous applause from our audience. It was then time for our final address from Mrs Elphinstone to bring this momentous evening to a close, and it did not disappoint. Mrs Elphinstone reminded the FHS community what we have all been through and encouraged us all to Recover, Rebuild, Resolve and Rebel!

Our guests were regaled by a surprise performance by two opera singers who emerged seamlessly from the audience, much to the enjoyment and amusement of all in attendance! The evening concluded with a rousing performance of Jerusalem, directed by Miss Vickery and accompanied by the Orchestra before enjoying refreshments in the bar. A special thanks must go to Mr Sherrington for his awarding of the prizes and of course for the vital role he and our other governors play in supporting FHS, and of course to all our staff, girls and families for again making Prize-Giving such an amazing and gratifying occasion. Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing summer break!