On Friday 4th October we welcomed Ian Metcalfe, OBE as Principal Guest to our annual Prizegiving. Amongst many other achievements in a varied career, Ian was one of the key people involved in bring the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham in 2022. In his speech to our prize winners, Ian spoke about his own life and his close connection with the King Edward Foundation, he recognised the importance of staff and parents and encouraged everyone to follow some positive personal behaviours. There were three key messages that were clear to all the students. He said that they should:
- Do something they love
- Respect those over whom they have more power
- Remember that at times, they will fail – it is not the failure which will define them, but how they react to that failure.
It was a very positive and enjoyable event which saw Suri Ram our Chair of Governors hosting the proceedings and Mr Johnson giving his first prize giving address as Headteacher of King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys. His speech can be read below:
Good evening, distinguished guests, parents, staff, and, most importantly, students,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School’s Annual Prize Giving Ceremony. This evening holds special significance for me, as it is my first time standing before you in this role as headteacher. I am deeply honoured to be part of this proud tradition, where we come together as a community to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students.
Tonight’s celebration reflects the best of what this school stands for — not just academic achievement but also our core values of Community, Aspiration, Respect, Endeavour, and Service that are at the heart of Handsworth Grammar.
To our students: This evening is for you. The dedication and effort you have shown throughout the year is something to be truly proud of. Whether your accomplishments are in the classroom, on the sports field, in the arts, or through leadership and service, you have demonstrated the qualities that define success.
If I were to ask any member of staff what makes this school so special, I believe every single one of them would say, “the students.” Even in my short time here, I can confidently say the same. Your hard work, determination, thoughtfulness, and simply the way you conduct yourselves day in and day out serve as an exceptional example to others.
Though I have only spent one term at the school, I have already witnessed tremendous success. I have seen our students embrace opportunities, whether through educational visits, listening to inspiring speakers, representing the school or their House in sport, or taking part in our concerts.
One particular moment that stood out for me last term was listening to our Year 12 students present their Legacy projects. As part of the Legacy programme, students form two competing teams to develop social action projects aimed at improving the lives of people in our local community and leaving a genuine legacy.
This year, one team, Project Deactivate, set out to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and gang violence. The other team, Project Realise, focused on raising awareness about mental health and encouraging boys to speak more openly about their mental well-being.
Over the past year, both teams brought their plans to life. Project Deactivate collaborated with the police and a national charity to deliver interactive workshops and even organized their own sessions for students here and at a local primary school, receiving incredibly positive feedback.
Meanwhile, Project Realise concentrated on mental health advocacy. They delivered assemblies and workshops, created a mentoring programme, and partnered with Kooth, an online mental health service, to deliver a workshop for Year 10 students. Their project culminated in a video titled ‘Your Voice Matters,’ now featured on Kooth’s website, which has been viewed by tens of thousands of young people nationwide.
As I listened to both teams present their work, last term, I was struck by their extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact. Their achievements are nothing short of inspiring, and I am deeply impressed by their hard work and dedication. The winning team will be receiving awards this evening in recognition of their work.
On an evening like this, we must also celebrate the outstanding results of our GCSE and A-Level students. Over the summer, we marked many remarkable accomplishments. Last year’s Year 11 and Year 13 cohorts have broken school records. At A-Level, one-third of all the grades awarded were either an A or A*, representing the highest number of top grades in the school’s history in a normal exam year.
Our GCSE results were equally exceptional — the highest since the reform of the grading system to 1-9, with one in five grades being a Grade 9. What makes these achievements even more impressive is that these students endured two years of their secondary education disrupted by the COVID pandemic.
But such success is never achieved in isolation and while I know these groups of people will be recognised in the vote of thanks at the end of this evening, I would like to personally acknowledge them.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the parents. You were the ones who prepared your children for the grammar school admissions test, supported them with their homework, picked them up after football practice, and purchased revision guides, trips abroad, and countless pens and protractors. I want to thank you for entrusting your children’s education to us. Since arriving here, I have been struck by the strength of the partnership between our school and our families. This unity is what allows our students to flourish.
Secondly, we must recognize the work of the governors. Often working behind the scenes, our governors, many of whom are here tonight, give their time generously to provide strategic direction and hold school leaders accountable, ensuring that our students receive the best education possible.
Finally, I must extend my deepest gratitude to the staff of Handsworth Grammar. Our support staff, who cook meals, clean classrooms, organize admissions, plan exams, and keep our students safe, deserve special recognition for their invaluable contributions. They often don’t get the credit they deserve, but we couldn’t function without them.
And, of course, to our teachers. In today’s challenging environment, finding skilled, passionate, and creative educators is no easy task. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented teaching staff here at HGS. The success we celebrate tonight is a direct reflection of their commitment not just to teaching but to inspiring, nurturing, and guiding each student.
It would be remiss of me not to mention two key figures in particular. Firstly, Dr. Bird, my predecessor as Headteacher, who, over his 12-year tenure, helped shape Handsworth Grammar School into the place it is today. And secondly, Mr. Conway, who served as interim Head during the Spring term, whose leadership played a crucial role in last year’s successes.
To our students receiving awards: Congratulations on your achievements. You have made us all proud, and you set a shining example for others to follow. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the future.
Let’s enjoy this wonderful evening together. I’d now like to pass over to our guest speaker for this evening who amongst many other things was Chair of Commonwealth Games England and on the board of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and played a key role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham. Please can I ask you to welcome Mr Ian Metcalfe, OBE to the lectern.
Click here to view more photos in the gallery.
