Two hundred pupils from Murray Park Community School in Mickleover were recognised at the school’s fourth annual Pride Awards, an evening that marked academic achievement, personal development and contributions to school life.
Graduation-style ceremony honours a wide range of successes
The event, modelled on a traditional graduation, brought together families, teachers and students to celebrate those who embody the school's stated values: Perseverance, Respect, Independence, Dreams and Excellence. Awards reflected not only test results but also leadership, volunteering, peer support and acts of kindness.
Among the highlighted winners was Billy Rose, a Year 10 student who received two separate prizes — one for computing and another recognizing his exceptional effort in peer tutoring. Billy has recently been appointed Head Boy and is regarded by staff as an emerging leader within the pupil body.
"Becoming Head Boy is a huge honour and I want to use the role to make a positive difference. I want every student to feel that someone is listening to them and that their ideas matter,"
Billy’s academic record was also showcased during the ceremony. He is predicted to achieve top grades in his upcoming GCSEs, recently scored highly in a regional mathematics challenge and gained full marks in a history test. He told the audience he intends to continue working hard while using his new position to amplify pupil voices.
Wider impact and school priorities
Organisers said the evening was intended to recognise the whole-school community and to reward both academic and character development. The awards underscore Murray Park’s emphasis on producing well-rounded pupils who take part in extracurricular activities and support their peers.
- Number of pupils celebrated: 200
- Event: Fourth annual Pride Awards
- Values highlighted: Perseverance, Respect, Independence, Dreams, Excellence
Family pride was palpable on the night. Billy’s younger brother, Freddie Rose, also received an award, making the occasion especially memorable for their family.
| Year group | Typical awards |
|---|---|
| Lower years | Effort, kindness, progress |
| Upper years | Academic excellence, leadership, community contribution |
Staff described the ceremony as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge pupils who 'go above and beyond' during the academic year. Events such as this are part of a wider push in Derbyshire schools to celebrate both attainment and the softer skills that support future study and employment.
The Pride Awards offer a snapshot of the school's priorities as pupils prepare for examinations and transition points in their education, while also reinforcing the message that contributions to the school community are valued alongside exam performance.
