On Thursday 3 July, we were proud to host the inaugural Summer Celebration Evening for our Academic Scholars and their families - a moment to honour intellectual curiosity, ambition and the joy of learning. 

Co-Head of Academic Scholarships, Ms Day, shared the vision behind the programme, highlighting how its structure nurtures high-level thinking, challenge and enrichment. The evening’s highlight was an inspiring keynote from Saima Hanif KC (pictured), renowned barrister and legal thinker, who spoke passionately about the importance of first principles thinking and the courage to challenge assumptions in pursuit of deeper understanding. 

Her message resonated powerfully with students and parents alike: that true scholarship is not about ticking boxes, but about cultivating a love of learning for its own sake - a mindset that leads to innovation, insight and personal growth. 

Recognising the dedication and hard work of our scholars this year, it was a pleasure to announce the winning collaborative presentations from their recent project work. Each group demonstrated exceptional focus, creativity and teamwork, bringing thoughtful research and insightful ideas to life. 

Whether tackling global challenges, exploring cultural themes, or diving into STEM innovations, these presentations stood out for their originality, clarity and impact. It was brilliant to witness such mature collaboration and passionate learning in action. 

The winning collaborative presentations: 

Year 7 & 8 joint winners 

1. Isla and Bella: The History of Blackheath High School 

1. Xanthe, Jianxi, Anna, Isabelle: Climate Change 

Year 9 & 10 

1. Grace, Caitlin, Leela, Sabrina: The American Dream 

Year 11 & 12 

1. India, Seren, Lily, Phoebe: The Impact of Effective Feedback on Art, DT and Textiles 

Written by Ms Day and Miss Banks, Co-Heads of Academic Scholarships