Held on Thursday 11th June 2026, the third King Edward VI Foundation Awards Ceremony was a truly memorable evening, celebrating the dedication and outstanding contributions of colleagues from across the Foundation.
The event began with arrivals and welcome drinks, giving guests from all over the Foundation and its schools, the opportunity to come together before taking their seats for a warm opening address from Director of Education, Julie Waddington. Julie reflected on the Foundation’s shared values and highlighted the collective achievements of the past five years, setting the tone for a night of recognition and pride.
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded of the exceptional success across the Foundation, from record-breaking GCSE and A-level results to national recognition and strong inspection outcomes. A video showcased the growth and impact of the Foundation following the last five-year strategy as it comes to a close, reinforcing the sense of shared accomplishment across the community.
The awards themselves celebrated individuals and teams who embody the Foundation’s core values of Accessibility, Ambition, Excellence, Care, Collaboration and Integrity. Among the highlights, Rupinder Dhanda was recognised for his unwavering commitment to accessibility at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, while the Art Department at King Edward VI King’s Norton School for Boys was honoured for its inspiring ambition and creativity. Alison Scott, School Nurse at King Edward VI Five Ways School, was deservedly recognised for her extraordinary care and compassion, described as the “heart and soul” of her school community.
As the evening progressed, further awards highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation and integrity across the Foundation. Jenny Adey was celebrated for bringing students together through a powerful cross-school project, while Edward Harvey was recognised for delivering exceptional learning experiences that left a lasting impact on students. New awards introduced this year also showcased forward-thinking approaches and wider community engagement, with King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy praised for its transformative work supporting the local library and community.
The later stages of the evening saw well-deserved recognition for colleagues whose contributions often go unseen. Jeanette Medlicott was named Unsung Hero for her warmth and dedication at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, while long-serving staff were honoured for their commitment spanning 25 years or more. The prestigious Chairs’ Award went to Richard Willmott for his lasting impact on literacy and student support, and the CEO Award recognised Sharon Killeen for her exceptional contribution to the life of King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls.
Chair of the Foundation Board, Hywel Thomas gave a heartfelt moment of Thanks for departing CEO, Jodh Dhesi and his hard work and kindness during his time at the Foundation.
Julie Waddington brought a lovely evening to a close with a thanks to all nominees and winners, celebrating the passion, professionalism and kindness that define our foundation staff and community.
