At Oxford High School, we believe in celebrating the achievements, character and contributions of every student. The Head’s Awards are a key part of our rewards structure which recognise exceptional attributes and actions students demonstrate, whether in school or beyond. It’s our way of celebrating achievement, initiative and the remarkable impact our students are making on the world around them.
These Y10 students all receive a Head’s Award; Taia (year 10), for an exceptional project on molecules that changed the world – quinine, the combined contraceptive pill and chlorofluorocarbons; Emilia (year 10) for an exceptional project on acids, bases and pH and Flo (year 10) for an exceptional research project on the History of the Atmosphere
Congratulations to Uma (year 12) on gaining a Personal Best time in a half marathon (Goodwood, Sussex) on Sunday 6th July to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Uma has a place to run the London marathon in April 2026 and wants to raise awareness of her cause – Kidney Care UK, which campaigns for help those with kidney disease, and please watch out for Uma’s fundraising campaign in the new academic year.
The Gold DofE Award requires participants to demonstrate leadership, commitment and independence. Caoimhe (year 12) used all these skills when she took the lead in organising a Gold practice expedition for several Y12 groups. She skillfully led the organisation of this event before completing a challenging 5 day practice expedition in the Brecon Beacons with her team. Well done, Caoimhe.
Congratulations to everyone who has participated in tennis at OHS this year but especially the first team squad who have achieved the most outstanding results. Their commitment to the team and support towards each other has been amazing as many of them have played in more than one competition and supported each other with the most fantastic team spirit and friendship.
Maria Clara, Aneesa and Sofia have continually played to an exceptionally high standard as the number 1,2 and 3 singles players. Maria Clara is a great supportive team member, leader and an inspiration to others. We will miss her. Aneesa is one of the most reliable players with great consistency and mental strength especially when under pressure. Maria Clara and Aneesa have won every doubles match at the U18 GDST rally when competing in year 7,8 and 9. An outstanding achievement. Sofia in Yr 7 is the youngest team member, high spirited and tough on court she has challenged older players and won some difficult matches and confrontations with opponents. We will also miss her next year. In the U14 competition Mimi played with great determination having to come off court in the regional final due to illness but returned to win her match and in the National Finals played the longest match in exceptional heat to win her singles 7.5. We have been very pleased to welcome Claire to OHS and the school tennis team this year, she has worked hard to win all her singles matches and quickly adapt to play with new doubles partners. Playing some great tactical doubles both on court and in selecting the surface to play on Taisia and Aadya improved their performance from the GDST Rally last year to win every single match this year.
Angela (year 8) receives a Head’s Award for obtaining a Certificate of Distinction in the Junior Maths Olympiad, and Lucy (year 8) receives a Certificate of Merit in the same competition: a challenging test that rewards not just students’ ability to solve complex mathematical problems but also the clarity and style of their exposition.
Thank you to the following year 12s, for their effort across the whole year as a Peer Mentor. This role is one that requires consistency and commitment to supporting younger students, and is much appreciated. Amongst all our many super Y12 Peer Mentors you have stood out, thank you. Sophie, Silvia, Heidi, Trinity, Uma, Clara, Aaron, Jessica, Mariah and Laura.
Congratulations to Emilia (year 10) and Angela (year 10) for the excellent results achieved in their recent ABRSM diploma practical exams.
Holly (year 9), thank you for giving so generously of your time, and speaking so eloquently to a Year 7 Maths group on your ‘maths journey’. You were honest, and inspiring and many students have already reported that you have changed for the better their relationship with maths. Thank you.
At the South of England (Southerns) athletics championships at Crystal Palace Stadium, Charlotte competed in the 800m (heats, semifinals and finals over two days) and came 5th overall and 3rd in her age group as a year young
Well Done to the following year 7s for all your work with the first OHS Diversity Week-you have worked well in coming up with ideas, during the planning, for the assembly and of course at the fair! Laasya, Charlotte, Sofia, Keila, Rhianwen, Malya.
Also known as year 8’s ‘Secret Haikuist’, Rahee deserves recognition for the fact that, nearly every day since the beginning of Year 8, she has written a haiku on the whiteboard in E2 – sometimes thoughtful, sometimes comic, sometimes sad, but always bringing joy to teachers, form tutors and other students who use the room. Thank you so much, Rahee, for bringing so much happiness to the school community every day!
Amelie (year 10) has gained the qualifying standard in the 1500m for the English School’s Track and Field competition and Charlotte (year 10) qualified in both the 1500 and 800m. This competition will involve competing against all other students in schools across England who have also gained these standards. Well done, fantastic achievement!
Catherine (year 12) has won a place on a UK-German Connection language course in Germany, and in August she will go for two weeks to Bad Iburg near Münster. The course is funded via the German embassy in London, and there is intense competition for places. Many congratulations and very best wishes, Catherine!
As we heard at the start of this assembly, three year 11 girls went from regional winners to National winners of the 12-15 category of the French pop song video competition organised by the Institut Français in London. Mila, Meisong and Lucy wrote, sang and shot a video for the song ‘Les souvenirs’ in French. Bravo! Mila, Lucy, Meisong.
Well done to Laasya, Alex, and Amelie in year 7 who felt so strongly about online safety that they asked if they could speak to Y6 parents about why Y7s do not need a phone during the New Joiner’s Day. They designed the speech themselves and stood up in front of a room full of Y6 parents to deliver their talk.
Kenisha (year 7) has excelled in recent ice skating competitions, and is now part of the British Ice Skating National Squad.
Cassie (year 10) has been a driving force in establishing rugby at OHS. Helping the whole group to learn the rules and captaining the side at the national touch cup qualifiers. On top of her outstanding effort in school she has been selected for the England Touch U15 Girls side for the world cup.
We are delighted to share the results of the Somerville and Gurney general essay exam paper that GDST students sat in May. The essay submissions were shortlisted internally and reviewed by Vicky Tuck, Chair of the GDST Council. Congratulations to Clara in year 12 who came second in the competition, winning £300.
Eva (year 12) has independently contacted and then supported a local breast cancer charity OBBG who provide psychological, emotional and practical support to people who have had, or are undergoing treatment for, breast cancer. The charity sends about 100 fabric pillow hearts a month to three hospitals in Oxford and Banbury that help patient recovery post-surgery. These hearts are little fabric pillows that help recovery post-surgery. Eva has now organised and run 2 workshops with students in the school to create lots of fabric hearts, one in Wellness Week, and one on Kaleidoscope day. And the students have made 37 hearts so far which will go to 2 hospitals. Super work Eva, well done.
Sophia (year 8) and Vera (year 7) recieve a Head’s Award for achieving a Gold certificate in the Junior Maths Kangaroo competition, one of the follow-on rounds from the Junior Maths Challenge.
Many congratulations to Katherine (year 12) who has been awarded a GDST Silver and Pearson Award. This GDST award is for students in year 12 in Trust schools who wish to study Classics. The application is very competitive and we are delighted that Katherine has been successful.
Thank you to the Year 12s for all you did as part of the Ada Benson lecture team, from designing posters, publicity, greeting, photography, microphones, chairs, flowers, writing up, and interviewing. You all did very well – it was super evening. Sophie, Catherine, Silvia, Suraya, Leonora, Eva, Uma, Clara.
And finally, thank you so much, Flora (year 8) for being Year 8’s Dutch teacher earlier in the term. Your teachers were all so impressed by your confidence, poise, and teaching skills. And by the fact that you had not had any preparation time and, at the last minute, did it all by yourself. Our students went to the Netherlands so much better prepared, thanks to you!