An inspirational pupil from the North-East has been awarded
a prize for his success at school and contribution to the
wider community by the Education Secretary today (Monday 26
February).
An outstanding pupil who volunteers at a disability centre
and helps pupils who speak English as an additional
language has been awarded the Memorial Prize by
Education Secretary today (26 February).
Mohammed Dagher, student from Heaton Manor School in
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, received the Memorial Prize at
a special event in London. He was recognised for his
outstanding academic achievements and impressive voluntary
work including providing one-to-one support and guidance to
younger students who speak English as an additional
language, producing an anti-bullying video and volunteering
at a disability centre.
The annual prize – which is now in its sixth year -
recognises sixth form students from the North-East who have
excelled in their studies while making contributions to
their school or wider community.
Academic standards are rising in England, with over 48,000
more pupils in the North-East in schools rated good or
outstanding than in 2010 and 87 per cent of North-East
schools given this rating at their last inspection.
Education Secretary said:
Congratulations to Mohammed and all this year’s nominees.
It is fantastic to see so many bright young people
celebrated not only for their academic achievements but
also for the work they are doing with their local
community.
The Memorial Prize
was created in memory of former MP for Newcastle Central,
Ted Short. The winner and nine runners-up had the
opportunity to tour the London School of Economics (LSE)
campus, and met with the Education Secretary and
Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education,
.
2018 award winner Mohammed Dagher said:
To be even nominated for this highly regarded award was a
blessing, but to come out as a winner is something I will
be forever grateful for.
I’d like to thank my sixth form tutor and the sixth form
team for having the faith in me by nominating me, and
also my teachers, family and friends for keeping me
motivated in order to aspire to achieve high results.
I hope to inspire younger students to contribute to their
society, whilst also maintaining excellent grades. This
in itself will be a great achievement for me.
Following the award, Mohammed will be undertaking a two day
work experience programme at the Department for Education’s
offices in London.
The government has made clear its commitment to support
schools and pupils in the north through the Northern
Powerhouse Schools Strategy, a £70 million fund to improve
education.
Notes to editors:
The runners-up in alphabetical order:
- Mohammed Baroudi, John Spence Community High School
- Emily Brown, Conyers School
- Kate Cowan, Carmel College
- Niamh Hughes, St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy
- Devika Jayan, St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy
- Sarah Knight, St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy
- Emily McKerill, St Wilfrid’s R.C. College
- Emmet O’Leary, St Robert of Newminster Catholic School
and Sixth Form College
- Ellie Rylance, Grindon Hall Christian School
About the Prize
The prize is open to school pupils in years 11 and 12
across the North East of England who have shown:
- strong academic performance across a range of subjects;
and
- a civic contribution, particularly volunteering
personal time for activities such as:
- mentoring younger pupils
- helping with extracurricular events
- working with a youth group or a charity outside school
hours
- an interest in government, education, history or public
service.
