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We take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our community. This page is our digital "Hall of Fame" where we celebrate the previous winners of our Prize Giving Awards and the history behind each prize.
We are working on ensuring our records reflect all the winners of these prizes so if you have received an award but don't see your name or have additional insight into the history of the awards or their namesakes, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch at connected@shiplake.org.uk.
For Achievement in the Visual Arts
The Asclepian Award, inaugurated by former Head of Art James Johnson, celebrates achievement in the visual arts. Named after the Greek god Asclepius, this award reflects the transformative and healing power of art. Johnson believed that like Asclepius, the creative process has the ability to inspire healing and growth and this award honours a student who has demonstrated artistic work that embodies this spirit of creativity.
For Contribution to Life of the Lower School
The Darwin Quaich is a special award presented for contribution to the life of the lower school. It is named in honour of Darwin, the beloved dog of former headmaster, Gregg Davies, who was a frequent visitor to the lower school. Darwin was a familiar and friendly presence in the lower school and this award reflects his spirit by recognising a lower school student who has made a positive impact on their peers and school environment.
For Contribution to the Sporting Life of the College
Named after Shiplake’s previous headmaster, Gregg Davies, this award honours a pupil who has shown sportsmanship, leadership and dedication in their chosen sports. Captaining rugby and football teams when he was at school, winning the North American Schools Rowing Champions and refereeing in the under 21s Rugby World Cup, Greg Davies is an outstanding example of the variety of contribution one can make to sport. His avid involvement in sport during his time as headmaster of the college means we are proud to name this award after him.
For Academic Development
Originally the McAlpine Prize, our highly coveted Eaton Award recognises the two pupils who have shown the most significant academic progression throughout the academic year. Started by Lord McAlpine of Moffat, the prize associated with this award was a helicopter ride for the winners! This became a much-valued tradition at Shiplake and throughout the years has been taken on by former governor, Sir William McAlpine and Old Vikings, Bill Eaton and George Graham. OV Bill Eaton was a member of the first intake of students at Shiplake college in 1959 and remained a huge supporter of the school. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2021 so to honour his legacy and recognise his contribution to this prize we are delighted to name this award after him.
For Contribution to Singing
The Larkin Award is named after Old Viking, James Larkin, who left the college in 2003. As well as standing out on the sports field, excelling in the Shiplake College cricket team and playing rugby for his county, James proved himself as an accomplished singer and became a passionate advocate for enriching the cultural life of Shiplake. Many will remember his beautiful solos in the Spring and Christmas concerts and to acknowledge his commitment to the singing community within the school we are pleased to name this award after him.
For the CCF Cadet of the Year
Named after Shiplake’s long serving careers master Mr Whittington who started at the college in 1965, the JW Whittington award for the CCF cadet of the year award is presented to the cadet who exemplifies exceptional leadership, discipline and commitment to the CCF programme. As Mr Whittington was known for his dedication to mentoring and guiding students, the award continues his legacy of encouraging excellence and personal growth.
For Service to the Community
Recognising a pupil who has shown exceptional dedication and service to the local community, the Lashbrook Award is named after Lashbrook House Care Home where many of our students volunteer their time and compassion. This award honours a student who embodies the values of empathy, kindness and community spirit and naming this award after Lashbrook House celebrates the strong bond between Shiplake College and the local community and highlights the positive impact our students have on the lives of others.
For Achievement in Science
The Margaret Wells-Furby Award is named after Dr Margaret Wells-Furby, a renowned scientist who specialised in children with developmental and special educational needs. Being the wife to former housemaster Hans Wells-Furby, Margaret was involved in college life from its third year as she gave her free time in the evenings and weekends to provide borders with limitless support and encouragement. This award is presented to a student who has shown exceptional dedication to the field of science, embodying not only Margaret's commitment to innovation and understanding but also the spirit of curiosity and compassion that Margaret exemplified in her work with children. After Margaret's passing in 1991, a Child Development Centre in Bracknell supporting local children with developmental needs was set up in her name and the college devoted this award to honour her legacy.
For Contribution to Religious Life
Named after Old Viking Rupert Mackay, this award celebrates a pupil who has shown a outstanding commitment to the religious life of the school, embodying the values of faith, service and community. During his time at the college between 1975-1980, Rupert was a distinguished pupil who made significant contributions to fostering the vibrant and inclusive religious environment within the school. His faith and dedication to the Church has led him to serve as a Vicar in North London and we hope by naming this award after Rupert we can celebrate his contribution to religious life at Shiplake College.
For Contribution to the Performing Arts
The Salmon Award is named after Dr Tony Salmon who served as the school doctor at Shiplake College throughout the 1970s-80s. Tony was a well-known face in Henley, working as a doctor in the local GP, delivering babies who still live in the town today and making significant contributions to improve local health services. In addition to his medical work, Tony was a distinguished organist, pianist, singer and actor with his passion for the arts, leading him to set up the Henley Symphony Orchestra in 1970. Tony’s link to the college meant the orchestra could perform their annual summer concert in the speech-day marquee where many members of the Shiplake College community were able to enjoy the performances on the school grounds. Sadly, Tony passed away in 2021 and to recognise his contribution to the performing arts within the Shiplake community we are proud to name this award after him.
For contribution to college music
The Spiers Award was donated by the Spiers family and celebrates outstanding contribution to college music. This award is named after Old Viking David Spiers, a gifted musician during his time at the school. David left a lasting legacy of passion and excellence in the arts and this award is presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication to advancing Shiplake music, embodying the spirit Spiers himself exemplified.
For International Sports Representation
Named after Old Viking Henry Trotter, the Trotter Award is given to a pupil who has shown notable success in international sports representation. Henry was a key member of the rowing community at Shiplake college and his dedication to the sport during his school years set him up for success after he left the college in 1984. Competing in five rowing championships and several World Cup Regattas, Henry’s hard work and perseverance saw him achieve Senior World Cup medals and U23 World Championship Gold and Bronze medals. We are proud to name this award after Henry as it acknowledges a student who has embodied his values of commitment and dedication to sport by representing their country at an international sporting event.
For Endeavour Shown in College Expeditions
The Wagner Award is named after Marcel Wagner, former expeditions officer at Shiplake College and founder of Gap Africa, a charity running volunteer gap year projects in Africa that the college still supports today. Recognising a pupil who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance during college expeditions, this award is named after Marcel as he used to organise and lead the Shiplake Expedition Society Trips to Kenya. Marcel’s expeditions, which began in 1994, not only provided Shiplake students with extraordinary and unforgettable experience but also raised money for classrooms and equipment in a school in Kikunduku, Kenya. This award recognises a pupil who has exemplified Marcel’s perseverance and a sense of adventure, and we are pleased to celebrate Marcel by naming this prize after him.
For the non-school prefect who has contributed the most to the life of the College
If you know the origin of the Edinburgh Prize please get in touch at connected@shiplake.org.uk.
The most industrious Year 11 pupil
Matthew Bevin was a pupil at Shiplake College whose life was tragically cut short in 1994 in a road accident near the school. Matthew was a hardworking, popular student who gained good school reports. At the time of his accident, he was undertaking his mock GCSEs and was set to go on to have a very successful sixth form career. Recognising a Year 11 pupil who has demonstrated perseverance and resilience during their GCSE years, this award honours Matthew’s legacy and aims to keep his memory alive.
For the Pupil who has shown the most notable determination and tenacity during the course of their college career
This award is named after Peter Caston who came to teach at the college in 1977. He was soon appointed as Burr housemaster but was diagnosed with cancer in the autumn term of 1981 and sadly passed away at age 33 in May 1982. Peter loved the college and along with his influence coaching the cricket 2nd XI, many have described what a wonderful and life-changing teacher he was. As well as naming a boat after him in 2016 the college wanted to honour his legacy by naming this award after him to keep the memory of Peter alive. The winner of this prize celebrates the pupil who has exemplified the values Peter displayed throughout his life by demonstrating notable tenacity and determination during their time at Shiplake.
