THE ANNUAL SPORTS DINNER
The 2025 Annual Sports Dinner last week was a fantastic celebration of the dedication, talent and achievements of our senior sportsmen and sportswomen. The evening also provided an opportunity to thank all our Year 13 players for their service to the School and for their roles as mentors to younger pupils at King Edward’s.
Awards were presented to the following:
Sportswoman of the Year - Ava U
Ava’s contribution to sports during her time at KES has been nothing short of formidable. Throughout her senior years, Ava has played a pivotal role in the netball programme, contributing to the unbeaten 2nd team season in her first year and then advancing to the 1st team during Sixth Form. This season, she has successfully co-captained the 1st, navigating a challenging yet successful season. Ava’s unwavering support and consistently positive energy have significantly bolstered the team’s culture. On the court, Ava is a powerhouse, dominating the defensive circle, working relentlessly to dismantle attacking structures, and finishing the season with the highest turnover rate.
Ava also excelled in cricket, earning her ‘cap’ last year for the number of matches played. She scored a 50 against Monkton and has been an outstanding fielder.
In hockey, Ava has been a commanding presence in the 1st XI’s defensive unit for the past three seasons. Her athleticism, excellent distribution, and well-timed tackles and interceptions, combined with a tenacious, competitive spirit, have made her a formidable opponent and an inspiring teammate. A great leader within the squad and a genuine threat at penalty corners.
Sportswoman Personality of the Year – Sophie L
Sophie has been an integral member of every netball team she has joined during her time at KES. This year, she has been a key player for the 2nd team, committing wholeheartedly to both training and matches. Her enthusiasm, energy and dedication have been evident throughout her time at KES. This season, Sophie has consistently delivered high shooting stats, providing a steady presence in the shooting circle.
In hockey, Sophie has been a highly committed and valued player at KES. While she has played in various positions over the years, it is her predatory instincts as a forward that have made the most significant impact in her senior years. She is regularly among the top goal scorers for the school. This year, Sophie was named Captain of the 1st XI, leading the team with a blend of uncompromising determination and supportive encouragement.
The Lang Jones Award for Sporting Spirit – Nell H
Nell has truly embraced the KES spirit consistently demonstrating hard work and commitment. In netball, she has repeatedly shown these traits standing out as a very dedicated player. Nell has represented the 1st cricket team, showcasing her impressive batting skills and excellent fielding abilities and in tennis, Nell has been a high-performing player, winning the Avon Singles earlier in her school years and playing county tennis in recent years.
In hockey, Nell has been one of our the most consistent performers. She is a versatile player who can always be relied upon to fulfil any required role.
Sportsman of the Year – Henry D and Noah M
Henry’s rugby career at KES has been nothing short of exceptional, with numerous accolades to his name. He played 1st team rugby as a Year 11 and represented Bath Rugby Academy in the U18s league, starting every game and helping the team finish as runners-up. As co-captain of the 1st XV team, Henry led with great distinction. KES rugby had perhaps its most successful season ever, crowned by becoming U18 Vase winners at the Howden Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, where Henry was also named Player of the Tournament.
Henry has been an outstanding hockey player in his time at KES. He has been a hugely influential member of the 1st XI in his senior years and as a Year 11 was a central figure in the squad that reached the National Semi-Finals. A former member of the Team Bath England Hockey Talent Academy it is only his recent success in rugby that have meant that his appearances this year for school have been more limited.
Noah is, without a doubt, a natural sportsman. From his Junior School years of excelling at every sport he participated in, to his remarkable performances on the rugby field in his senior years, it has been an absolute pleasure to watch his journey. While he makes it look seamless on the pitch, this hasn't just happened by chance. Noah has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and relentlessly strived to be the best version of himself.
Despite suffering an ankle injury throughout the season, which limited his appearances in the Bath Rugby Academy league, Noah's resilience shone through. Most boys would have stepped back and accepted their fate, but Noah pushed himself to return at the tail end of the Academy season. His hard work and determination were rewarded with a starting position in the final against Northampton.
When Noah returned to school hockey action in the latter half of the Spring Term, following his time with Bath Rugby U18s, it was clear what we had been missing. He has been an outstanding hockey player throughout his years at the school and a leading figure in the 1st XI squad since Year 11. It is a testament to his all-round physical skills and athleticism alongside his calm, mature and natural leadership, that he has been such an influential hockey player, when his priorities and focus have understandably been in a different sporting arena.
Sportsman Personality of the Year – Oscar L
As a player, Oscar is able to combine a keen competitive spirit and a steely determination, with an extremely respectful and polite attitude.
It has been a pleasure to coach him as a valued and increasingly effective 1st XI hockey player. He has worked hard on his game over the past few seasons and his level of progress in both attacking and defensive play has been a great example for others to follow.
In rugby, Oscar in some ways was dealt a rough hand. In any other age group, he would be, hands down, a regular 1st XV rugby player. Despite this, he consistently gave his best with the characteristics described at the start. Oscar was a huge part of the 2nd XV success for the last two seasons where they won 20 out of 22 fixtures.
In cricket, Oscar stepped up as 1st XI captain with confidence and composure, proving himself a wonderful leader both on and off the field. A top-order batter and enthusiastic fielder, he consistently set the standard through performance and attitude. As a role model and great ambassador for cricket and school sport, Oscar has earned the respect and admiration of teammates, staff, and the wider school community.
The Lang Jones Award for Sporting Spirit - Alfie S
Alfie truly epitomizes the behaviours you would want to see in a KES pupil. Mr. Tidball’s rugby report perfectly captures Alfie's essence: "Doing the unsung work is in Alfie's DNA, whether in matches or training. As a role model to younger students in the School, he is unrivalled, whether as a mentor, in the gym, or as a player. One of the most amiable, driven, and honest players to have pulled on a 1st XV shirt in my time, Alfie has been an absolute pleasure to coach."
Mr. Tidball's comments were perfectly illustrated at Rosslyn Park. This moment was celebrated in a Junior School assembly delivered by Mr. Price, focusing on reacting positively to adversity and controlling what you can. Mr. Price used the story of Alfie's heroic tap tackle, minutes after conceding a penalty, as an example of courage, determination, perseverance, and will. He encouraged everyone to adopt the same iron-clad mentality when faced with challenges.
The Lang Jones Award for Sporting Spirit – Jasper S
Jasper’s performance at Rosslyn Park Sevens were nothing short of remarkable. An unbelievable competitor, Jasper is relentless in everything he does. His dedication, tenacity, and unwavering commitment have made him an integral part of the 1st team's success. Jasper's influence extends beyond his individual performance; he has inspired his teammates and set a high standard for future players.
Jasper’s energy, determination and competitive spirit also earned him a deserved place in the 1st XI hockey squad this year, after having been a key member of the 2nd XI squad who were crowned Tier 3 Regional Champions in 2024. The steadfast commitment that he brings to the group is hugely valued and you know that he will never let you down.
Sporting Excellence – Hester P
The overwhelming criteria for selection in this category is for a pupil to have represented their country at international level whilst at KES. Naturally for any athlete representing your country is the ultimate accolade and it elevates the person into the very highest bracket of sports performance.
Hester's passion for alpine skiing began at a young age, racing internationally at just 12 years old with her brother Benjie as her guide. As part of the National Lottery-backed World Class Programme, Hester benefits from full-time training, access to world-class coaches, and exceptional technical and medical support. Despite the demands of her A Level studies, she dedicates one week each month to training abroad on snow, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her sport. Hester’s 2023/24 season, alongside teammate Ali Hall, marked a significant milestone in her career. Hester's outstanding performances earned her enough points and a spot on the Great Britain Skiing Para Alpine World Cup Squad, setting her on a promising path towards the Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina, Italy next year.
Recognition of Sporting Excellence – Olivia P
Olivia joined KES in Year 12 and quickly made a significant impact on netball at KES. During the tour to Dubai, her athleticism, phenomenal vertical jump, speed, and dynamic play were immediately evident, promising to elevate the team's performance. Olivia has wholeheartedly embraced the culture of KES Netball and wears the KES kit with pride. She has been instrumental in leading the team to two Regional Finals during her Sixth Form journey. As co-captain of the 1st team this season, her leadership and enthusiasm have been exemplary.
Outside of KES, Olivia was a member of the U17 NPL squad and is now part of the Team Bath Senior PDP team, a significant step on the England Netball pathway. She also competes for Team Bath Club in the Regional League.
Recognition of Sporting Excellence - Frankie F
Frankie has been exceptional during his years at KES, stepping up in his senior years to become the best all-round prop the School has ever produced. His mobility and versatility were evident as he played all three formats of the game. We often talk about being hard to play against and how rugby is a game of mismatches. Frankie embodied this in the 7s format, where he may not have been the fastest on the pitch, but he would be licking his lips at scrum time, seeing a back quaking in his boots. Frankie then sent them 8 meters back off the ball, allowing us to score on the transition.
Frankie's leadership qualities have been a cornerstone of the team's success, not just this season but over the years. As co-captain of the 1st XV, he provided a calming and measured presence, offering clear and decisive guidance to his teammates. He epitomizes the very best of a KES 1st XV player. These traits led him to be an integral member of the Bath Rugby Academy U18s successful campaign, although they unfortunately lost in the final to Northampton. This disappointment was soon overshadowed by the Rosslyn Park win.
Recognition of Sporting Excellence - Alistair S
Ali has been on a remarkable journey over the past few years, steadily climbing the ranks to become captain of Swindon Town F.C’s U18 team. Following an outstanding season, he was loaned to Plymouth Parkway to gain valuable experience at adult. His dedication and performance continue to impress, marking him as a promising talent to watch.
Ali is an exceptional talent and has been a stand-out performer for KES over the last three years. His cup final performance was heroic scoring two superb goals and he set the tone for the comeback in the second half. He has demonstrated his skills on the pitch in many matches over the years, for which we are grateful. His modesty and humility are values rarely seen in talented sportsmen. He has shown qualities beyond his years - leadership, maturity, encouragement and support of his teammates, even when the going has been tough. He has enjoyed playing for KES, with his friends, and his pride in playing for KES has been clear to see.
