Leading the way at sports awards

Proud families watched as students were presented with Sports Leaders’ Awards, a very popular course with 27 completing the qualification.

This year saw the first special leadership awards at Waltham Toll Bar Academy’s Sports Awards Evening.

The presentation formed part of an event which recognised students’ many successes and the important part sport plays in the life of the academy.

A total of 12 students were nominated by the ‘Spirit of Leadership’ award, run in conjunction with North East Lincolnshire School Sport Partnership.

Deputy Curriculum Leader for PE Rob Allenby, responsible for the Sports Leaders’ course, told the audience at the New Waltham school that students had to run sessions on athletics, golf, kurling, rugby and football.

“As well as these, they have assisted with the sports days for our own primary schools in Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust,” he said.

“The ‘Spirit of Leadership’ award recognises those who went above and beyond throughout the course.

“This is the first time students from the Academy have been successful in gaining these awards.”

Emily Horsney was awarded ‘Sports Leader of the Year’ for her “tireless commitment, attitude and work ethic” throughout the course.

Further success for academy students came in the popular Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Lead teacher Charlotte Seal announced 24 students had earned bronze awards and 12 were working towards their silver.

She was “really proud” that students’ DofE volunteering hours had almost doubled to 832, up from 442 the previous year.

Charlotte was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party earlier this year in recognition of her work leading the programme.

The evening was opened by Curriculum Leader for PE Amy Pharaoh who thanked students for their dedication throughout a successful year in sport.

Executive Principal Philip Dickinson congratulated the winners and thanked families for their support and encouragement of children.

He was proud of the huge amount of extra-curricular opportunities the academy was able to offer its students.

The Cameron Walsh Team of the Year, named after a former pupil who died in a tragic accident in January 2024, was won by the Year 10 girls’ netball team.

Before presenting the award, his mum Kerry spoke movingly about how Cameron enjoyed school and, in particular, sport. His passion was football and he was on Grimsby Town FC’s books when he died.

Captions

1. Sports Leader of the Year Emily Hornsey is presented with her award by Executive Principal Mr Dickinson.

2. Lilia-Jai McGuire, captain of the Year 9 and 10 girls dodgeball team, collects the award from Mr Dickinson.

3. Mr Dickinson presents Year 8’s Jaxon Blackbourn with his award.

4. Mia Stockton, captain of the under 13s girls county handball side, is given the award by Mr Dickinson.

5. Captain of the Year 10 boys rugby team Zack Adams picks up the trophy from Mr Dickinson.

6. Athlete Betsy Willis collects the shield from Mr Dickinson.

7. Kerry Walsh with the Year 10 girls’ netball team who picked up the team of the year trophy, named after her son Cameron.

Sports Leaders

Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze Award (2025-2026)

Team Captains

Sports Participation

Individual Achievements

Year Group Awards – Set 1

Year Group Awards – Set 2

Year Group Awards – Set 3

Overall Award Winner

Team of the Year