National award success for The Totteridge Academy

Held annually since 2013, the Best in Everyone Awards celebrate the achievements of students and staff at the Group’s schools across the country. Alongside an in-school awards ceremony which will be held at the end of the term to highlight students’ outstanding academic or extracurricular achievements, The Totteridge Academy was also able to nominate the very best winners for the National Awards. Selected out of an impressive field of candidates, the lucky winners were invited to receive their awards at the prestigious ceremony, this year held at Oxford Town Hall.

Alongside the live awards ceremony, a virtual ceremony was also held with videos posted on social media for colleagues, friends and family to enjoy.

This year, The Totteridge Academy’s Oskar Graham-Taylor was awarded the Maths Award (Year 10-13) for his exceptional achievements in the subject. Described by his teachers as a “phenomenal mathematician”, Oskar has demonstrated his capabilities not only in his academic studies but also in his wider commitment to supporting others. He scored a highly impressive double Grade 9 at GCSE in Maths and Further Maths and achieved ‘Gold’ in the Senior Maths Challenge, qualifying him for the British Mathematical Olympiad – something only 1000 students manage each year.

What really sets Oskar apart, according to his teachers, is his attitude towards helping others – he has dedicated his own time to supporting his peers with their revision and run extra booster sessions for the Further Maths GCSE to help everyone feel fully prepared.

In the staffing categories, this year’s national award for ‘School Governor of the Year’ also went to The Totteridge Academy’s Bronwen Tumani retiring Chair of Governors, as fitting recognition of her service since 2017. Bronwen was instrumental in championing the school locally and in providing highly effective support and challenge to leaders as the school has significantly raised aspirations and outcomes over the years.

Throughout her time as Chair, Bronwen has offered excellent knowledge of education policy and helped to establish a strong, effective local governing body for the school. She has also been highly active working directly with students and staff – from running CV workshops and interview preparation for young people to helping mentor early careers teachers at the school.

Chris Fairbairn, Principal of The Totteridge Academy, said:

“When it comes to celebrating our students, Oskar’s kindness, dedication and application to his studies is something to be admired and I know how much of a role model he already is to his younger peers. He’s a brilliant young man and mathematician and this award is a great sign of things to come for him.

“These awards have also provided an important opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution of our Chair of Governors, Bronwen Tumani, as she steps down from the role this summer. We are indebted to her for her time, energy and enthusiasm and her unwavering support of our school over so many years. Bronwen is part of the fabric of TTA and has undoubtedly made it a better place – we can’t thank her enough.”