Three students have recently been presented with a 2025 Rising Stars Award. The awards were introduced following the creation of The Stacey and Lucy Foundation in 2018.

The Foundation was established in memory of young athletes Stacey Burrows and Lucy Pygott who were tragically killed in an accident in November 2016. Stacey and Lucy, both first year students at the College, were dedicated young women, committed to reaching the top of their sport by working tirelessly in pursuit of their ambitions.

The Rising Stars Awards were introduced to help support College students to reach the next level in their chosen sport by awarding grants to go towards sporting equipment, transport costs and competition fees. We received a large number of applications from young hopefuls and, after reading them all, the families of Stacey and Lucy selected this year’s award winners.

Congratulations to Imogen Carden-George, Huw Watkins and Aaron Webb all well deserving winners of the award.

Huw, second year student, spoke about how he got into the sport and what the award will do for him “ I was late to learn to ride and at 5 years old I hated my bike, but when I had a new, bigger bike for my 6th birthday I realised I could go fast and wanted to ride all the time. Not long after my birthday I  broke my leg whilst riding but I just wanted to get back on my bike as soon as I could. At the age of 8 I joined a cycle club and carried on from there progressing throughout the ranks and racing all disciplines - road, mountain bike, cyclocross and track. Receiving this award would be a huge help, funding some of the transport and equipment that I use; allowing me to dedicate more time to training and competition. I’m determined to make the most of every opportunity to reach my full potential in cycling.”

Aaron, first year student, was introduced to Triathlon through his mum who took part in the sport. He said the following about what he feels he is best at. “I have come into the sport from athletics and running, so my running leg is always one of the fastest out of the whole field of athletes. I also have plenty of experience on the bike which I would say is my strongest of the three sports. My swimming is also a decent standard but can definitely be improved. The one part of my race that I definitely need to work on is my transition as this can help me to greatly improve my performance. My future goal of triathlon is to make it to national or even international level.”

Imogen, second year student, talks fondly about her love of netball. “Netball first started as a filler sport for me in Year 5 as there wasn't enough time for me to go home between the end of the school day and my ballet classes. Once I started, my headteacher said I had a " natural flair" and should start looking for teams outside of school.”