Students from across the country were celebrated at the Engage in Their Future National Awards 2026 for their courage, creativity, and resilience, with William Henry Smith Foundation students among the Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners.
The atmosphere was filled with celebration, pride, and powerful storytelling as Engage in Their Future welcomed learners, families, staff, and sponsors to the Engage in Their Future National Awards Ceremony 2026, held on World Book Day.
Hosted by trustees Will Washington and Sue Ackroyd, the event honoured extraordinary young people whose journeys reflect courage, resilience, creativity, and hope.
Guests were treated to a special performance from crowd favourite Magic Matt, who delighted the audience with circus skills, and inspiring words from award-winning author Andy Cope, creator of the Spy Dog series, who highlighted the power of stories to build confidence and imagination.
Celebrating Remarkable Voices
One of the most moving moments came from student speaker Sam Webster, who reflected on achievement, leadership, and ambition, sharing insights about his journey and inspiring everyone in the room.
Award Winners 2026
Creative Force Award – Celebrating imagination, originality, and confidence
- Bronze: Sonny Boy Harrison
- Silver: Nicole Wright
- Gold: SJ
Global Citizens Award – Recognising responsibility, compassion, and enterprise
- Gold: Wargrave House School Coffee Shop
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Award (Sponsored by Total Fitness)
- Bronze: Sol Rawcliffe
- Silver: Bradley Brothers
- Gold: Oliver Heeley
Inclusion Champion Award – Honouring those who ensure everyone feels valued
- Bronze: Jack Shipley
- Silver: Ezra White
- Gold: Summer Sandbatch & Oliver Palmer
Local Heroes Award – Celebrating community spirit and service
- Bronze: Archie Benneyworth
- Silver: Willow Tree Park School Eco Club
- Gold: Carlton Sturman
Bright Futures Award – Recognising determination for adulthood and employment
- Bronze: Jayden Hudgell
- Silver: Matthew McNulty
- Gold: Shay Hill
Biggest Journey Awards – Sponsored by Cuff and Lacey
Due to the volume of entries for this category we had to split them into Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and then Further Education as follows:
- Key Stage 2 – Bronze: Damien Wood, Silver: Tomir Krzywicki, Gold: Amelia Brookshaw
- Key Stage 3 – Bronze: Chase Madamombe, Silver: Jace Harrison and Ozkhan Ahmet, Gold: Slade Haupt
- Key Stage 4 – Bronze: Nicole Wright, Silver: Joshua Potts, Gold: Charlie Madden
- Further Education Bronze: Keegan Hale, Silver Lilli Piatt, Gold: William Coney
Storyteller Award (Chair’s Award) – Celebrating the power of words
- Bronze: Jackson Toms
- Silver: Harry Grimley
- Gold: Alfie Reed
A Celebration of Hope
Closing the ceremony, Sue and Will reflected:
“Every award winner today has shown us what is possible when young people are given opportunity, understanding, belief and — above all — hope.”
Families, staff, and sponsors were recognised for their support, and all winners gathered on stage for a final photograph – a powerful image of resilience, courage, and bright futures ahead.
Sue’s final words reminded everyone:
“The greatest of oceans began with a flow…
And take the next step with a confident stride.”
Every journey – no matter the size of the steps – can lead to extraordinary destinations.
