Honouring Achievement: Lord Patten Welcomes the 2025 St Benedict’s Academic Scholars
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It was wonderful to welcome Lord Patten of Barnes, alumnus and Patron of the School, once again, to present this year’s Patten Scholarship Awards at our annual Academic Scholars’ Evening on Tuesday 18 November.
The evening opened with a drink’s reception and an exhibition of impressive academic research posters created by our scholars from across the school.
Headmaster, Joe Smith, formally opened the event with a warm welcome, before introducing three Upper Sixth scholars, Lydia R, Maria S and Freddie R, who each gave thoughtful and inspiring speeches, speaking with honesty and pride about their experiences as scholars at St Benedict’s, the opportunities the programme has opened for them and their aspirations as they prepare for life beyond school
On the evening, twenty-six Form 3 scholars and fifteen Lower Sixth scholars were introduced individually to Lord Patten, where he congratulated each student and presented them with their scholars’ badges; a lasting symbol of their hard work, intellectual promise, and commitment to learning.
In his address, Lord Patten reflected on his own time at St Benedict’s and the enduring impact of its Benedictine values. He spoke about the gratitude he feels for the education he received and expressed his hope that this new generation of scholars will carry the same values with them.
“I hope you make the best of your lives; enjoy it,” he told them. “You have a responsibility to do more to help others and make the world a better place… however gloomy and grim it is, we can make it better if we believe it is possible.” He reminded scholars that privilege brings responsibility, encouraging them to give more than they were given and to remember that “life is more than wealth and riches.”
You have a responsibility to do more to help others and make the world a better place.
Lord patten
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Patten Scholar Award for the best academic performance in the Sixth Form, awarded this year to Lydia R in recognition of her exceptional achievement. Our Headmaster brought the evening to a close by thanking Lord Patten, our scholars and their families for a night that truly celebrated “scholarship, and the joy of learning” at St Benedict’s.
View the full gallery of photos here: Scholars' Evening 2025 Gallery