This year, ten talented pupils from our School took part in The Cranmer Award, an annual public speaking competition that celebrates the timeless language of the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. The pupils performed admirably, with two of them emerging as winners.

The competition required participants to deliver passages from psalms, epistles, and collects from the Book of Common Prayer in a three- to five-minute reading. They had a tough judge to impress – TV journalist Anne Robinson – and were marked on the precision, clarity, and expression of the passages.

Aaron S, who recently captivated audiences as the presiding judge in a school production of Agatha Christie’s A Witness for the Prosecution, impressed with a powerful and commanding performance. He brought all his gravitas to a fine delivery and romped away with the Senior Award. When asked by Anne Robinson about his future aspirations, Aaron quipped that whatever he does, he plans to make the most of his voice.

In the Junior category, Lewis H achieved second place, earning well-deserved praise for his expressive reading. As part of his recognition, Lewis had the honour of leading prayers in Chapel the following Saturday.

Aaron’s victory now propels him to the national finals in February, where he has the chance to follow in the footsteps of former Howson’s pupil Joe Oxtoby, who previously excelled on the same stage.